Hot Honey Rub Wingstop Recipe

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Do you love sweet, smoky, and spicy dishes? This Hot Honey Rub Wingstop recipe is exactly what you’ll want to try! Inspired by the iconic flavor from Wingstop, these wings are seasoned to perfection, baked or fried until crispy, and finished with a sticky hot honey glaze that will leave you licking your fingers clean. Whether you’re serving them up for game day, family night, or just because you crave bold flavor, this recipe is sure to satisfy!

How to Make Hot Honey Rub Wings

If you’re ready to take your wing game to the next level, this recipe is the perfect place to start. Each step is simple and packed with flavor, from the smoky spice rub to the irresistible hot honey glaze. Whether you’re making them for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing guests at your next gathering, these wings are guaranteed to bring the heat—and the sweetness—in every crispy, juicy bite.

Ingredients for Hot Honey Rub Wings

For the Chicken Wings:

• 2 pounds chicken wings (split into drums and flats)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

• ½ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or your favorite brand)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Pinch of salt

For Garnish:

• Fresh chopped parsley (optional)
• Extra crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Prep the Wings

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Pat the wings completely dry with paper towels and ensure the moisture is gone.
• In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and cayenne pepper until evenly coated.

2. Bake the Wings

• Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
• Arrange the wings on the rack in a single layer.
• Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are crispy and golden brown.

(Alternatively, fry the wings at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes until crispy.)

3. Make the Hot Honey Sauce

• In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt.
• Stir continuously until the butter melts and the sauce is well blended.
• Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from the heat.

4. Toss the Wings

• Place the cooked wings in a large bowl.
• Pour the hot honey sauce over the wings and toss until fully coated and glossy.

5. Serve

• Transfer the wings to a serving platter.
• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
• Serve immediately and enjoy every sticky, spicy bite!

Tips for Making the Best Hot Honey Rub Wings

• Dry the wings well: Moisture prevents crispiness. Always pat wings very dry before seasoning.
• Use a wire rack: Elevates the wings for even cooking and better air circulation.
• Adjust the heat: Modify the amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce based on your spice preference.
• Don’t overcook the honey sauce: Just a gentle simmer is enough. Overheating can make it too thick.
• Toss right before serving: Coat the wings in the hot honey sauce immediately before serving to keep them crispy.

What to Serve with Hot Honey Rub Wings

These spicy-sweet wings are the star, but here are some killer sides and dips to round out the feast:

• Cooling Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing – Classic wing pairings for balance.
• Crispy Fries or Sweet Potato Fries – Perfect for scooping up leftover sauce.
• Celery & Carrot Sticks – Fresh crunch to cool the heat.
• Coleslaw or Cornbread – Sweet and tangy sides that complement the glaze.
• Icy Cold Beer or Lemonade – Refreshing drinks to wash down the spice.

Ingredient Substitutes

• Chicken wings → Use boneless tenders or thighs for a different cut.
• Smoked paprika → Regular paprika with a touch of cumin works in a pinch.
• Hot sauce → Any brand works or try sriracha or chipotle sauce for a twist.
• Honey → Maple syrup or agave nectar can substitute, but the flavour will change greatly.
• Butter → Use margarine or plant-based butter if dairy-free.

Hot Honey Rub Wings Variations

• Extra Spicy: Add a dash of habanero or ghost pepper sauce to the honey for a fiery upgrade.
• Garlic Lovers: Stir in a minced clove of garlic while melting the butter for a savory kick.
• Grilled Wings: Grill your wings over medium-high heat instead of baking for a smoky flavor boost.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I air fry the wings?

   To achieve perfectly cooked and crispy results in your air fryer, set the temperature to 380°F (193°C). Cook the food for 25 minutes, ensuring to shake the basket halfway through the cooking time. This step is crucial as it promotes even cooking and helps prevent any sticking, allowing for an optimal level of crispiness. After the cooking time is complete, check for your desired level of doneness before serving. Enjoy your deliciously crispy dish!

2. How spicy are hot honey wings?

   They have a moderate level of spiciness, but you can easily adjust the heat by using less hot sauce or omitting the cayenne pepper.

3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

   Yes, you can prepare the hot honey sauce in advance and refrigerate it. Just reheat it gently before tossing it with the wings.

4. Can I use chicken tenders instead of wings?

   Absolutely! Just remember to adjust the cooking times based on what you’re preparing. Chicken tenders tend to cook more quickly than other cuts of chicken, so keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook.

Final Thoughts

These Hot Honey Rub Wings are everything you want in a crave-worthy snack: crispy, juicy, sticky, and spicy-sweet. They’re easy to make, insanely flavorful, and perfect for just about any occasion.
🔥 Try them once, and you’ll be hooked! Save this recipe, share it with your wing-loving friends, and tell us how you made them your own.