I am so excited to share this Hot Honey Chicken Wings Recipe with you because it perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. These wings are crispy on the outside, tender and juicy inside, and coated in a finger-licking sauce that brings just the right amount of heat with a honey-sweet finish. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just craving an irresistible snack, this Hot Honey Chicken Wings Recipe is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Hot Honey Chicken Wings Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a crucial role. From the tangy apple cider vinegar that adds a lively kick, to the kosher salt ensuring perfect seasoning, each component contributes to the layers of flavor and texture that make these wings unforgettable.
- 1 cup hot honey: The star ingredient that delivers sweet heat, you can use store-bought or make your own for a personal touch.
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar: Adds a bright acidity that balances the richness of the wings and sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the savory complexity with a subtle umami boost.
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt: Perfect for seasoning the wings evenly and enhancing all flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds just the right touch of warmth and depth.
- 2 pounds chicken wings (patted dry): The foundation of the dish, drying them ensures ultimate crispiness when cooked.
- Juice from 1 lime: Brightens the marinade with fresh citrus notes.
- ½ of the marinade: Allows for thorough marinating, creating juicy, flavorful wings.
- ¼ cup honey: Enhances the sauce’s sweetness, harmonizing with the hot honey.
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Kicks up the heat level by adding an extra punch.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Brings richness and a glossy finish to the sauce.
- Juice of ½ lime: Adds a final pop of freshness to the sauce before tossing.
- Chopped fresh cilantro and sliced scallions (for garnish): These fresh garnishes add color, crunch, and a lovely herbal brightness to finish the dish.
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Wings
Start by patting your chicken wings dry with paper towels—this step is crucial for achieving crispy skin later. In a large bowl, combine the hot honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, black pepper, and the juice of one lime to create the marinade. Toss the wings thoroughly in this fragrant mixture and let them marinate for at least 20 minutes to absorb all those vibrant flavors.
Step 2: Bake the Wings to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated wings on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet — this setup allows air to circulate and helps the wings cook evenly with a delectably crisp skin. Bake them for around 45-50 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure both sides develop that irresistible golden crunch.
Step 3: Make the Hot Honey Sauce and Toss
While the wings bake, it’s time to whip up that luscious sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the remaining half of the marinade, honey, crushed red pepper flakes, and the juice of half a lime. Gently simmer the sauce for a few minutes, letting it thicken slightly while melding those bold flavors. Once the wings are perfectly baked, toss them generously in this sauce to coat every crispy nook and cranny.
How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Wings Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your wings with freshly chopped cilantro and sliced scallions adds a burst of color and freshness that beautifully complements the sweet-spicy sauce. These simple touches not only elevate the presentation but also introduce a clean, herbal contrast that brightens each bite.
Side Dishes
Serve these wings alongside crisp celery sticks and creamy blue cheese or ranch dressing for a classic pairing. For a heartier meal, complement them with buttery corn on the cob, crunchy coleslaw, or even a fresh cucumber salad to balance the heat.
Creative Ways to Present
You can get playful by serving the wings on a wooden board lined with parchment paper for a rustic look or in mini cast-iron skillets to keep them warm and cozy at the table. For parties, arrange them as bite-sized sliders with small skewers or atop a bed of jasmine rice to soak up every drop of sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store your delicious Hot Honey Chicken Wings Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, giving you ample time to enjoy that sweet and spicy goodness again.
Freezing
You can freeze the wings after baking and cooling them completely. Lay them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag to avoid clumping. Frozen wings are best consumed within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
For reheating, the oven is your best friend to preserve crispiness. Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and warm the wings on a baking sheet for about 10–15 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make wings soggy.
FAQs
Can I make my own hot honey for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can gently infuse honey with crushed chili flakes or fresh jalapeños by warming them together on low heat for about 10 minutes. Allow it to cool and strain out solids for a homemade hot honey that’s perfectly customized.
What type of chicken wings work best?
Fresh, whole chicken wings split into flats and drumettes work best. Patting them dry ensures that superb crispy texture everyone loves in this Hot Honey Chicken Wings Recipe.
Is there a vegetarian alternative?
While chicken is a classic choice, you can try crispy cauliflower florets tossed in the same hot honey sauce for a vegetarian-friendly version that delivers similar sweet-heat satisfaction.
Can I grill these wings instead of baking?
Definitely! Grilling adds a lovely smoky flavor. Just marinate as directed, then grill over medium heat, turning frequently until cooked through and crispy.
How spicy is this recipe?
The heat level is pleasantly medium thanks to the hot honey and red pepper flakes. You can adjust the spice by choosing a milder honey or adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Honey Chicken Wings Recipe is a joyful celebration of bold flavors that I can’t wait for you to try. It’s straightforward, flavorful, and guaranteed to become a staple whether you’re cooking for friends or simply craving a delicious treat. Give it a go—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy chicken wings!
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Hot Honey Chicken Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Hot Honey Chicken Wings are a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, delivering a crispy exterior with a juicy interior. Marinated in a flavorful blend of hot honey, apple cider vinegar, and spices, then baked to perfection and tossed in a luscious honey butter sauce with red pepper flakes, these wings are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or meal.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1 cup hot honey (or make your own)
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds chicken wings (patted dry)
- Juice from 1 lime
- ½ of the marinade (from above)
Sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Juice of ½ lime
Garnish
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Sliced scallions
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the hot honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and ground black pepper to make the marinade. Add the chicken wings, juice from 1 lime, and half of the marinade to the wings, stirring to coat them evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and tenderize the chicken.
- Bake the chicken wings: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup. Bake the wings for 45 to 50 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Make the hot honey butter sauce and toss the wings: While the wings bake, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the ¼ cup honey, crushed red pepper flakes, and juice of ½ lime. Once the wings are baked, transfer them to a large bowl, pour the hot honey butter sauce over them, and toss gently to coat all wings thoroughly. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and sliced scallions before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispy wings, pat the chicken wings very dry before marinating.
- You can adjust the heat level by varying the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or using mild instead of hot honey.
- Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Using a wire rack when baking allows for air circulation and helps the wings become crispy.
