Craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! These hot honey wings are the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory – guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Forget takeout; this recipe delivers restaurant-quality wings with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness. Get ready to dive into a world of flavor with this simple yet impressive dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun game-day gathering.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- 1/2 cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade – recipe below!)
Instructions:
Preparing the Wings:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Make sure the wings are evenly coated.
Baking the Wings:
- Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding; you might need to use two baking sheets.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
Adding the Hot Honey:
- Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl.
- Drizzle generously with hot honey, ensuring each wing is coated. Toss gently to combine.
Serving:
Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of crispy chicken and sweet, spicy hot honey. These wings are perfect on their own, or served with your favorite dipping sauces and sides.
Homemade Hot Honey Recipe (Optional):
If you prefer to make your own hot honey, it's surprisingly simple!
- 1 cup honey
- 1/4 cup red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
Combine honey and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the pepper flakes are fragrant and the honey is slightly warmed. Remove from heat and let cool completely before using. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Cooking Tips & Variations:
- For extra crispy wings: Increase the baking time slightly, or broil for the last few minutes.
- Spice it up: Add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili powder to the dry rub. For a smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika.
- Sweet and savory: Try adding a teaspoon of brown sugar to the dry rub for extra sweetness.
- Different cooking methods: These wings can also be cooked on the grill or in an air fryer. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the wings with the dry rub ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Nutritional Information (per wing, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-150 (depending on wing size and hot honey used)
- Protein: Approximately 10-15g
- Fat: Approximately 7-10g
This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, and it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family! Enjoy!