These Honey BBQ Wings are sweet and tangy and sure to be the star of your next BBQ or game night. Trust us, they’re a true crowd-pleaser that’ll have your guests coming back for more.
Don’t worry if you’re new to the world of BBQ; this recipe is perfect for all levels of expertise. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting out, the step-by-step instructions will guide you through the process with ease. With a little patience and practice, you’ll be making these finger-licking wings in no time.
To make these mouthwatering Honey BBQ Wings, you’ll need some basic tools: a grill, tongs, a basting brush, and a meat thermometer. With these essentials on hand, you’ll be well-equipped to grill, baste, and check the internal temperature of your wings, ensuring perfectly cooked results every time.
With my years of experience and passion for the craft, I’m here to guide you in creating the best Honey BBQ Wings you’ve ever tasted. So fire up that grill and let’s get started!
How To Make Honey BBQ Wings
Preheat the Grill
First things first, you need to preheat your grill. Turn it on and set the temperature to 425°F. It’s important to give the grill some time to warm up before you start cooking the wings.
Make the Honey BBQ Sauce
Next, let’s make the delicious honey barbecue sauce. Combine all the sauce ingredients in a saucepan. Put it on medium heat, and let it come to a boil. After that, lower the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Then, take it off the heat, and set it aside.
Prepare the Chicken Wings
Now it’s time to prep the wings. Pat them dry using a paper towel. Drizzle avocado oil over the wings and make sure they’re coated well. Sprinkle salt and pepper on all sides for seasoning.
Grill the Wings
Place your wings on the grill grates. Grill them for 15 to 20 minutes. Be sure to flip them every 3 to 5 minutes to cook them evenly. Keep the grill lid closed between flips. You’ll know they’re done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Add the Sauce
Time to add some flavor! Brush the honey BBQ sauce onto each wing. Continue grilling for 2 to 3 more minutes. Keep an eye on them and turn them as needed to avoid burning. Grill until the internal temperature hits 170 to 175°F for that perfect bite.
Serve and Enjoy
Finally, the wings are ready! Take those crispy chicken wings off the grill and put them on a serving platter. Serve them right away with extra honey BBQ sauce on the side. Now, all that’s left is to dig in and enjoy those amazing honey bbq chicken wings!
Tips For Making Honey BBQ Wings
These Honey BBQ Wings are perfect for beginners and experts alike. If you’re just starting out, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Here are a few simple tips to help you make the most of this tasty recipe.
- Watch the Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the wings while grilling to prevent overcooking or burning. Flip them regularly and check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you like your wings with a kick, mix in some hot sauce or cayenne pepper into the honey BBQ sauce for extra spice. Experiment to find your ideal level of heat.
- Dipping Sauce: Pair your wings with a cool, creamy dipping sauce like ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing. You can also serve honey bbq wings with a side of crispy, crunchy celery sticks or carrot sticks for a perfect party platter and appetizer cuisine.
Other Ways to Cook These Honey BBQ Wings
If you want to try a different cooking method for these Honey BBQ Wings, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few alternative cooking techniques, including smoking, air frying, deep frying, and baking in the oven. Each method offers its own unique twist on these delicious wings, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite way to cook them!
In The Smoker
For baked chicken wings in the smoker, preheat your smoker to 225°F. Follow the same preparation steps as for grilling, and then place the wings in the smoker. Smoke them for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Baste the wings with honey BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes of smoking to give them that delicious, sticky glaze.
In The Air Fryer
For wings in the air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Prepare the wings as instructed for grilling. Once the air fryer is heated, place the wings in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Air fry the wings for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. Toss the wings with honey BBQ sauce and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the sauce is nice and caramelized.
In The Deep Fryer
For deep-fried wings, heat oil in a deep fryer to 375°F. Pat the wings dry and season them with salt and pepper. Fry the wings in batches for 10-12 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Toss the cooked wings in honey BBQ sauce before serving.
In The Oven
For baked wings, preheat your oven to 425°F. Prepare the wings as instructed for grilling. Place the wings on a wire baking rack set on a baking sheet and bake them for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through. Baste the wings with honey BBQ sauce and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Enjoy your delicious wings with your favorite dipping sauce!
Best Beer To Serve With Honey BBQ Wings
Do you know what goes great with these mouth-watering Honey BBQ Wings? An ice-cold beer! Picking the perfect brew can enhance the flavors of your meal and make it even more enjoyable. So, let’s dive into the top 3 types of beer that pair incredibly well with this recipe.
American Pale Ale
An American Pale Ale is the ideal companion for these honey bbq wings. Its balanced blend of hops and malt offers a refreshing citrusy flavor that cuts through the sweetness of the honey BBQ sauce. Plus, its crisp finish will cleanse your palate between bites, making each wing taste just as amazing as the first.
Amber Lager
If you’re looking for something with a bit more depth, an Amber Lager is the way to go. This beer’s toasted malt backbone adds a subtle sweetness that complements the honey BBQ sauce. At the same time, the lager’s mild bitterness will help to balance the rich, tangy flavors of the wings, making every bite a delightful experience.
Hefeweizen
For those who prefer a lighter, fruitier beer, a Hefeweizen is a fantastic choice. This German wheat beer is known for its banana and clove flavors, which play well with the sweetness of the honey BBQ sauce. Its effervescence and slightly tart finish will also help to cut through the rich flavors, keeping your taste buds primed for more honey bbq wings action.
Related Recipes
- Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings
- Smoked Hot Wings Recipe
- Smoked Buffalo Wings
- Smoked Lemon Pepper Wings
- Smoked Chicken Wings Recipe
Honey BBQ Wings Recipe
Equipment
- Grill (gas or charcoal)
- BBQ Tongs
- Basting Brush
Ingredients
- 4 lbs chicken wings (40 – 50 wings)
- 1 tbsp high-heat cooking spray oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Honey BBQ Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to 425°F.
- Make the sauce by combining all Honey BBQ Sauce ingredients in a saucepan, boiling it, then letting it simmer for 15 minutes on low heat.
- Pat wings dry, drizzle with cooking oil, and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill wings for 15-20 minutes, flipping every 3-5 minutes. They're done when they hit 165°F.
- Baste wings with honey BBQ sauce and keep grilling until they reach 170-175°F.
- Remove from the grill and serve with extra sauce on the side.
Honey BBQ Wings FAQs
Do you put BBQ sauce on wings before or after cooking?
It’s best to put BBQ sauce on wings during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing the sauce to caramelize without burning. Applying the sauce too early can cause it to burn and result in a bitter flavor.
Should chicken wings be at room temperature before grilling?
Yes, allowing chicken wings to come to room temperature before grilling promotes even cooking and helps prevent the outside from burning while the inside remains undercooked.
What’s the difference between buffalo wings and honey BBQ wings?
Buffalo wings are typically coated in a spicy, tangy sauce made from hot sauce and butter, whereas BBQ wings are coated in a sweeter, often smoky sauce that can vary in flavor depending on the ingredients used.
What is the secret to crispy chicken wings?
The secret to crispy chicken wings is to ensure the wings are dry before cooking, use oil to help crisp the skin and cook at a high temperature to render the fat and achieve a crispy exterior.
Can you overcook chicken wings?
Yes, overcooking chicken wings can result in dry, tough meat. Always check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer to ensure the wings are cooked to 165°F.
How often do you flip chicken wings on the grill?
Flip chicken wings on the grill every 3-5 minutes to promote even cooking and prevent burning.
Should I coat wings in oil before baking?
Yes, coating wings in oil before baking helps to crisp the skin and promotes even browning.
How do I know if my wings are fully cooked?
The best way to know if your wings are fully cooked is by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F to ensure the wings are cooked through and safe to eat.