These Hot Honey Grilled Wings are the perfect blend of tangy Buffalo sauce and sweet, spicy hot honey. Grilled to crispy perfection, the wings are seasoned with a mixture of kosher salt, black pepper, and corn starch to ensure crispy skin. Once grilled, they are tossed in a flavorful homemade hot honey Buffalo sauce, making them an irresistible appetizer or main dish for any occasion. They’re perfect for a backyard BBQ, a game day snack, or simply as a tasty treat for wing lovers!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Wings:

• 2 pounds chicken wings (drums and flats)

• 1 tablespoon kosher salt

• 1 tablespoon coarse black pepper

• 1 teaspoon corn starch

For the Hot Honey Wing Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• ½ cup Frank’s RedHot sauce (or your favorite hot sauce)

• ⅓ cup hot honey

Directions

1. Prep the Grill:
   Prepare the grill for two-zone grilling, targeting 400°F in the cooking chamber. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, and corn starch together. Coat the wings with this seasoning (either by tossing them in a large bowl or shaking them in a plastic bag).

2. Grill the Wings (Direct Heat):
   Place the seasoned wings on the grill grate over direct heat. Grill for 3 to 4 minutes on one side until the wings get a nice sear, then flip and grill for another 3 to 4 minutes.

3. Grill the Wings (Indirect Heat):
   Once seared, move the wings to the indirect heat side of the grill and cook for an additional 16 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 180°F. The skin should be crispy.

4. Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
   Place a small cast-iron saucepan on the grill over direct heat. Add Frank’s RedHot sauce, hot honey, and butter to the pan. Stir until everything combines and the butter melts (about 8 minutes). Avoid bringing it to a boil. Alternatively, you can do this on the stove.

5. Sauce the Wings:
   Once the wings are done, place them in a large bowl and toss them immediately with the hot honey Buffalo sauce. Serve with ranch, celery, and carrots if desired.

Nutrients (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 827 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 49g

• Protein: 46g

• Fat: 51g

  • Saturated Fat: 18g

  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g

  • Monounsaturated Fat: 19g

  • Trans Fat: 1g

• Cholesterol: 219mg

• Sodium: 5511mg

• Potassium: 455mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 46g

• Vitamin A: 726IU

• Vitamin C: 2mg

• Calcium: 52mg

• Iron: 3mg

The Secret to Crispy, Flavorful Skin

The key to achieving perfectly crispy wings lies in the seasoning mix of kosher salt, black pepper, and corn starch. Corn starch is the secret ingredient that helps create a crisp, golden exterior while the wings cook, locking in moisture and ensuring the skin stays crunchy. This crispy skin is a great contrast to the tender, juicy meat inside, providing the perfect texture for each bite.

The seasoning mix is simple yet effective, allowing the natural flavor of the chicken to shine through. By evenly coating the wings with this mixture, you ensure that every part of the wing is flavorful and ready for the grill.

Grilled to Perfection

Grilling the wings over two-zone heat is the best method to achieve that perfectly cooked, crispy exterior while maintaining juicy, tender meat inside. The process begins with direct heat to get a good sear on the wings, creating a caramelized, flavorful crust. Grilling the wings for 3-4 minutes on each side allows them to get that nice char, while the indirect heat step ensures that the wings cook through without burning.

Once the wings are moved to the indirect heat side of the grill, they continue to cook slowly, reaching an internal temperature of 180°F. This low-and-slow method helps the wings become tender while keeping the skin crispy, making them the perfect texture for tossing in the hot honey Buffalo sauce.

The Hot Honey Buffalo Sauce

The magic happens when the wings are coated in the homemade hot honey Buffalo sauce. The combination of Frank’s RedHot sauce, hot honey, and butter creates a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. The tangy heat from the hot sauce is complemented by the sweetness of the honey, while the butter adds a smooth richness that coats the wings beautifully.

To make the sauce, simply melt the butter and combine it with the hot honey and Frank’s RedHot sauce in a small cast-iron saucepan. The sauce comes together quickly over direct heat, and it’s important not to bring it to a boil to maintain a smooth consistency. Once the sauce is ready, toss the grilled wings in the sauce to ensure they are evenly coated and bursting with flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These Hot Honey Grilled Wings are fantastic on their own, but they can be paired with some classic sides to make your meal even more satisfying. Serve them with creamy ranch or cooling blue cheese dressing for dipping, along with fresh celery and carrots for a crunchy, refreshing contrast to the spicy sweetness of the wings. You can also serve them alongside some grilled vegetables or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.

For a more indulgent experience, try serving the wings with a side of garlic butter rice or creamy mashed potatoes. The sweet and spicy flavors of the wings will pair beautifully with the richness of these sides.

Nutritional Information

While these wings are indulgent and packed with flavor, they do come with a high calorie and fat content. Each serving contains approximately 827 calories, with 46 grams of protein, making it a good source of protein for those looking to fuel up after a workout or satisfy their hunger with a hearty meal. The wings are also high in fat, particularly saturated fat, at 18 grams per serving, so they are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

With 49 grams of carbohydrates and 46 grams of sugar per serving, these wings are certainly a treat and not a regular part of a low-carb or sugar-conscious meal plan. The sodium content is relatively high at 5511 mg per serving, so it’s important to consider the overall salt intake if you’re watching your sodium levels.

These wings also provide some essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron, contributing to your daily nutrient intake while you enjoy this flavorful dish.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Wing Experience

Hot Honey Grilled Wings offer a bold and unforgettable flavor experience that will surely impress anyone who tries them. The combination of crispy, well-seasoned wings and the sweet, spicy hot honey Buffalo sauce creates a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Whether you’re grilling for a casual get-together, a game day snack, or an evening of indulgence, these wings will be a crowd favorite. They are easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and the perfect addition to any BBQ or party spread. Enjoy these wings as a delicious appetizer or main dish, and be prepared for your guests to ask for seconds!