Description
These Hot Honey Chicken Wings are perfectly grilled to crispy, juicy perfection and coated in a spicy-sweet homemade hot honey BBQ sauce. A deliciously addictive appetizer or main dish that balances heat with honey's sweetness, enhanced by smoky and tangy spices. Ideal for game day, parties, or any casual gathering.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 4 pounds chicken wings (flats and drumettes)
- 1 Tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Hot Honey BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to high heat, aiming for a temperature of 425°F to ensure the wings cook quickly and develop a crispy skin.
- Make the sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine all the ingredients for the Hot Honey BBQ Sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and thicken. Remove from heat and keep warm or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Prep the wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Drizzle or spray the wings evenly with avocado oil, then season all over with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper to enhance the flavor before grilling.
- Grill the chicken wings: Place the wings directly on the preheated grill grates. Close the grill lid and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning every 3-5 minutes to prevent burning and to crisp the skin evenly. Grill until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Add the sauce: Baste each wing generously with the prepared Hot Honey BBQ Sauce. Continue grilling for an additional 2-3 minutes, flipping the wings as needed to avoid charring. Aim for an internal temperature of 170-175°F for perfectly cooked, tender wings.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove the wings from the grill and serve immediately with extra hot honey sauce on the side for dipping. Perfect for sharing at any gathering or as a flavorful snack.
Notes
- You can make the Hot Honey BBQ Sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop, or bake the wings at 425°F for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, then baste with sauce and bake for 5 more minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken wings are safely cooked to 165°F before serving.
- Adjust the cayenne and red pepper flakes in the sauce to control the heat level according to your taste.
- For extra crispy skin, pat wings as dry as possible before seasoning and oiling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American