Smoked Hot Honey Chicken Wings

why make this recipe

Smoked Hot Honey Chicken Wings are a delicious mix of sweet and spicy flavors. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just craving a tasty snack, these wings are sure to please everyone. They are easy to make and pack a punch with their smoky taste. Plus, the hot honey glaze gives them a unique twist that will impress your family and friends.

how to make Smoked Hot Honey Chicken Wings

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken wings
• 2 tbsp baking powder (aluminum-free)
• 1 tbsp dry BBQ rub
• 0.5 cup honey
• 2 tbsp hot sauce
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. Toss them with baking powder and dry rub until evenly coated. Place the wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet and refrigerate uncovered for 1 hour to air-dry.

2. Preheat your pellet grill or smoker to 225°F. Arrange the wings directly on the smoker grates and cook for 45–60 minutes until they begin to render fat and turn lightly golden.

3. While the wings cook, make the hot honey glaze. In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk together honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir in the butter and cook until melted and smooth.

4. Increase the smoker or grill temperature to 400°F. Sear the wings for about 2 minutes per side until the skin becomes crispy and golden brown.

5. Transfer the wings to a large mixing bowl and toss them with the warm hot honey glaze until evenly coated.

6. Return the glazed wings to the smoker for about 2 minutes to allow the glaze to become slightly sticky and caramelized.

7. Remove from the grill, garnish with sliced green onions if desired, and serve immediately.

how to serve Smoked Hot Honey Chicken Wings

Serve these wings hot right after cooking for the best taste. They make a fantastic appetizer or a delicious main dish. Pair them with celery sticks and a side of blue cheese dressing for dipping. They are great for parties, game days, or a casual family meal.

how to store Smoked Hot Honey Chicken Wings

If you have any leftovers, store the wings in an airtight container in the fridge. They can be kept for up to 3 days. When you want to reheat them, place the wings in the oven at 350°F until they are heated through and crispy.

tips to make Smoked Hot Honey Chicken Wings

• Make sure to dry the wings well before seasoning for extra crispiness.
• Experiment with different hot sauces to adjust the spice level to your liking.
• Let the glaze cool slightly before tossing it with the wings for the best coating.

variation

You can try different flavor profiles by adding garlic powder, or switching out the dry BBQ rub for another favorite seasoning. If you prefer milder wings, reduce the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw them completely before cooking. It helps ensure even cooking.

Can I cook these wings in the oven instead of a smoker?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 425°F and bake the wings on a wire rack for about 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What type of hot sauce works best?
Any hot sauce you enjoy will work! Try something like Frank’s RedHot for a mild kick or a hotter sauce if you like it spicy.

Smoked Hot Honey Chicken Wings

Deliciously sweet and spicy smoked chicken wings glazed with hot honey for a unique flavor twist, perfect for game day or a snack.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken wings
• 2 tbsp baking powder (aluminum-free)
• 1 tbsp dry BBQ rub
• 0.5 cup honey
• 2 tbsp hot sauce
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) For added spice
• Sliced green onions for garnish (optional) For garnish

Method

 

Preparation

1. Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels.
2. Toss the wings with baking powder and dry rub until evenly coated.
3. Place the wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet and refrigerate uncovered for 1 hour to air-dry.

Cooking

1. Preheat your pellet grill or smoker to 225°F.
2. Arrange the wings directly on the smoker grates and cook for 45–60 minutes until they begin to render fat and turn lightly golden.
3. While the wings cook, make the hot honey glaze: In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk together honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir in the butter and cook until melted and smooth.
4. Increase the smoker or grill temperature to 400°F. Sear the wings for about 2 minutes per side until the skin becomes crispy and golden brown.
5. Transfer the wings to a large mixing bowl and toss them with the warm hot honey glaze until evenly coated.
6. Return the glazed wings to the smoker for about 2 minutes to allow the glaze to become slightly sticky and caramelized.
7. Remove from the grill, garnish with sliced green onions if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Serve these wings hot for the best taste. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through and crispy.