This Hot Honey Buffalo Chicken is a tasty twist on a classic! It’s spicy, sweet, and super easy to make, bringing flavor to your dinner table in just a few steps.
The combination of hot sauce and honey will have your taste buds dancing! I love serving this with crispy veggies or on a sandwich with a drizzle more of that sweet sauce. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: Fresh chicken wings are great, but you can also use frozen ones. Just remember to thaw them completely before cooking for the best results.
Hot Sauce: While Frank’s RedHot is popular, any hot sauce will work. For milder wings, use a less spicy sauce or add less until you get your desired heat level.
Honey: If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using agave syrup or maple syrup instead. Both add a lovely sweetness.
Butter: For a lighter version, you can swap melted butter for olive oil or leave it out completely. The wings will still turn out great without it!
Seasonings: Garlic and onion powder are key, but if you don’t have them, fresh minced garlic or onion would work as a substitute. Just use a bit more since fresh ingredients can be milder in flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Crispy Chicken Wings?
Crispy chicken wings are a must for this dish! Whether baking or frying, here are some tips:
- If baking, spread wings on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. This allows them to crisp up better.
- Ensure the oven is fully preheated before adding the wings to avoid steaming.
- Flip the wings halfway through cooking for even crispness on both sides.
- For frying, ensure the oil is hot enough to maintain the temperature when you add the wings. This helps to crisp the skin.
With these tips, you’re on your way to making deliciously crispy wings that are full of flavor!
How to Make Hot Honey Buffalo Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 40-45 minutes to bake, or about 8-10 minutes to fry. Total time is roughly 50 minutes to an hour, depending on your cooking method. It’s a straightforward and delicious way to enjoy chicken wings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare to Cook:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you’re baking the wings. If you’re using a fryer, follow your fryer’s instructions to get it ready.
2. Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the hot sauce, honey, melted butter, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well blended. This sauce is going to give your wings that delicious flavor!
3. Coat the Chicken Wings:
Add the chicken wings to the bowl with the sauce mixture. Toss them around until they are fully coated in that tasty sauce. Make sure every wing is covered; that’s where all the flavor comes from!
4. Cooking the Wings:
If you’re baking, lay the wings out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes. Make sure to flip them halfway through for even crispiness. If you’re frying, do it in batches until the wings are golden brown and cooked through, which will take about 8-10 minutes for each batch.
5. Toss in Sauce Again:
When the wings are perfectly cooked, whether baked or fried, toss them back in the bowl with any remaining hot honey sauce. This step adds extra flavor and stickiness to the wings!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Hot Honey Buffalo Chicken wings warm. Sprinkle them with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh garnish. Dive in and enjoy every spicy, sweet bite!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can thaw frozen wings overnight in the fridge or defrost them in cold water for about an hour. Pat them dry before adding to the sauce to ensure they get nice and crispy!
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you’re looking for a substitute for honey, agave nectar or maple syrup can work well. Both will provide a similar sweetness and sticky texture. Keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, but delicious nonetheless!
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Of course! You can add more hot sauce to the sauce mixture to amp up the heat. For an extra kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper. Just remember to adjust to your heat preference gradually!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness.
