If you’re on the hunt for a finger-licking good dinner or snack, this Baked Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe is absolutely the game-changer you didn’t know you needed. I love this because the wings come out perfectly baked — tender on the inside and gloriously sticky on the outside, all thanks to that luscious honey BBQ glaze. Whether you’re feeding a crowd for game day or just craving a craving-worthy meal any night of the week, these wings hit all the right notes.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how easy it was to get restaurant-quality sticky wings right in my own oven without the mess of frying. You’ll find that the balance of smoky paprika, that special all-purpose blend, and the sweet honey keeps everyone around the table coming back for more. Trust me, once you try this Baked Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe, it’s bound to be a staple in your kitchen rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Oven-Baked Method: No deep frying means less mess but all the crispy, sticky, delicious flavor.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavor: The smoky, sweet, and savory notes blend seamlessly thanks to the homemade BBQ sauce combined with honey.
- Great for Meal Prep: Marinate in advance and bake when ready — perfect for busy weeknights or parties.
- Crowd-Pleasing Result: My family goes crazy for these wings, and I’m sure yours will too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might be simple, but when combined, they create a deep flavor profile with the perfect sticky-sweet BBQ kick. Using organic chicken wings and a homemade spice blend really takes this Baked Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe to the next level.
- Organic chicken wings: Fresh is best – I usually get them disjointed for easier cooking and eating.
- On Everything All-Purpose Blend: This seasoning is like magic – it’s a homemade blend of garlic, herbs, salt & pepper that adds great depth.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth that’s essential for that authentic BBQ vibe.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the other flavors naturally without overpowering.
- Homemade BBQ sauce: This is the heart of the glaze – trust me it’s worth making fresh, but store-bought works too in a pinch.
- Raw honey: For that signature sticky sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during baking.
Variations
One of the things I love about this recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want it spicier, vegan, or packed with extra herbiness, there’s room to experiment!
- Spicy kick: Add cayenne or hot sauce to your marinade for wings that bring the heat — I did this once for a party, and everyone loved the extra snap.
- Maple syrup substitute: If you’re out of honey or want a different flavor, swapping in pure maple syrup gives a lovely, earthy sweetness.
- Air fryer adaptation: For quicker cooking, try air frying the wings — just watch the timing and reduce the honey glaze for less mess.
- Gluten-free option: Double-check your BBQ sauce and seasoning blends to keep this recipe safe for gluten sensitivities without compromising on taste.
How to Make Baked Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe
Step 1: Season and Marinate the Wings
Start by placing your cleaned chicken wings into a large bowl. Sprinkle on the On Everything All-Purpose Blend, smoked paprika if you’re using it, and sea salt. Mix well until every wing is coated. Letting them sit for at least 10-15 minutes helps those flavors settle, but if you have extra time, marinate them overnight or up to two days in the fridge to really deepen that savory punch. I learned that patience here seriously pays off in flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish and Oven
While your wings marinate, preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish or a large foil-lined pan — I sometimes use an oven-safe skillet for easier stirring later. This setup ensures your wings cook evenly and the sticky sauce doesn’t stick to the pan too hard.
Step 3: Combine Wings with Honey BBQ Sauce and Bake
Once your wings are seasoned, add the homemade BBQ sauce and raw honey straight into the same bowl. Toss everything gently until each wing is beautifully coated. Then carefully transfer them to your prepared baking dish, spreading them out in a single layer. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes. Around halfway through, about 20 minutes in, I like to give the wings a gentle toss to flip them and keep that sauce sticky and evenly distributed. If you want an extra caramelized finish, broil the wings for the last 10-15 minutes—just watch closely so they don’t burn.
Pro Tips for Making Baked Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe
- Marinate Longer for Flavor: I’ve found letting the wings soak overnight boosts the flavor tremendously and keeps them juicy inside.
- Use a Wire Rack: Try baking wings on a wire rack over the pan to let excess fat drip—results in crispier skin with sticky sauce.
- Keep an Eye When Broiling: The broiler can quickly turn wings from golden to burnt, so stay close and stir frequently if you broil at the end.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: I once crammed my wings into a small pan and ended up steaming instead of baking them—space them out for best crispiness.
How to Serve Baked Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the wings for a pop of color and fresh flavor—plus a little crunch. A few lemon wedges on the side are also fantastic if you want to add some zesty brightness to cut through the sweetness.
Side Dishes
These wings pair beautifully with classic sides like crispy fries, grilled corn on the cob, or even a light coleslaw to balance the rich, sticky sauce. I also love serving them alongside roasted potatoes or steamed veggies for a heartier meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For game day or parties, I’ve laid the wings out on a large wooden board surrounded by small bowls of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. You could also serve them on skewers for easy grabbing or pile them high on a platter with fresh herbs for a festive touch that impresses guests every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After a feast, I keep leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. I’ve found that letting them cool completely before sealing helps maintain that sticky glaze without it getting soggy.
Freezing
If I want to save some for later, freezing baked wings works great. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To warm leftover wings, the oven is best—I pop them in at 375°F for 10-15 minutes to bring back that sticky crispiness. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you might lose some texture.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the wings in the refrigerator overnight before seasoning and baking to ensure even cooking and the best flavor absorption.
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Is it possible to make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! You can add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the seasoning or toss the baked wings in your favorite spicy sauce to give it a fiery twist without losing the honey BBQ balance.
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Can I make this recipe without honey?
Definitely. Maple syrup or agave nectar makes a great substitute and keeps that sticky sweetness while offering a slightly different flavor profile.
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How do I get crispy skin without frying?
Make sure to dry your wings well before seasoning and avoid overcrowding the pan. Baking on a wire rack helps air circulate and keeps the skin crisp while the sauce bakes on sticky and shiny.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe has become such a favorite in my house because it’s reliable, packed with flavor, and just downright fun to eat. Whether you’re surrounded by family, friends, or just treating yourself, these wings never fail to impress with their sticky sweetness and smoky warmth. Give this recipe a try—I promise once you do, it’ll be your go-to whenever you crave that perfect mix of honey, BBQ, and crispy baked goodness.
Print
Baked Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Baked Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Wings offer a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. These tender chicken wings are coated in a flavorful homemade BBQ sauce mixed with organic honey, then baked until caramelized and sticky. Ideal for a game day snack or casual dinner, they are easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2 1/2 lbs. organic chicken wings, disjointed
- 2 teaspoons On Everything All-Purpose Blend (see Notes for blend ingredients)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
BBQ Sauce and Coating
- 2 cups Homemade BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup organic raw honey
Instructions
- Season + Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, add cleaned and rinsed chicken wings. Sprinkle with On Everything All-Purpose Blend, smoked paprika, and sea salt. Toss thoroughly to coat all the wings evenly. Let the wings sit for 10-15 minutes for initial seasoning absorption. For best results, marinate the wings overnight or up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Lightly grease a standard 9×13 inch baking dish or a large foil baking pan. A large oven-safe skillet can also be used for baking.
- Make the BBQ Sauce: Prepare your homemade BBQ sauce following your favorite recipe or one you trust (refer to Notes). This sauce will be mixed with honey to create a sticky glaze.
- Coat the Wings with Sauce: Return the wings to the large bowl and pour in the homemade BBQ sauce and organic honey. Stir thoroughly to ensure each wing is fully coated with the sticky sauce mixture.
- Bake the Chicken Wings: Transfer the coated wings into the prepared baking dish, spreading them out evenly. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, allowing the sauce to bake into the wings and caramelize. Halfway through baking, stir and turn the wings over to coat them again evenly.
- Optional Broiling: For an extra sticky and slightly charred finish, broil the wings for the last 10-15 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot with your favorite sides like bread, fries, grilled corn, potatoes, rice, or fresh vegetables. Enjoy your delicious baked sticky honey BBQ chicken wings!
Notes
- Storage: Store any leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F or in the microwave before serving.
- Honey Substitutes: You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan-friendly alternative.
- Homemade All-Purpose Blend: To make the On Everything All-Purpose Blend, combine 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon dried parsley.
- Marinating Tip: For deeper flavor, marinate wings overnight or up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
