Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Wings are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish that’s perfect for game days, parties, or any casual gathering. These wings are baked to perfection and then tossed in a delicious honey BBQ sauce that’s both sweet and tangy. With minimal prep time and easy cleanup, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings, tips removed and wings separated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Honey BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season Wings: In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Ensure the wings are evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the seasoned wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Arrange them in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other.
Step 2: Bake the Wings
- Bake: Bake the chicken wings in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Turn the wings halfway through the cooking time to ensure even baking.
Step 3: Prepare the Honey BBQ Sauce
- Combine Ingredients: While the wings are baking, prepare the honey BBQ sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce is thickened slightly and the flavors are well combined. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Toss the Wings in Sauce
- Coat Wings: Once the wings are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Transfer the wings to a large mixing bowl.
- Add Sauce: Pour the prepared honey BBQ sauce over the wings. Toss the wings until they are evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish: Transfer the sauced wings to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve: Serve the sticky honey BBQ chicken wings hot, with extra sauce on the side for dipping. They pair well with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Cooking Notes
- Crispy Wings: For extra crispy wings, you can broil them for the last 5 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few extra minutes. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) to thicken the sauce further.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by adding a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the honey BBQ sauce.
Variations
Low-Carb/Keto Version:
- Use a sugar-free BBQ sauce and honey substitute to keep the recipe low-carb and keto-friendly.
Gluten-Free Version:
- Ensure all ingredients, particularly the BBQ sauce and soy sauce, are certified gluten-free.
Vegan Version:
- Substitute the chicken wings with cauliflower florets or tofu. Use a vegan BBQ sauce and omit the Worcestershire sauce, or use a vegan alternative.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Wings
- Pat Dry: Pat the wings dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps them get extra crispy in the oven.
- Even Cooking: Make sure the wings are arranged in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding the pan can lead to uneven cooking.
- Flavor Infusion: Let the wings sit in the sauce for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Wings are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. The combination of crispy baked wings and a sweet, tangy sauce creates a flavor explosion that’s irresistible. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a main dish, these wings are guaranteed to impress. Enjoy the finger-licking goodness of these sticky honey BBQ chicken wings and watch them disappear in no time!
Enjoy your Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Wings!
