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Crispy Hot Honey Wings: Easy Sticky Sweet Heat Recipe

crispy hot honey wings - featured image

These crispy hot honey wings are baked to perfection with a double-bake method for shatteringly crispy skin, then tossed in a sticky, sweet, and spicy hot honey glaze. Perfect for game days, parties, or any night you crave bold flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats (about 24 pieces)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder (not baking soda!)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ cup honey (runny, liquid honey)
  • ¼ cup hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Pat chicken wings completely dry with paper towels, removing all moisture.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add dried wings and toss thoroughly with your hands until every piece is coated.
  3. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, then place a wire rack on top. Arrange wings in a single layer on the rack, ensuring none are touching.
  4. Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 30 minutes. This low heat renders fat and dries the skin.
  5. Remove wings from oven. Increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Once hot, return wings and bake for 20 minutes. Flip wings with tongs, then bake for another 15-20 minutes until deep golden brown and crispy.
  6. While wings bake, make the glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if using). Stir constantly until butter melts and mixture is smooth and glossy. Simmer for 2 minutes, then remove from heat. Adjust sweetness or spiciness to taste.
  7. Let baked wings cool on rack for 2 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl. Pour half the glaze over wings and toss gently with tongs. Add remaining glaze and toss again until evenly coated.
  8. Transfer glazed wings to a serving platter. Serve immediately, with extra glaze brushed on if desired. Garnish with chopped parsley or sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

For extra crispy skin, ensure wings are thoroughly dried before seasoning. Do not overcrowd the baking sheet. Apply glaze just before serving to maintain crispiness. For dairy-free, use coconut oil or vegan butter. For less sweet, reduce honey to 1/3 cup and add extra hot sauce. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in oven or air fryer for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy hot honey wings, baked chicken wings, hot honey glaze, game day appetizer, sticky wings, spicy wings, easy wing recipe