Why Honey BBQ Wings Is a Must-make BBQ Recipe
When you think of finger-licking BBQ, honey BBQ wings immediately come to mind. These wings are a game-changer at any gathering, and trust me, they won’t last long on the table.
The combination of sweet honey and tangy BBQ sauce creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible. Plus, they’re versatile; whether it’s game day or a summer cookout, they fit right in.
I love how easy they’re to make, and the crispy texture adds that perfect crunch. So, if you want to impress your friends or family, honey BBQ wings are a must-make BBQ recipe you can’t ignore!
Ingredients of Honey BBQ Wings
When it comes to making the perfect honey BBQ wings, getting the ingredients right is the first step to deliciousness. Trust me, you don’t want to skimp on these. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating that mouthwatering flavor that’ll keep everyone coming back for more.
From the crispy coating to the sticky, sweet sauce, these wings are worth every second in the kitchen. So, let’s explore what you’ll need to whip up this tasty treat!
Ingredients for Honey BBQ Wings:
- 20 chicken wings
- 6 to 8 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 3/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon MSG (if desired)
- 1 1/4 cups ketchup
- 1/3 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke flavoring
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for the sauce)
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
Now, here’s a little tip when it comes to ingredients: freshness matters. Using fresh chicken wings will give you the best flavor and texture.
And while MSG can enhance the umami flavor, if you’re not a fan or want to keep it clean, feel free to leave it out. It won’t ruin your wings, I promise.
Also, if you’re not a huge fan of spicy, you can adjust the chili powder to suit your taste. Cooking is all about making it your own, after all!
How to Make Honey BBQ Wings
So, you’re ready to tackle the art of making Honey BBQ Wings? Fantastic choice! Let’s plunge into this finger-licking adventure together. First off, you’ll want to get that sauce simmering because, let’s be honest, the wings are only as good as the sauce they’re slathered in.
Grab a small saucepan and combine 1 1/4 cups of ketchup, 1/3 cup of white vinegar, 1/4 cup of molasses, 1/4 cup of honey, 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke flavoring, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder. Stir it all together over medium heat until it’s well mixed and bring it to a boil.
Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 15 to 20 minutes. Just enough time to contemplate your life choices—like why you decided to make wings when pizza was an option.
While the sauce is getting its groove on, it’s frying time! Heat up 6 to 8 cups of vegetable oil in a deep fryer set to 350 degrees. Seriously, you want that oil nice and hot; it’s the secret to crispy wings that don’t taste like they’ve been sitting in a sauna.
In the meantime, grab a small bowl and mix together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 1/2 teaspoons of salt, 3/4 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper, and 3/4 teaspoon of MSG, if you’re feeling adventurous.
In another bowl, whisk together 1 beaten egg and 1 cup of milk. You’ll do a little dance with the wings now—first, dip each wing into the flour mixture, then into the milk and egg mixture, and back into the flour for a nice, thick coating. It’s like giving each wing a cozy winter coat, and who doesn’t love that?
Now, it’s showtime! Carefully lower those breaded wings into the hot oil, and let them fry for about 9 to 12 minutes, or until they’re a light golden brown.
If you’re working with a small fryer, don’t be a hero—do it in batches. Trust me, it’s better than crowding them and ending up with soggy wings. Once they’re done, drain them on paper towels or a rack to get rid of the excess oil.
Now, remember that glorious sauce you made earlier? Brush a light coating of it over each wing, and voilà! You’ve just created a plate of Honey BBQ Wings that will have everyone begging for more.
Go on, serve them up hot and watch as they disappear faster than your last slice of cake at a family gathering.
Honey BBQ Wings Substitutions & Variations
While the classic Honey BBQ Wings are a crowd-pleaser, experimenting with substitutions and variations can take your wing game to the next level.
For a spicy twist, try adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can bake the wings instead of frying them.
You could also swap out molasses for maple syrup for a different sweetness. For a zesty flavor, toss in some lime juice or zest.
Don’t hesitate to mix up the spices; garlic powder or smoked paprika can elevate the flavor profile in delightful ways!
What to Serve with Honey BBQ Wings
After experimenting with various substitutions and variations for Honey BBQ Wings, you might be wondering what to pair them with for a complete meal.
I love serving them alongside crispy coleslaw for that crunchy contrast. You can’t go wrong with sweet potato fries either; they complement the wings perfectly.
For a revitalizing touch, I recommend a simple green salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette. If you’re feeling indulgent, some creamy mac and cheese makes for a fantastic side.
And don’t forget a cold beverage, like iced tea or a light beer, to wash it all down. Enjoy your feast!
Additional Tips & Notes
To make your Honey BBQ Wings even more delicious, consider marinating the wings for a few hours or overnight in a mixture of your favorite spices and a bit of the BBQ sauce.
If you like a bit of heat, add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade.
For extra crunch, try double-dipping the wings in the flour mixture.
Don’t forget to let the wings rest for a few minutes after frying; it helps them stay crispy.
Finally, serve them with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for that classic touch.
Enjoy your flavorful feast!