Honey Barbecue Chicken Wings

Name: Honey Barbecue Chicken Wings
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 - 6 serving(s)
Ingredients: 3 lb. chicken wings, drumettes and flats, tips removed; 1 tsp. garlic powder; 1 tsp. smoked paprika; 1 tsp. kosher salt; 1/2 tsp. black pepper; 1 c. barbecue sauce; 1/4 c. honey; 1/2 tsp. garlic powder; 1/4 tsp. cayenne, optional

The ultimate sticky, sweet game day food.

By Elizabeth StringerUpdated: Feb 7, 2025

1 Rating

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the pioneer woman's honey barbecue wings recipe

Will Dickey

Yields:

4 - 6 serving(s)

Prep Time:

5 mins

Total Time:

45 mins

If sweet, sticky, smoky chicken wings are your idea of the ultimate game day snack, you have landed in the right place. These honey barbecue chicken wings will satisfy those finger lickin’ cravings in the best way possible. Wings are so versatile and easy to prepare which makes them the MVP of finger foods for Super Bowl parties and tailgates. This recipe will show you how to cook the wings in the oven and air fryer, so you can choose your own adventure. The only thing that could make them better? A big bowl of this homemade ranch dressing for dipping!

How do you get chicken wings crispy without frying?

If you're cooking them in the oven, the key is to broil the wings. This recipe calls for broiling the wings once before saucing, and a second time afterwards to get those crispy, charred edges. Baking them on a wire rack helps the wings crisp up on all sides, too. You can also achieve ultra-crispy wings using the air fryer method included in the recipe. Air fryer chicken wings are easy to make and require minimal cleanup! Just keep in mind, a standard 6-quart air fryer basket only fits 7 to 8 wings at a time, so you have to cook them in batches.

How do you get the sauce to stick to honey barbecue chicken wings?

It’s magic! You don’t need to do anything special to these wings to get the sauce to stick. The quick trip under the broiler does the work for you creating a sticky glaze that really clings to the wings.

Can you prepare honey barbecue chicken wings in advance or store them once cooked?

These wings are best when eaten fresh while hot and crispy, but certain components can be prepared beforehand. The rub can be mixed together up to three days in advance, and the chicken wings can be separated and patted dry and left uncovered in the fridge for 24 hours. The sauce can also be cooked all the way through up to one week in advance and reheated before using. The whole recipe can be made up to a day in advance, but the wings won't be as crispy. To reheat, put them on a sheet tray and place in a 400 degree Fahrenheit oven for about 10 minutes, brushing with a little extra sauce about half way through.

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Directions

1. Step 1For the wings: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a rimmed sheet pan with foil. Spray a wire cooling rack with non-stick spray and place over the lined sheet pan.
2. Step 2Pat the wings dry with a paper towel and place in a large bowl. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle over the wings and toss to coat.
3. Step 3Place the wings on the cooling rack, leaving space between each wing. Bake for 15 minutes, flip the wings, and return to the oven for 20 minutes more.
4. Step 4For the sauce: Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the barbecue sauce, honey, garlic powder, and cayenne. Heat over low heat until the honey has melted and the sauce begins to bubble slightly, stirring occasionally until fully combined.
5. Step 5Heat the broiler to high. Cook until the wings start to get crispy and browned, about 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Step 6Using tongs, remove the wings from the rack and place in a large heatproof bowl. Pour the hot barbecue sauce over the wings and toss to coat. Place the wings back on the rack and return to the oven under the broiler until the sauce is bubbly and the wings are slightly charred, 2 to 3 minutes.
7. Step 7Alternatively cook in an air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Working in batches, place 7 to 8 wings in a single layer in the basket of a 6-quart air fryer, with some space between each wing. Cook for 10 minutes, flip, and continue cooking for 10 minutes more. Increase the temperature to 400°F, flip the wings, and continue cooking for 5 minutes more. Using tongs, remove the wings from the air fryer basket and place in a large heatproof bowl. Pour the hot barbecue sauce over the wings and toss to coat. Return to the air fryer for 3 minutes to caramelize.

Tip: When broiling, keep a close eye on your wings. The sauce can burn very quickly due to the honey. You can skip the broiler if you prefer your barbecue sauce wet, not sticky.