There’s nothing quite like the perfect chicken wing—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. Hot honey chicken wings take this classic dish to the next level by balancing the fiery kick of spice with the smooth sweetness of honey. Whether you’re hosting game day, planning a casual gathering, or just indulging in a crave-worthy dinner, these wings are guaranteed to be the star of the table.
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Key Ingredients
- Chicken Wings
- Chicken Rub (I use smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper)
- Honey
- Hot Sauce
- Butter or any oil
What Type of Wings to Use
I love to use party wings that are already split as opposed to whole chicken wings. Party wings will cook at a more even and consistent temperature. Feel free to use whole chicken wings if you like.
Hot Honey Sauce
The sauce is so simple to make and it’s easy to personalize. This recipe was developed with a little more honey vs hot sauce with a little butter to help coat the sauce onto the wings and add additional flavor.
You can use any oil you like. If you like sweet wings, use more honey and less hot sauce. If you like less sweet, use less honey and more hot sauce or the same amount of sauce.
What Type of Hot Sauce to Use
Always use your favorite sauce. The hot sauce is one of the star ingredients so be sure to use something you actually like. I prefer Louisiana Hot Sauce.
How to Make Honey Hot Wings
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Season the chicken wings with smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Bake or air fry the wings.
- Mix hot sauce, butter, and honey together in a bowl or mixing cup.
- Remove the chicken and place it in a large bowl. Drizzle the honey hot sauce throughout.
- Bake or air fry.
Bake or Air Fry the Wings
The instructions below in the recipe card include full details for both cooking methods.
How to Make them Spicier
As I mentioned above, you can use less honey but you can also add cayenne pepper to your rub for the raw wings. That way they are cooked in additional spice.
How to Make Breaded Wings
You can use 1-2 tablespoons of baking powder or 1/3 cup to 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour (enough to fully coat the chicken).
How to Reheat the Wings
The best way to reheat wings is on the grill or in the air fryer or oven. I wouldn’t microwave them. You can use the same cook temperature and reheat the wings until warm.
Can You Use Other Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! Chicken tenders, chicken breasts, or chicken thighs will work. Click the links to check out my other recipes for cook time.
Freezer Tips
I love to freeze these ahead of time to have on deck for quick and easy meals. Defrost the wings overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the air fryer or in the oven on 350 degrees until warm.
Pair With These Recipes
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Ranch Mashed Potatoes
Air Fryer French Fries
Grilled Asparagus in Foil
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic
More Chicken Wings Recipes
Smothered Chicken Wings
Traeger Smoked Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings
How to Grill Chicken Wings
Cajun Chicken Wings
Naked Chicken Wings
Slow Cooker Crockpot Chicken Wings
More Flavored and Sauced Wing Recipes
Teriyaki Chicken Wings
Hot Lemon Pepper Wings
Mango Habanero Chicken Wings
Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Sweet Chili Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
Garlic Parmesan Wings
Honey BBQ Wings
Crispy Ranch Chicken Wings
Hot Honey Chicken Wings
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings I use split/party wings
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Hot Honey Sauce (I use half of this sauce to drizzle the wings and the other half for dipping).
- 2 tablespoons melted butter Measured solid. Olive oil can be substituted.
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup hot sauce
Instructions
Baked Wings
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Season the chicken wings with smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and add the wings to the pan.
- Bake for 20 minutes and then flip the wings.
- Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Mix the hot sauce, butter, and honey together in a bowl or mixing cup. Taste the sauce repeatedly and make adjustments to suit your taste.
- Remove the chicken and place it in a large bowl. Drizzle the honey hot sauce throughout. I reserve half of the sauce for dipping once the wings have cooked. You can use all of the sauce here, if you prefer, or use half of the ingredients noted above for the sauce.
- Place the sauced chicken wings back onto the sheet pan and bake for an additional 5 minutes (same temperature). Ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Use a meat thermometer.
Air Fryer Wings
- Season the chicken wings with smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- If necessary, spray your air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Add the chicken to the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 15 minutes at 400 degrees.
- Open the air fryer and flip the chicken. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Mix the hot sauce, butter, and honey together in a bowl or mixing cup. Taste the sauce repeatedly and make adjustments to suit your taste.
- Remove the chicken and place it in a large bowl. Drizzle the honey hot sauce throughout. I reserve half of the sauce for dipping once the wings have cooked. You can use all of the sauce here, if you prefer, or use half of the ingredients noted above for the sauce.
- Place the sauced chicken wings back into the air fryer. Air fry for an additional 5 minutes at 350 degrees. Ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Use a meat thermometer.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Nita
Friday 3rd of November 2023
So I spiced this up by adding a nice lot of cayenne. This rub would be beyond fabulous on pork loin or in pulled porked. Also appreciated the advice to use parchment, so many people could save cleanup time this way. Overall, a good solid A+.
staysnatched
Monday 6th of November 2023
So glad to hear it.
Sherene
Saturday 24th of December 2022
So I didn’t make chicken wings but I wanted to make hot honey sauce to go with (store bought!) chicken and homemade waffles. Thanks for the details in this post, Brandi!
Sydney
Monday 3rd of October 2022
SO TASTY! I made this with thighs and it was so flavorful I will be making again using wings. I paired with your butternut squash which was also so good
staysnatched
Monday 3rd of October 2022
I'm glad you enjoyed them!