Crispy Baked Hot Honey Wings
Learn how to make crispy, sweet, and spicy hot honey wings. Easy to make, they’re perfect for game nights or casual get-togethers.
If you’re craving wings without the mess of deep-frying, these baked hot honey wings are the answer. They come out crispy and full of flavor with just a quick toss in a sweet and spicy sauce.
Made with honey, hot sauce, butter, and a splash of lime, these wings hit all the right notes. They’re great for game night, parties, or anytime you want a bold, no-fuss appetizer.
Whether for snacking, parties, or dinner, these hot honey wings will become a staple in your recipe collection. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce or a side of celery and carrots to cool down the heat, and watch as they disappear!
Why You’ll Love It
Easy and oven-baked. No deep-frying needed—just season, bake, and toss in sauce.
Sweet and spicy. The hot honey glaze is perfectly balanced with lime for brightness.
Ready in under 30 minutes. Quick to prep and fast to cook—perfect for last-minute cravings.
Party-ready or meal-worthy. Serve them as appetizers or make a full dinner out of them with a simple side.
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken wings – Use whole or split wings. Patting them dry helps them crisp up in the oven.
- Hot sauce – Frank’s RedHot or Texas Pete both work well. Choose your favorite!
- Butter – Adds richness and helps the sauce stick.
- Honey – Balances out the heat and gives the wings a glossy finish.
- Lime – Zest and juice brighten the sauce and complement the heat.
- Garlic and onion powder – Simple seasoning that adds depth.
Steps to Make Crispy Baked Hot Honey Wings
- Start by drying the wings well, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Arrange them on a foil-lined baking sheet and roast at high heat until the skin starts to crisp.
- Meanwhile, make the sauce by melting butter with hot sauce. When the wings are partway through, brush them with some of the sauce and return to the oven.
- Once cooked, toss the hot wings with lime zest and honey, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for extra flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Ramp up the heat with a dash of cayenne or crushed red chili flakes, or add some chili crisp for complex heat and flavor.
- Instead of wings, use the sauce on chicken thighs. Season the thighs as directed, but add about 10 minutes to the baking time.
- Add a garnish of cilantro, chives, or crispy fried shallots.
What to Serve With Chicken Wings
- Whether made for snacking or dinner, chicken wings pair nicely with a variety of dishes.
- Serve wings with celery and carrot sticks and a ranch or blue cheese dressing for a crunchy, refreshing snack or appetizer.
- A side of coleslaw adds a tangy, crunchy contrast.
- Make the wings a meal with Instant Pot pressure cooker rice or chili garlic noodles.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Not recommended, as the glaze may lose its texture, but you can freeze cooked wings before glazing if needed.
To Reheat:
Place the wings on a greased or foil-lined baking sheet. Bake in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes, then flip and continue for 5 to 6 minutes, or until hot and crispy.
Crispy Baked Hot Honey Wings
Ingredients
- 3 pounds chicken wings
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 6 tablespoons hot sauce, e.g., Texas Pete, Frank’s
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- 3 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 450°F and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with foil. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels, then sprinkle them all over with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Arrange them on the lined baking sheet. Roast the wings in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, combine the butter and hot sauce in a saucepan. Transfer half of the sauce mixture to a large bowl.
- When the 15 minutes are up, remove the chicken to a rack and brush all over with the mixture from the saucepan. Return the chicken wings to the oven and continue cooking for 10 to 15 minutes or until the wings are browned and thoroughly cooked.
- Transfer the cooked wings to the large bowl and add the lime zest and honey. Toss to coat.
- Transfer the wings to a serving plate and drizzle with lime juice.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.