
I absolutely love sharing this Baked Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe with friends because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a celebration every time you make it. The wings come out perfectly sticky, sweet, and smoky, with just the right touch of tanginess from the BBQ sauce and honey combo. Whether it’s game day, a casual dinner, or a party, these wings are always the star of the table and trust me, they disappear fast!
When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how easy it is to pull off a restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients and baked wings that stay juicy inside. You’ll find that once you nail the sauce and the baking time, this Baked Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe becomes your go-to for those moments when you want something comforting but with a kick of flavor. Plus, no fryer needed—so it’s a win all around!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity Meets Flavor: Just a handful of ingredients come together to create a sticky, smoky, and sweet sauce that clings beautifully to the wings.
- No Frying Required: Baking the wings means less mess without sacrificing crispy edges and juicy interiors.
- Customizable Spice: You can easily tweak the seasoning and honey levels to fit your family’s taste buds.
- Great For Any Occasion: From casual weeknights to game day parties, these wings always impress without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Baked Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. With fresh chicken wings, a thoughtfully balanced seasoning blend, and a homemade BBQ sauce sweetened with raw honey, you’re set for a flavor-packed adventure.
- Organic Chicken Wings: Fresh wings make all the difference in texture and taste; I always choose organic when I can.
- On Everything All-Purpose Blend: This seasoning pack brings depth, combining garlic, herbs, and a hint of saltiness that really kicks up the flavor.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a lovely smoky undertone, but feel free to skip if you’re short on it.
- Sea Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Homemade BBQ Sauce: Using a homemade sauce means you control the sweetness and acidity—plus, it tastes way better than store-bought.
- Organic Raw Honey: This ingredient creates that signature sticky glaze and balances the tangy BBQ sauce with natural sweetness.
Variations
I love how flexible this recipe is—you can tweak it based on what you have on hand or the flavor profile you’re craving. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own. Here are a few ways I’ve personalized it over time.
- Spicy Kick: I sometimes add cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for extra heat that my husband loves.
- Maple or Agave Substitute: If you’re out of honey or want a different sweetness, maple syrup or agave nectar works beautifully.
- Dry Rub Option: Skip the sauce entirely and just toss wings in the seasoning blend before baking for a crispy, less sticky version.
- Grilled Variation: For a smoky char, try this recipe on the grill instead of baking—it transforms it into a summer BBQ favorite.
How to Make Baked Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe
Step 1: Season and Marinate Your Wings
Start by tossing your fresh chicken wings with the On Everything All-Purpose Blend, smoked paprika, and sea salt in a large bowl. I usually let mine sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors, but if you can plan ahead, refrigerate overnight or up to two days—that’s when the magic really happens. Marinating makes the meat tender and infuses every bite with seasoning.
Step 2: Preheat and Prep Your Baking Dish
While your wings marinate, preheat your oven to 400°F (about 200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish or a large foil baking pan with oil or non-stick spray. I’ve also baked wings in an oven-safe skillet with great results, so go with what you have. Preparing the dish ahead helps the wings cook evenly and makes cleanup easier.
Step 3: Mix the Wings in BBQ Sauce and Honey
Next, pour in your homemade BBQ sauce and raw honey into the bowl with your wings. Stir everything gently but thoroughly so each wing is luxuriously coated. This step ensures that when they bake, that sticky honey BBQ glaze gets absorbed and caramelizes just right.
Step 4: Bake and Baste for Perfect Sticky Wings
Arrange your wings in a single layer in the prepared dish, keeping them cozy but not overcrowded. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes. Halfway through, I like to give them a gentle stir and flip them over—this keeps them coated in sauce and helps with even cooking. If you want an extra crispy, caramelized finish, broil the wings for the final 10-15 minutes—just watch carefully so they don’t burn.
Pro Tips for Making Baked Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe
- Overnight Marinating: I discovered that allowing your wings to marinate overnight transforms the flavor and tenderizes the meat, making for a juicier bite.
- Use a Wire Rack (optional): Placing wings on a wire rack over your baking dish helps excess fat drip away and can make the skin crisper without frying.
- Don’t Skip the Halfway Flip: Stirring the wings halfway through baking keeps that sticky sauce coating evenly and prevents it from burning on one side.
- Watch When Broiling: Broiling adds amazing caramelization but can quickly go from perfect to burnt—keep a close eye during those last minutes!
How to Serve Baked Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe
Garnishes
I personally love sprinkling a little chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top to add a pop of color and fresh flavor that contrasts with the sticky sauce. Sometimes I add sesame seeds as a fun textural surprise—both simple touches that make the dish feel special.
Side Dishes
These wings are divine paired with classic sides like crispy fries, grilled corn on the cob, or a crunchy coleslaw. For a heartier meal, garlic mashed potatoes or a simple rice pilaf complement the sweet and smoky notes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like serving these wings on a large wooden board with ramekins of extra BBQ sauce and blue cheese dip around them. Adding fresh lemon wedges brightens the plate and gives guests the option to add a zesty twist. It instantly elevates the experience and turns wing night into something memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When I pack them away, I always save a little extra sauce to drizzle on top when reheating—it keeps the wings moist and flavorful.
Freezing
I’ve frozen baked wings before, and they thaw well if wrapped tightly and placed in freezer-safe bags. Just be sure to cool them completely before freezing to avoid ice crystals. When ready, I thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer popping the wings in a 375°F oven for about 10-15 minutes to revive that crisp skin and warm them evenly. You can microwave in a pinch, but baking helps preserve that sticky, sticky charm.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the wings in the refrigerator overnight before seasoning and cooking to ensure even cooking and proper absorption of flavors.
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What makes this baked recipe better than frying?
Baking reduces the mess and oil usage while still delivering crispy edges and juicy meat. Plus, baking lets the sticky honey BBQ glaze caramelize slowly without burning, which is trickier to control in frying.
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Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Absolutely! Making your homemade BBQ sauce ahead of time actually deepens the flavor. Store it in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to a week until you’re ready to use.
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What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
No worries! You can skip it or substitute with regular paprika or a pinch of chili powder for a different but still delicious smoky flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that I keep coming back to because it never disappoints. It’s easy, flavorful, and has that irresistibly sticky glaze you want every time. If you’re looking for a recipe to impress your family or friends without hours of fuss, this is it. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll find yourself craving those wings again and again!
PrintBaked Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious Baked Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Wings featuring organic chicken wings coated in a smoky, flavorful homemade BBQ sauce blended with raw honey. These wings are oven-baked to perfection for a sticky, tender, and savory treat, perfect for game days, parties, or a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2 1/2 lbs. organic chicken wings, disjointed
- 2 tsps On Everything All-Purpose Blend (see Notes for blend ingredients)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
BBQ Sauce & Coating
- 2 cups Homemade BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup organic raw honey
Instructions
- Season and Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, add the cleaned and rinsed chicken wings along with the On Everything All-Purpose Blend, smoked paprika, and sea salt. Mix thoroughly until the wings are fully coated. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors. For best taste, marinate overnight or up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or large foil baking pan. Alternatively, you can use a large oven-safe skillet.
- Prepare the BBQ Sauce: Use your preferred homemade BBQ sauce recipe. Ensure it is ready to go for coating the wings.
- Coat the Wings with Sauce and Honey: Add the BBQ sauce and organic raw honey to the bowl with the seasoned wings. Stir well to ensure each wing is fully coated with the sticky sauce mixture.
- Bake the Chicken Wings: Transfer the coated wings to the prepared baking dish or pan, spreading them evenly. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes. At the halfway point, stir and flip the wings to coat them evenly and promote browning.
- Optional Broiling: For extra caramelization and sticky finish, broil the wings for an additional 10-15 minutes at the end of baking. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove wings from the oven and serve hot with your choice of sides such as bread, fries, grilled corn, potatoes, rice, or veggies. Enjoy!
Notes
- STORAGE: Store leftover wings in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F or microwave before serving.
- HONEY SUBSTITUTE: You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for different sweetness profiles.
- HOMEMADE ALL-PURPOSE BLEND INGREDIENTS: 1 tsp sea salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1 tsp dried parsley.