Name: Smoky Hot Honey Barbecue Chicken Wings
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487535H55M56S
Total time: PT-487535H55M56S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Wings:; 12 chicken wings (drumettes and flats); 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon chili powder; For the Smoky Hot Honey Barbecue Sauce:; ½ cup barbecue sauce; 2 tablespoons hot honey (adjust to spice preference); 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat); For Garnishing:; Fresh cilantro; Jalapeño slices; Green onions; Extra Cotija cheese

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These chicken wings are a perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors. The smoky barbecue sauce pairs beautifully with the sticky, spicy honey, giving each bite a mouthwatering kick. They’re crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making them the perfect finger food for any occasion. Plus, they’re easy to make and require minimal effort, ensuring you get maximum flavor without much work. This recipe is sure to become your go-to for homemade wings!

Smoky Hot Honey Barbecue Chicken Wings

Ingredients

For the Wings:

12 chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon chili powder

For the Smoky Hot Honey Barbecue Sauce:

½ cup barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons hot honey (adjust to spice preference)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)

For Garnishing:

Fresh cilantro
Jalapeño slices
Green onions
Extra Cotija cheese

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven or Grill: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Prepare the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Ensure the wings are evenly coated.
Cooking the Wings:
- Oven Method: Place the wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are crispy and golden brown.
- Grill Method: Grill the wings for 20-25 minutes, turning them every 5-7 minutes, until crispy and cooked through.
Prepare the Sauce: While the wings are cooking, prepare the smoky hot honey barbecue sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the barbecue sauce, hot honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Coat the Wings: Once the wings are cooked, toss them in the smoky hot honey barbecue sauce until well coated.
Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra sauce or chopped green onions if desired. Serve with your favorite sides!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 (approximately 3 wings per person)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (if baking) or 20-25 minutes (if grilling)
Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

Make them spicier: Add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the barbecue sauce for a spicier kick.
Use a different sauce: If you’re not a fan of barbecue sauce, try a honey mustard sauce or a teriyaki glaze for a different flavor profile.
Add a smoky touch: If you want extra smokiness, consider using liquid smoke in the barbecue sauce or smoking the wings on the grill.
Try different cooking methods: If you don’t have access to a grill or oven, you can cook these wings in an air fryer for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in an air fryer for a crispy texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings. Just make sure they are fully thawed before seasoning and cooking them. Frozen wings may require an extra 5-10 minutes of cooking time.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the smoky hot honey barbecue sauce ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week and reheat before tossing the wings.

How can I make the wings spicier?

To increase the heat, add more cayenne pepper or use extra hot honey in the sauce. You can also drizzle extra hot sauce over the wings before serving.

Can I make these wings in the air fryer?

Yes! To make them in an air fryer, preheat it to 400°F (200°C) and cook the wings for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Coat the wings in the sauce after cooking.

Can I use a different type of honey?

If you don’t have hot honey, you can use regular honey and add hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the barbecue sauce to create a spicy version.

Can I use a different type of barbecue sauce?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any barbecue sauce you prefer, whether it’s sweet, tangy, or smoky.

Conclusion

These smoky hot honey barbecue chicken wings are a delightful combination of flavors that will impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a casual meal, these wings are sure to be a hit. With easy preparation and versatile options, they’re a must-try for any wing enthusiast.