This Easy Hot Honey Buffalo Chicken dish is a fun twist on your classic spicy chicken! It mixes hot sauce with a touch of honey for a sweet kick that will leave your taste buds dancing.
You can whip this up in no time—perfect for game day or a quick dinner. I love to serve it with crispy veggies or on a bun. It’s a finger-licking good time! 🍗✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: Chicken wings are the star of this dish. If you can’t find wings, drumettes work just as well. You could also use boneless chicken for a quicker cook time.
Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is my go-to for the classic flavor. If you prefer something less spicy, try a mild sauce or BBQ sauce mixed with a bit of hot sauce for that kick.
Honey: Honey brings the sweetness. You can substitute it with maple syrup or agave nectar if you want a different flavor profile or if you’re vegan.
Smoked Paprika: This adds a nice smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or even cayenne pepper (for heat) can work, but the flavor will change slightly.
How Do You Ensure Crispy Chicken Wings?
Getting crispy wings is all about drying the skin and using a wire rack. Here’s how to do it right:
- Dry the chicken wings thoroughly with paper towels; this helps them crisp up in the oven.
- Using a wire rack allows air to circulate around the wings, making them crispy all over. It’s a must!
- Bake at a high temperature (400°F) and flip them halfway through for even cooking.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have wings that are perfectly crispy and absolutely delicious!
Easy Hot Honey Buffalo Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds chicken wings or drumettes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for smokiness)
- Fresh chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and about 40-45 minutes for cooking. So, you’re looking at a total time of around 1 hour to enjoy your delicious Hot Honey Buffalo Chicken!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat The Oven:
First, you’ll want to get your oven warm and ready. Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. This will help the wings get nice and crispy!
2. Prepare The Chicken Wings:
Take your chicken wings and pat them dry with some paper towels. This helps absorb any moisture for that crispy texture. In a large bowl, add the wings along with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss them around until everything is evenly coated.
3. Bake The Wings:
Now it’s time to bake! Lay the wings out in a single layer on the wire rack. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes. Make sure to turn them halfway through to get an even crisp on all sides. They should be golden and crispy when done!
4. Make The Hot Honey Sauce:
While the wings are baking, let’s whip up that delicious sauce! In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Then, stir in the hot sauce, honey, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 2-3 minutes. This will help the flavors combine beautifully. Remove it from heat once done.
5. Coat The Wings:
Once your wings are baked and crispy, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the hot honey sauce all over the wings and toss them gently until they’re fully coated and glistening!
6. Garnish and Serve:
To finish off, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions over the wings for a pop of color. Serve them hot with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing on the side for that extra special touch!
Enjoy your juicy, spicy, and sweet Easy Hot Honey Buffalo Chicken! You’re going to love it!
FAQ for Easy Hot Honey Buffalo Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Thawing in the refrigerator overnight is the best method. If you’re short on time, you can also place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge them in cold water until thawed.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you like a spicier kick, you can add extra hot sauce to the mix or include some cayenne pepper when tossing the wings. You can also add a few dashes of your favorite chili powder or even minced fresh peppers to the sauce for an added heat boost!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, restoring some of that crispiness!
Can I Make The Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the hot honey sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before tossing with the wings!
