Looking for a banger Appetizer for the Big Game?! These Hot Honey Chicken Wings are crispy, flavorful, and perfectly coated in a sweet and spicy glaze. Tossed in a rich buttery sauce with lemon juice, hot sauce, honey and finished with a sprinkle of lemon pepper these hot and honey wings are the ultimate appetizer. Hot honey wings deliver the perfect balance of heat and sweetness in every bite!

Being from Atlanta, wings hold a special place in my heart. One of the most, if not the most popular items ordered here. These Honey Hot Chicken wings are what we call, a staple of Atlanta. Fried to perfection and made with the perfect balance of heat and sweetness with a dash of lemon pepper to add a bit of saltiness. Making these hot and honey wings for any occasion will guarantee you the star of the party!

Honey Hot Chicken Wing Ingredients:

Chicken Wings: You can either buy pre-cut chicken wings where the drums and flat are already separated. Or can buy whole wings and cut them yourself. Either way works fine.

Hot Sauce: To make this delicious hot honey wing sauce, you’ll have to start with hot sauce. I personally enjoy the Old Bay Hot Sauce, but any preferred hot sauce is fine for this.

Honey: Balances out the heat of the sauce as well as the saltiness of the wings. This is one of those ingredients where you’ll see how it makes a big difference.

Lemon Juice: When making any wings sauce, especially this hot honey wing sauce, it’s ESSENTIAL to have Lemon Juice. It’s the perfect pair to this delicious sauce. Enhancing the flavor of the sauce as well as cutting through the heat of the hot sauce.

Seasonings: When seasoning my chicken I use: Nature’s Seasoning, Garlic Butter Seasoning, Smoked Paprika and Italian Seasoning. These touch all basis of the flavor profile Im looking for. Also, if you didn’t know Italian Seasoning, is the perfect pair for any kind of chicken.

Corn Starch: Used to give the chicken the perfect crispy and crunchy outside coating. Creates a thin crispy coating, not a thicker coating you would get when using flour. You can use flour and corn starch in this recipe if you prefer a thicker coated wing.

How to make Hot Honey Chicken Wings:

Instructions:

Fill a Dutch oven halfway to two-thirds full with oil, then preheat it to 325-350°F.

In a medium bowl, season the wings generously with Nature’s Seasoning, Garlic Butter Seasoning, Lemon Pepper, Smoked Paprika, and Italian Seasoning. Drizzle a bit of oil over the wings and mix thoroughly to coat them evenly.

Sprinkle cornstarch on top, mix again to ensure even coverage, and set the wings aside.

Carefully add 7-10 wings to the hot oil at a time, frying them until they float to the surface and develop a crispy, golden exterior. Repeat this process until all the wings are fully cooked.

Once done, transfer them to a wire rack to allow any excess grease to drain.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely, then stir in the lemon juice and hot sauce until well combined. Once the mixture is fully incorporated, whisk in the honey to create a smooth, flavorful glaze.

Place the cooked wings in a large mixing bowl, pour the warm sauce over them, and toss until they are evenly coated.

Finish by sprinkling additional lemon pepper seasoning for extra flavor.

Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

FAQ

Can I bake or air-fry the wings instead of frying?

Yes! To bake, cook at 400°F for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway. For air frying, cook at 380°F for 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

How do I get my wings extra crispy?

Coating the wings with cornstarch before frying or baking helps create a crispier texture. Also, frying at the right temperature (325-350°F) and letting them drain on a wire rack prevents sogginess.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat on low heat before tossing with wings.

What can I serve with hot honey wings?

Pair them with ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery, carrot sticks, or a side of fries, coleslaw, or mac and cheese.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Absolutely! Use more or less hot sauce to control the heat. You can also add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for extra spice or use a milder hot sauce for less heat.