Gather your friends and get ready for a game day spread that’s sure to score big! These Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Wings are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, blending bold, zesty flavors with a crave-worthy crunch. As Chef Savori, I’m thrilled to share this recipe that’s both epic and approachable, promising juicy, golden wings that’ll have everyone licking their fingers.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Wings for Game Day Gatherings
These irresistible chicken wings are a total touchdown for your taste buds! The dynamic blend of spicy, sweet, and savory notes creates a truly craveable flavor profile that will have your guests coming back for more. Plus, the easy-to-follow, chef-tested steps ensure reliable, mouthwatering results every time. Whether you’re hosting the big game or just looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing snack, these Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Wings are sure to be a slam dunk.
Ingredients
The key to these flavor-packed wings is a simple yet dynamic ingredient list. You’ll need chicken wings, of course, along with pantry staples like honey, garlic, hot sauce, and spices. The combination of sweet, spicy, and savory elements creates a truly memorable taste that’s sure to satisfy.
- 2 lbs – Chicken wings, drumettes and flats
- 1/4 cup – All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp – Kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp – Black pepper
- 1/2 cup – Honey
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp – Hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tbsp – Apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp – Smoked paprika
Ingredient Substitutions
- Hot Sauce: Try a different variety like Cholula or Sriracha for a unique twist (different flavor profiles)
- Honey: Maple syrup or brown sugar can be used for a touch of warm, amber sweetness (dietary swap)
How to Make Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Wings for Game Day Gatherings
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Then, prepare the wings by patting them dry with paper towels and tossing them in a mixture of flour, salt, and pepper. This simple seasoning blend will help the wings achieve that irresistible crispy exterior.
Step 1: Prep Work
Next, it’s time to bake the wings until they’re golden brown and delightfully crunchy. Keep a close eye on them, flipping halfway through, to ensure even cooking. While the wings are in the oven, you can start on the spicy honey garlic sauce. In a small saucepan, combine honey, garlic, hot sauce, and a few other flavor-boosting ingredients. Simmer the sauce until it thickens up, then get ready to toss those wings in it.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Once the wings are fresh out of the oven, transfer them to a large bowl and drizzle the spicy honey garlic sauce over the top. Toss everything together until each wing is evenly coated in the irresistible sauce. Now it’s time to get those wings onto a serving platter, where they’ll be the star of the show.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
For an extra touch of flavor and flair, consider garnishing the wings with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions. The vibrant colors and fresh herbal notes will really make these wings pop on the plate.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Sesame Scallion Twist: Toss the sauced wings in a blend of toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
- Sweet Heat: Swap out the honey for maple syrup or brown sugar for a sweeter twist on the sauce.
- Dip It Good: Serve these wings alongside a cool, creamy dipping sauce like homemade ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Amp Up the Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne or a few extra dashes of hot sauce to the honey garlic sauce for an extra kick of spice.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Fresh celery sticks, carrot sticks, and plenty of cold beverages to help cool the heat.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat: To reheat, simply pop the wings back in the oven for a few minutes until they’re hot and crispy once again.
Make-Ahead: The wings can be baked and the sauce can be prepared up to a day in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and serve.
Nutrition Information
These Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Wings are a delightfully indulgent treat, but they can still be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Each serving provides a solid dose of protein from the chicken, as well as a touch of sweetness from the honey. The hot sauce and spices also offer antioxidants and a metabolism-boosting kick. Just be mindful of portion sizes, as the wings can be quite rich and satisfying.
- Serving Size: 5-6 wings
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 24 g
- Carbs: 35 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these wings ahead of time?
Absolutely! The wings can be baked and the sauce can be prepared up to a day in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and serve. When it’s game time, simply toss the wings in the warm sauce and you’ll have a delicious, hot-and-ready appetizer in no time.
Can I bake the wings instead of frying them?
Yes, baking the wings is definitely the way to go for this recipe. Not only is it a healthier option, but it also ensures a perfectly crispy exterior without the mess and hassle of deep-frying. Just be sure to follow the baking instructions carefully to achieve those golden, crunchy results.
What should I serve with these wings?
These Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Wings are the star of the show, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of tasty accompaniments. Consider serving them with creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, or alongside a fresh, crunchy coleslaw or a simple green salad. And don’t forget the classic game day sides like celery sticks, carrot sticks, and plenty of cold beverages to help cool the heat.
Can I make these wings gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make these wings gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch in place of the all-purpose flour. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so with that simple swap, you can enjoy these crispy, saucy wings without any wheat-based concerns.
How spicy are these wings?
The level of heat in these wings can be adjusted to your personal preferences. The recipe calls for a moderate amount of hot sauce, which gives the wings a nice kick without being overpowering. If you’re looking for a milder version, start with a smaller amount of hot sauce and gradually increase it to your desired level of spiciness. And if you’re a true heat-seeker, feel free to add an extra dash or two of your favorite fiery sauce.
Try These Next
- Spicy Honey Garlic Bbq Chicken Skewers For Game Day
- Cheesy Bacon Jalapeno Corn Fritters For Game Day Gatherings
- Sweet And Spicy Pineapple Salsa Tacos For Game Day
Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Wings for Game Day
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🍗 Chicken & Poultry Creations
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Wings are perfect for game day gatherings! They are crispy, sticky, and packed with flavor, making them a crowd-pleaser at any party.
Ingredients
2 lbs chicken wings
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. 2. In a large bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
3. 3. Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss until fully coated in the marinade.
4. 4. Place the wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. 5. Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until wings are crispy and cooked through.
6. 6. Remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
7. 7. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes. These wings can also be grilled for a smoky flavor. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 wings
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: wings, chicken, spicy, honey, garlic