Honey BBQ Chicken Wings
Introducing the ultimate Honey BBQ Chicken Wings, a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s both crispy and flavorful. These wings start with a perfect blend of flour, salt, black pepper, and a medley of spices, ensuring every bite is bursting with taste. Baked to a golden brown perfection, they are then coated in a luscious sauce made from BBQ sauce, honey, and melted butter, and heated until the flavors meld together beautifully. After a second bake, the wings emerge with a caramelized, sticky, and glossy finish that is simply irresistible. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a touch of freshness before serving, and get ready to enjoy a dish that will have everyone coming back for more!
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TIPS ON MAKING HONEY BBQ CHICKEN WINGS
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- Choose Quality Wings: Start with fresh or properly thawed chicken wings. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they get crispy when baked.
- Marinate for Flavor: Prepare a marinade with your favorite spices and let the wings soak for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if possible. This helps to infuse the wings with flavor.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to bake the wings to a crispy finish.
- Use a Wire Rack: Place the wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows air to circulate the wings and helps them cook evenly and become crispy.
- Bake, Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange the wings in a single layer without overlapping them. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
- Flip Halfway Through: Turn the wings halfway through the baking time to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the wings are baking, mix honey, BBQ sauce, and a splash of apple cider (option) vinegar for a tangy twist. Adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your preference.
- Toss and Bake Again: Once the wings are cooked through, toss them in the honey BBQ sauce. Return them to the oven for another 10-15 minutes to caramelize the sauce and make the wings sticky and delicious.
- Check for Doneness: Ensure the internal temperature of the wings reaches 165°F (74°C). They should be golden brown and crispy.
- Serve Hot: Serve the wings immediately with extra sauce on the side for dipping. They pair well with celery sticks and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
OTHER RECIPE IDEAS:
Korean Baked Chicken Drumsticks
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INGREDIENTS
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- Chicken Wings: The star of our dish, chicken wings are juicy and perfect for absorbing flavors. They can be baked, fried, or grilled to crispy perfection.
- Flour: Used for dredging the wings, flour helps create a crispy, golden exterior when the wings are cooked.
- Salt: A fundamental seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and other ingredients.
- Black Pepper: Adds a hint of heat and depth of flavor to the wings, complementing the other spices.
- Garlic Powder: Imparts a rich, savory taste that pairs well with the chicken.
- Onion Powder: Provides a sweet, slightly tangy flavor that enhances the overall seasoning mix.
- Paprika: Adds a vibrant color and a mild, sweet peppery flavor to the wings.
- Cayenne Pepper: For those who love a bit of heat, cayenne pepper gives the wings a spicy kick.
- BBQ Sauce: A smoky, tangy sauce that coats the wings, providing a deliciously sticky and flavorful finish.
- Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the heat and acidity of the BBQ sauce.
- Melted Butter: This creates a rich, buttery coating that helps the sauce stick to the wings and adds a luscious flavor.
- Chopped Parsley for Garnish: A fresh, green garnish that adds a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness to the finished dish.
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HOW TO MAKE HONEY BBQ CHICKEN WINGS
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Time needed: 50 minutes
STEP-BY-STEP
- PREPARE THE OVEN:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. This will help the wings cook evenly and get crispy.
- PREPARE THE CHICKEN WINGS:
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This helps the flour mixture stick better and ensures the wings get crispy.
- COATE THE WINGS:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Toss the chicken wings in the flour mixture until they are well coated.
- BAKE THE WINGS:
Place the coated chicken wings on the wire rack in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- MAKE THE SAUCE:
While the wings are baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the BBQ sauce, honey, and melted butter. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce is well blended and heated through.
- COAT THE WINGS WITH THE SAUCE:
Once the wings are done baking, remove them from the oven. Transfer the wings to a large bowl, pour the warm honey BBQ sauce over them, and toss until the wings are evenly coated.
- BAKE AGAIN:
Return the sauced wings to the wire rack and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized and the wings are sticky and glossy.
- GARNISH AND SERVE:
Remove the wings from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
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HOW TO STORE
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- Cool Down Completely: Before storing, make sure the chicken wings have completely cooled to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the wings soggy.
- Use Airtight Containers: Place the cooled wings in an airtight container. This will help maintain their moisture and flavor while preventing the absorption of other odors from the refrigerator.
- Separate Layers with Parchment Paper: If you’re stacking the wings, place a sheet of parchment paper between each layer. This prevents them from sticking together.
- Refrigerate Promptly: Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to eat the wings within 3-4 days. Make sure your refrigerator is set to 40°F (4°C) or below to keep the wings fresh.
- Freezing for Longer Storage: If you want to keep the wings for a longer period, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating Properly: When you’re ready to eat the stored wings, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This helps to maintain their crispiness and ensures they are heated through.
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RECOMMENDED RECIPES
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Honey BBQ Chicken Wings
Equipment
- baking sheet pan
- Wire Rack
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Basting Brush
- Aluminum Foil or Parchment Paper
- Oven Mitts
- Serving platter
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, optional, for extra heat
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Freshly sliced green onions or chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- PREHEAT THE OVEN: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. This will help the wings cook evenly and get crispy.
- PREPARE THE CHICKEN WINGS: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This helps the flour mixture stick better and ensures the wings get crispy.
- COAT THE WINGS: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Toss the chicken wings in the flour mixture until they are well coated.
- BAKE THE WINGS: Place the coated chicken wings on the wire rack in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- MAKE THE SAUCE: While the wings are baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the BBQ sauce, honey, and melted butter. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce is well blended and heated through.
- COAT THE WINGS WITH SAUCE: Once the wings are done baking, remove them from the oven. Transfer the wings to a large bowl, pour the warm honey BBQ sauce over them, and toss until the wings are evenly coated.
- BAKE AGAIN: Return the sauced wings to the wire rack and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized and the wings are sticky and glossy.
- GARNISH AND SERVE: Remove the wings from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Coleslaw: The crisp and tangy nature of coleslaw contrasts beautifully with the sweet and smoky flavor of Honey BBQ Chicken Wings. It’s a refreshing side that adds a nice crunch.
- Cornbread: A classic Southern favorite, cornbread’s slightly sweet and buttery flavor complements the rich taste of the wings perfectly.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy, cheesy, and indulgent, macaroni and cheese is a comfort food that pairs well with the savory and sweet notes of Honey BBQ Chicken Wings.
- Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus bring a smoky flavor and a healthy balance to the meal.
- Baked Beans: The hearty and sweet flavor of baked beans matches wonderfully with the BBQ sauce, creating a harmonious and satisfying combination.
- Potato Salad: Whether you prefer it creamy or with a vinaigrette, potato salad is a versatile side that adds a deliciously starchy component to your meal.
- Corn on the Cob: Simple yet delightful, corn on the cob can be grilled or boiled and slathered with butter and a sprinkle of salt for a sweet and savory treat.
- Sweet Potato Fries: These fries offer a slight sweetness that complements the Honey BBQ wings and provides a delightful crunch.
- Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the wings.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic bread is a crowd-pleaser that adds a savory touch to the meal.
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