Wings
Honey BBQ Wings
Honey stirred into your favorite BBQ sauce turns it extra sticky and glossy, clinging perfectly to crispy baked wings for a sweet-smoky combination that's always a crowd favorite. These bake up crackly using the same baking powder trick as classic buffalo wings.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Sweet, sticky glaze that clings to every wing
- Crispy baked skin, no frying
- Great crowd-pleasing party appetizer
- Easily doubled for a larger gathering
Ingredients
Full ingredient list below — check off items as you shop or cook.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and set a wire rack over a baking sheet.
- Toss the wings with the baking powder, salt, garlic powder and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
- Arrange in a single layer on the rack and bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until crispy and cooked through (165°F/74°C internal).
- While the wings bake, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey and apple cider vinegar in a saucepan and simmer over low heat for 3-4 minutes to slightly thicken.
- Toss the hot wings in the honey BBQ sauce right after baking.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onion if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips for success
- Simmering the sauce briefly before tossing helps it cling more thickly to the wings rather than running off.
- Toss the wings in sauce right before serving to keep the skin crispy underneath.
- For extra caramelization, broil the sauced wings for 1-2 minutes, watching closely so the sugar doesn't burn.
- Use your favorite bottled BBQ sauce, or a homemade one, as the base.
Frequently asked questions
Can I grill these instead of baking?
Yes, grill the seasoned wings over indirect heat until cooked through, then toss in the honey BBQ sauce and finish briefly over direct heat to caramelize.
Why simmer the sauce before tossing the wings?
A brief simmer thickens the sauce slightly, helping it cling to the wings rather than pooling at the bottom of the bowl.
How do I keep honey BBQ wings from being too sweet?
Reduce the honey slightly and add a touch more vinegar to balance the sweetness with acidity.
What sides pair well with honey BBQ wings?
Celery and carrot sticks with ranch or blue cheese dressing are classic pairings.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 412 |
| Protein | 27g |
| Carbs | 24g |
| Fat | 23g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
| Sugar | 18g |
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary based on exact ingredients and brands used.
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