Thank you so much for being here—really! Whether you’re hosting game night, feeding a crowd, or just in the mood for something finger-licking good, these Hot Honey Chicken Wings are going to blow your mind. We’re talking crispy oven-baked (or air-fried!) wings coated in a sticky, spicy-sweet hot honey glaze that hits all the right notes.

This is the kind of recipe you’ll make once… and then crave constantly. 🔥🍯 Don’t forget to subscribe below to have it delivered straight to your inbox for easy access anytime that wing craving hits!

What Are Hot Honey Chicken Wings?

Hot Honey Chicken Wings are crispy wings tossed in a glossy glaze made from honey, butter, and chili heat—think classic buffalo meets sweet Southern charm. The flavor combo is everything: sweet, savory, spicy, and sticky, all clinging to golden-crisp wings that deliver crunch with every bite.

These wings are baked or air-fried, not deep-fried, so you can feel good about devouring a few (or a dozen).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Oh, let me count the ways:

Sweet and spicy perfection
Oven-baked or air fryer-friendly
No deep fryer needed
Crispy outside, juicy inside
The glaze is unreal—seriously addictive
Perfect for parties, meal prep, or wing night

What Do Hot Honey Wings Taste Like?

Imagine biting into a crispy, juicy wing, and then getting hit with a warm rush of sweet honey, followed by a slow-building spicy heat that keeps you coming back for more. It’s not knock-your-socks-off hot—it’s the kind of pleasant heat that lingers, balanced perfectly by the richness of butter and the sweetness of honey.

Benefits of This Recipe

Baked, not fried = less mess, less oil
Gluten-free (just double-check your hot sauce)
Ready in under an hour
Big flavor payoff with simple ingredients
Easy to scale up for a crowd

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up the crispiest, stickiest, most flavor-packed wings:

For the Chicken Wings:

2 lbs chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
1 tbsp baking powder (aluminum-free)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Hot Honey Glaze:

1/3 cup honey
2 tbsp hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot or your fave)
1 tbsp butter
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
1 tsp apple cider vinegar (adds a little tang)

Tools You’ll Need

Baking sheet + wire rack
Parchment paper or foil
Mixing bowls
Saucepan
Tongs or a spoon for tossing
Air fryer (optional!)

Ingredient Swaps & Additions

No hot sauce? Try sriracha or chili garlic sauce.
Spice level: Adjust hot sauce and red pepper flakes to your taste.
Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the glaze for a subtle twist.
Feeling fancy? Top with chopped chives or sesame seeds before serving.

How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Wings – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prep & Dry the Wings

Pat wings dry with paper towels—this step is crucial for crispy skin! Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 2: Season the Wings

In a large bowl, toss wings with baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Baking powder helps create that delicious, crackly skin.

Step 3: Bake (or Air Fry)

Place wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake for 45–50 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Air fryer option: Cook at 400°F for 22–25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Glaze

While wings are cooking, add honey, hot sauce, butter, red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar to a small saucepan. Heat over low, stirring until the butter melts and everything combines. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Toss & Serve

When wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm hot honey glaze over the wings and toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately and prepare for smiles.

What to Serve With Hot Honey Chicken Wings

These wings are the main event, but here are a few perfect sides to round out your spread:

Crispy sweet potato fries
Celery and carrot sticks with ranch or blue cheese
Mac and cheese
Cornbread muffins
Slaw (try vinegar-based for a refreshing contrast!)

Tips for Making the Best Hot Honey Wings

Dry the wings really well before seasoning to maximize crispiness.
Use a wire rack to allow air to circulate under the wings for even crisping.
Don’t skip the baking powder—it’s the secret weapon for golden skin.
Taste your glaze and adjust heat level to your liking before tossing.
Serve immediately for the best texture—crispy skin + sticky glaze = perfection.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

Oven: Reheat at 375°F for 10–12 minutes until hot and crisp.
Air fryer: 375°F for 5–6 minutes.
Microwave? Only if you don’t mind softer skin—but flavor will still be great!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use boneless wings?

Totally! Boneless wings or chicken tenders work great—just adjust cooking time since they’ll cook faster.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes, but for the best texture, bake the wings ahead and store separately. Reheat and glaze just before serving.

How spicy are these?

Mild to medium heat, depending on your hot sauce. You can always dial it up or down!

Is there a way to make this less sweet?

Yes! Use less honey and add more vinegar or hot sauce to balance it out.

Why These Hot Honey Wings Belong in Your Regular Rotation

Crispy, sticky, sweet, and spicy—Hot Honey Chicken Wings are the kind of dish that everyone wants more of. They’re easy enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for guests, and totally irresistible at game-day parties or BBQs. Once you try them, you’ll understand why they’re always the first thing to disappear from the table!

More Crowd-Pleasing Recipes to Try

BBQ Chicken Nachos with Jalapeño Crema
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Sticky Garlic Soy Chicken Thighs
Crispy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries
Sweet & Spicy Korean Chicken Wings

Show Off Your Wings! 🐔🔥

Did you make these Hot Honey Chicken Wings? I need to see them! Leave a review below, share your spicy masterpiece on Pinterest, or tag me on social so we can all drool over your wing game. Let’s turn up the heat, one sticky bite at a time!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx.)

Calories: 310
Protein: 20g
Fat: 18g
Carbs: 16g