Grilled hot honey BBQ wings are the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors, transforming a simple chicken wing into a mouthwatering treat. This recipe is designed to take your wing game to the next level, offering a delicious twist that’s sure to become a favorite at any gathering.
The Appeal of Hot Honey BBQ Wings
If you love chicken wings, these grilled hot honey BBQ wings are a must-try. The combination of tender, juicy chicken with a rich, velvety sauce made from BBQ sauce, garlic, and hot honey creates an irresistible flavor that lingers with every bite. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or enjoying a casual dinner, these wings are guaranteed to impress.
Achieving Crispy Perfection
One of the biggest challenges with grilled wings is getting that perfect crispy texture. No one likes a soggy wing, so here are some tips to ensure your wings come out with that satisfying crunch:
1. Pat the wings dry: Removing excess moisture is key. Letting the wings sit uncovered in the fridge for a few hours helps dry out the skin, making it crispier when grilled.
2. Use cornstarch: A light coating of cornstarch mixed with your seasoning helps create a crunchy exterior without the need for frying.
3. Grill on high heat: Cooking the wings at a high temperature (around 350-400°F) ensures the skin crisps up while the inside remains juicy and tender.
Perfectly Seasoned Wings
Seasoning is where the magic begins. Start by separating the drums from the flats and tossing them in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a touch of cornstarch. This simple yet flavorful blend enhances the natural taste of the chicken and sets the stage for the rich BBQ sauce to shine.
Grill the wings at a high temperature, flipping them occasionally to ensure even cooking. The goal is to achieve an internal temperature of at least 165°F, though taking them up to 185°F will render out more fat, resulting in extra crispy wings without overcooking.
Crafting the Hot Honey BBQ Sauce
The sauce is where these wings truly stand out. Begin by melting butter in a pan over medium heat, then add minced garlic and let it cook until fragrant and slightly browned. This step infuses the butter with a deep, rich garlic flavor. Lower the heat and stir in your favorite BBQ sauce and hot honey. The combination of these ingredients creates a sauce that is both sweet and spicy, with just the right amount of kick.
Finishing Touches
As your wings finish grilling, brush them generously with the hot honey BBQ sauce, flipping them a few times to ensure they’re fully coated. This step allows the sauce to caramelize slightly on the grill, enhancing its flavor and giving the wings a beautiful glaze.
Once they reach your desired level of crispiness, bring the wings inside and toss them with more sauce until every piece is thoroughly coated. Serve them hot, with plenty of napkins on hand, because these wings are deliciously messy!
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 4
Ingredients
- 3–4 pounds of fresh chicken wings: Provides the base for your dish, offering plenty of meat to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce: Adds a smoky, tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the hot honey.
- 1/4 cup of hot honey: Introduces a spicy kick that balances the richness of the BBQ sauce.
- 2 tablespoons of SPG (Salt, Pepper, Garlic): A simple seasoning blend that enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch: Helps achieve that desired crispy texture.
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil: Ensures the seasoning sticks to the wings and adds a subtle richness.
- 2 tablespoons of butter: Adds a creamy texture to the sauce, helping it adhere to the wings.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the sauce with a deep, savory flavor.
Instructions
1. Prepare the wings: In a mixing bowl, coat the wings with olive oil, then season with SPG and cornstarch. Make sure each wing is evenly covered.
2. Grill the wings: Preheat your grill to 350°F. Place the wings on the grill and cook, flipping occasionally, until they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
3. Make the sauce: While the wings cook, melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until slightly browned. Stir in the BBQ sauce and hot honey until well combined, then remove from heat.
4. Finish the wings: Brush the wings with the sauce while they’re still on the grill, cooking for an additional 10 minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize. Remove from the grill, toss with extra sauce if desired, and serve hot.
These grilled hot honey BBQ wings are sure to become a staple at your table, offering a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors that will leave everyone reaching for seconds. Enjoy them with a cold drink and plenty of napkins—you’ll need them!
Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American
FAQs:
Q: What type of wings are best for grilling?
A: Chicken wings are ideal for grilling due to their high-fat content, which helps keep them juicy and flavorful. Opt for fresh, high-quality wings for the best results.
Q: Can I use frozen wings for this recipe?
A: Yes, but ensure you thaw them completely before grilling. Pat them dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the grilling process.
Q: How do I achieve the perfect level of spiciness?
A: Adjust the spiciness by modifying the amount of hot sauce or chili powder in your marinade. Start with a small amount and taste as you go to find the right balance for your heat preference.
Q: How long should I grill the wings?
A: Grill the wings for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and have a crispy exterior. Cooking times may vary depending on the grill’s heat and wing size.
Q: What side dishes pair well with grilled hot honey BBQ wings?
A: These wings pair excellently with coleslaw, potato salad, corn on the cob, or a fresh green salad. For a more substantial meal, consider serving with grilled vegetables or baked beans.
