honey barbecue chicken wings

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Ingredients for Honey Barbecue Chicken Wings

  • For the Wings:
    • 2 lbs chicken wings (separated into flats and drumettes)
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • For the Honey Barbecue Sauce:
    • 1/2 cup honey
    • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (for extra smoky flavor)
    • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for a little heat

How to Make Honey Barbecue Chicken Wings

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat your deep fryer if you prefer fried wings.
  2. In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Step 2: Bake or Fry the Wings

  1. For Baking:
    • Place the seasoned wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet (this allows the heat to circulate around the wings, making them crispy).
    • Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
  2. For Frying:
    • Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
    • Fry the wings in batches for about 10-12 minutes, or until crispy and fully cooked through.
    • Remove and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Honey Barbecue Sauce

  1. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Toss the Wings in the Sauce

  1. Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl.
  2. Pour the honey barbecue sauce over the wings and toss until they are evenly coated.

Step 5: Serve

  1. Transfer the sauced wings to a serving platter. Serve with extra sauce on the side and garnish with fresh parsley or sesame seeds for added flair.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet and wire rack (if baking)
  • Deep fryer or large pot (if frying)
  • Saucepan
  • Tongs
  • Serving platter

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), store the wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the wings in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes until heated through. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the wings soggy instead of crispy.

Tips for the Best Honey Barbecue Wings

  • Crispiness is key: For crispy wings, make sure they are completely dry before seasoning. Patting the wings dry with paper towels helps remove excess moisture.
  • Double sauce for extra flavor: If you love saucy wings, double the honey barbecue sauce recipe and serve some on the side for dipping.
  • Char the wings: After tossing the wings in the sauce, you can pop them under the broiler for a few minutes to get a delicious caramelized char on the sauce.
  • Spicy kick: Add some heat to the sauce by stirring in cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to taste. You can also serve them with a side of spicy buffalo sauce for those who like extra heat.

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