Sticky Honey Buffalo Wings

Sticky honey buffalo wings bring a magical combo of sweet heat to any gathering. I lean on this recipe for game nights or when friends drop by, and every batch disappears faster than you would believe. They are sticky, spicy, a little tangy, and always crowd-pleasing—you just cannot go wrong.

Every time I make these wings the house fills with that inviting spicy aroma. Honestly my friends always beg for the recipe so it has officially become my signature appetizer.

Ingredients

• Chicken wings: Always best when they are plump with a little skin for maximum crisp and stickiness
• Garlic powder: Brings aroma and depth and fresh garlic can burn so I prefer the powder here
• Onion powder: For a mellow seasoning punch that never overwhelms
• Smoked paprika: Gives warmth and roundness to the rub buy the vivid red Spanish style for extra flavor
• Salt and black pepper: For essential balance and to make sure all the other spices shine
• Hot sauce: Such as Franks RedHot forms the backbone of the classic buffalo flavor choose a sauce with simple ingredients for the boldest bite
• Unsalted butter: Makes the sauce rich and silky reaching every nook and cranny on each wing
• Honey: Balances the heat with stickiness and sweetness opt for local honey if you have it
• Apple cider vinegar: Brings tang so the sauce pops and is not too heavy use an unfiltered variety for complexity
• Worcestershire sauce: Layers in umami and a finished depth always check the label for allergen details
• Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds color and a fresh note
• Celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing: For the full wing-eating experience crisp celery cuts heat and the creamy dip cools your palate

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 220 degrees Celsius or 425 degrees Fahrenheit right at the start so it is blazing hot and gives the wings a great chance to crisp very evenly

Prep the Chicken Wings:

Carefully pat every wing totally dry using paper towels this helps prevent steaming and builds up the crisp coat when baking. Mix your garlic powder onion powder smoked paprika salt and pepper in a big bowl then toss the wings in until each piece is evenly covered in the aromatic rub

Arrange and Bake:

Spread the wings out in a single layer on a wire rack perched above a parchment-lined tray this lets hot air circulate for maximum crispy skin. Bake the wings for thirty five to forty minutes flipping at the halfway mark so both sides get a blast of heat and color

Make the Sticky Sauce:

While the wings bake melt the butter gently in a saucepan using medium heat once liquid add hot sauce honey apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce whisk gently and let simmer for two or three minutes so the flavors come together and the sauce starts looking glossy and thicker

Coat the Wings:

Place your just-baked wings in a clean bowl tip the warm honey buffalo sauce right over them and toss everything until the wings are completely glistening and coated from edge to edge

Broil for Sticky Perfection:

Return the sauced wings to the rack and slide under a hot broiler for two to three minutes keep a close eye so nothing burns you just want a hit of caramelization and serious sticky shine on the surface

Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over hot wings right before going to the table add celery sticks and your choice of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping

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Personally I love adding a little bit more honey and watching everyone dive in for the very stickiest pieces. My kids always ask to help toss the wings so it has become a bit of a kitchen ritual for us right before guests arrive.

Storage Tips

Leftover sticky honey buffalo wings keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to reheat, bring them back on a baking tray in a hot oven so they crisp up again and the sauce gets glossy. I do not recommend using the microwave since it makes wings soft instead of keeping that caramelized sticky edge we love.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap in boneless chicken for easy eating just reduce the baking time since smaller pieces cook through faster. For a little less heat go with a milder hot sauce or use extra honey to tone things down. Butter can be replaced with a good plant-based version for a dairy-free option but keep in mind this may affect richness. Always read your Worcestershire sauce label if you need it gluten free.

Serving Suggestions

Make these the star of your game day platter alongside shoestring fries crispy veggies and your favorite dippable sauces. I often add extra blue cheese chunks to the dip just for fun. For a lighter meal serve the wings over a big green salad with lashings of leftover sauce as a dressing. They also pair perfectly with coleslaw for that essential cool crunchy contrast.

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This sticky honey buffalo wings recipe is destined to become your go-to party hit. Serve with extra napkins and enjoy the crowd's happy, saucy smiles.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How do I get extra crispy chicken wings?

Pat the wings very dry and air dry them in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before baking.

→ Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, increase or decrease the amount of hot sauce or honey to make the sauce spicier or sweeter.

→ Is grilling the wings possible?

Absolutely—grilling adds a smoky flavor and crispiness to the wings before tossing in sauce.

→ What can I serve alongside these wings?

Celery sticks and either blue cheese or ranch dressing pair perfectly with these wings.

→ Are there allergen considerations in this dish?

It contains dairy from butter and possible allergens in hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce. Check all labels carefully.

→ Can I use other chicken parts?

While wings are traditional, drumsticks or boneless bites can be used, adjusting cooking time as needed.