This Hot Honey Buffalo Chicken is a zesty treat! Tender chicken is coated with spicy buffalo sauce and drizzled with sweet honey for a nice kick. Perfect for game day or dinner!
I love how the heat from the buffalo sauce meets the sweetness of honey. It’s a great combo that will make your taste buds dance. Grab some napkins! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: Fresh chicken wings are the star here. If wings aren’t available, you can use chicken thighs or drumsticks for a juicy alternative. I love wings for their crispiness, but any chicken part can work in a pinch!
Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice, known for its flavor. You can swap in your favorite hot sauce, whether it’s Sriracha for a different kick or even a milder sauce mixed with some extra cayenne if you’d like more heat.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and helps create that glaze. If you need a substitute, agave syrup or maple syrup would work well too. Just adjust to taste, as these will each have different sweetness levels.
Unsalted Butter: This gives richness to the sauce. You could use olive oil or vegan butter for a lighter touch or a dairy-free option. I prefer unsalted butter because it lets me control the saltiness of the dish better.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds tang to balance the sweetness. If you don’t have it on hand, white wine vinegar or even lemon juice can replace it without losing too much flavor.
How Do I Get My Chicken Wings Extra Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy texture on chicken wings can be tricky, but it’s all in the technique! Here are steps to follow for crispy results:
- Start by patting the wings dry with paper towels; moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
- Season them well with salt, pepper, and other spices before baking to enhance the flavor.
- Use a high oven temperature (400°F) to help them become crispy. Baking them in a single layer on the tray also allows for better air circulation, achieving that golden crust.
- Flipping the wings halfway through ensures they cook evenly on all sides.
For extra crunch, you can broil them briefly after baking; just watch them closely to avoid burning!
How to Make Hot Honey Buffalo Chicken?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: sliced green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep, and you’ll spend 50-55 minutes cooking. The wings need around 40-45 minutes in the oven, plus an extra 5-10 minutes to finish with the sauce. In total, make sure to set aside about an hour for some tasty Hot Honey Buffalo Chicken!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will make sure it’s nice and hot for crispy chicken wings. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This helps with easy cleanup later!
2. Prepare the Chicken Wings:
Next, take your chicken wings and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is important for getting that crispy skin! Once they’re dry, season the wings with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Give them a good toss so all the wings are coated evenly.
3. Bake the Wings:
Lay the seasoned wings out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Pop them in the oven and bake them for about 40-45 minutes. Make sure to flip them halfway through cooking so they crisp up nicely on both sides!
4. Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
While your wings are baking, it’s time to make the hot honey sauce! In a medium bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, honey, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar. Mix it well until everything is combined beautifully. This sauce is going to add a fantastic flavor to your wings!
5. Coat the Wings:
Once the wings are all baked and crispy, take them out of the oven and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour your hot honey sauce over the wings and toss them around until they’re fully coated in that delicious sauce.
6. Bake Again:
Now, place the coated wings back on the baking sheet and return them to the oven. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. This will let the sauce caramelize a bit, making the wings even more irresistible!
7. Garnish and Serve:
After the final bake, remove the wings from the oven. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over them, and add sliced green onions if you like. These add a nice touch of color and flavor!
8. Enjoy!
Serve your Hot Honey Buffalo Chicken immediately, alongside your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese. Dig in and enjoy this lip-smacking, sweet and spicy treat!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen chicken wings, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Thaw them in the fridge overnight or in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for faster results. Pat them dry before seasoning to ensure they get crispy!
What Can I Substitute for Hot Sauce?
If you’re not a fan of hot sauce, you can substitute it with a mild sauce or BBQ sauce for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that this will alter the heat level and taste, so adjust the honey accordingly for sweetness!
How to Store Leftover Hot Honey Buffalo Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This will help maintain their crispiness!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the wings and the hot honey sauce separately. Cook the wings ahead of time and store them in the fridge, then coat them with sauce and bake them right before serving. This method will keep them tasty and crispy!
