Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Why These Are The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser
Let’s talk flavour. This Honey BBQ Chicken Wings recipe hits every note:
Sweet from golden Aussie honey
Tangy thanks to balsamic vinegar
Smoky and spiced with smoked paprika and Worcestershire sauce
Savory with a punch of garlic and onion powder
Baked in the oven until beautifully sticky and golden, these wings don’t need deep frying to be amazing. They’re full of flavour, oven-friendly, and super easy to throw together—whether you’re hosting or just winging dinner on a weeknight.
And the best part? They’re made with pantry staples, so you’re probably already halfway there.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Every Time
Want to nail it like a pro? Here’s what I’ve learned after making these a lot:
1. Marinate for Maximum Flavour
If you’ve got the time, marinate your wings overnight. The honey BBQ marinade seeps right into the meat and gives the wings that rich, full-bodied flavour you only get from slow soaking.
2. Line Your Tray
Use baking paper or foil on your tray—this marinade is sticky and you’ll thank yourself when it’s clean-up time. Bonus tip: pop a wire rack on the tray so the wings crisp up even better underneath.
3. Baste for Extra Stickiness
Halfway through baking, flip the wings and brush them generously with the leftover marinade. This gives you that thick, sticky glaze that makes these honey BBQ chicken wings next-level good.
4. Don’t Skip the Smoked Paprika
It’s the hero spice here! That deep, smoky flavour brings out the BBQ vibes without needing a grill. Go for good-quality Spanish smoked paprika if you can get your hands on it.
Customise Your Honey BBQ Chicken Wings: Make It Your Own!
One of the best things about this honey BBQ chicken wings recipe is how easy it is to tweak depending on what you’ve got in the pantry or the vibe you’re going for. Want it spicier? Tangier? More smoky? Go for it! Here’s how to switch things up without losing that delicious sticky BBQ magic:
Make Them Spicy
Add a teaspoon of chilli flakes or a splash of hot sauce like Sriracha to the marinade if you like your wings with a bit more kick. You can even mix in some chipotle powder for smoky heat that pairs beautifully with the honey.
Add a Citrus Twist
A little squeeze of fresh orange juice in the marinade brings a zesty brightness that works so well with the sweetness of the honey and the tang from the balsamic vinegar.
Try Different Sweeteners
No honey? Try maple syrup or golden syrup—both work beautifully. Each brings a slightly different flavour, but the sticky, glossy finish will still be spot on.
Fresh Is Best
While garlic and onion powder make it quick and easy, feel free to sub in fresh minced garlic and finely chopped brown onion for a more intense flavour. Just sauté them briefly in a little olive oil before adding to your marinade mix.
Bonus Tip: Thicken Your Glaze
Want that glossy finish like takeaway wings? After baking, brush your wings with any leftover marinade (cooked down on the stovetop for 5 minutes) and whack them back in the oven for 5–7 minutes. The glaze will caramelise and give you that restaurant-style shine.
Serving Suggestions: Keep It Casual or Make It Fancy
These honey BBQ chicken wings are total all-rounders. You can go casual with paper towels and a beer, or dress them up for a party platter. Here are a few ways I love to serve them:
With crispy jacket potatoes and sour cream
Next to a crunchy slaw or simple green salad
With steamed jasmine rice and a squeeze of lime
On a party platter with celery sticks, corn on the cob, and ranch dip
Pair them with an ice-cold beer, a ginger beer, or even a chilled sparkling rosé—yes, really! The sweetness of the wings and the fizz are a perfect match.
Storage Options: Making Wings Ahead & Keeping Them Crispy
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat your honey BBQ chicken wings:
In the Fridge
Pop any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C for about 10 minutes to get them nice and hot without drying out.
In the Freezer
You can freeze these wings after baking! Let them cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat straight from frozen at 180°C for 25–30 minutes until heated through.
Pro Reheat Tip
Avoid the microwave if you can—these wings deserve to be crispy! The oven or air fryer is your best bet for bringing them back to life.
Other Recipes to Try If You Love Honey BBQ Chicken Wings
Love the sweet-smoky combo? Here are a few more of my go-to recipes that hit those same delicious notes:
- Hot Honey Chicken Bites You’ll Crave All Week
- Honey Mustard Chicken: The Sweet & Creamy One-Pan Wonder You’ll Want on Repeat
- Red Thai Curry Dumpling Soup – A Cozy Bowl of Comfort!
- Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken – Air Fryer Perfection!
- Sweet and Sour Meatballs You’ll Love – A Budget-Friendly Takeaway-Style Dinner!
- Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe – Your Ultimate Takeaway at Home!
Ready to Make These? Show Me Your Wings!
If you whip up these honey BBQ chicken wings (and I hope you do!), don’t forget to take a snap and tag me @steph_cooks_stuff. I absolutely LOVE seeing your kitchen creations and sharing the love!
Whether you’re baking up a batch for the family, the mates, or just yourself (no judgement—I do it too 😄), these wings are guaranteed to bring the smiles.
Honey BBQ Chicken Wings = Your New Go-To Recipe
From their sticky, finger-lickin’ glaze to that smoky BBQ finish, these Honey BBQ Chicken Wings are here to take your tastebuds on a ride. They’re easy, customisable, and totally satisfying. Plus, they bake up beautifully in the oven—no deep fryer, no fuss, just flavour.
Don’t be surprised if these become your new signature dish. You’ve been warned!
So grab that honey, get the oven hot, and let’s wing it.
Honey BBQ Chicken Wings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a big bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, honey, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder and smoked paprika.
- Add your chicken wings and give them a good mix so they’re completely coated in the marinade.
- If you’ve got time, let them marinate for up to 24 hours. No time? No stress—they’re still delicious straight away.
- Pop the wings on a lined baking tray in a single layer, skin side down. Keep that leftover marinade!
- Bake at 220°C for 20 minutes.
- Take them out, flip them over, and smother them with the rest of the marinade.
- Back in the oven for another 20 minutes until sticky, golden and irresistible.
Nutrition
Video
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Cook them at 200°C for around 25 minutes, flipping halfway. You might need to do them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
You can sub it with apple cider vinegar or even a splash of lemon juice in a pinch. Balsamic gives a deep sweetness, but any acid will balance the honey.
You sure can! Boneless thighs or drumettes work great, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time—check them at 15 minutes to avoid overcooking.