Honey BBQ Wings from Buffalo Wild Wings feature tender chicken wings glazed with a sweet and smoky honey barbecue sauce, delivering a juicy bite coated in a sticky, flavorful glaze with a hint of tangy spice.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
When preparing the chicken wings, ensure they are thoroughly dried before coating with baking powder to achieve a crispy texture during frying. The combination of paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper provides a balanced spice level that enhances the honey BBQ glaze without overpowering it. Use high-quality BBQ sauce and raw honey for a natural sweetness and authentic flavor in your glaze. Incorporate apple cider vinegar to introduce a subtle tang that brightens the savory and sweet notes of the sauce. Your homemade Honey BBQ Wings can closely mimic the juicy, sticky, and flavorful wings found on Buffalo Wild Wings' copycat menu.
Instructions
- Preheat deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, toss wings with baking powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika until evenly coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in deep fryer.
- Fry wings in batches for 8–10 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Transfer fried wings to a wire rack on a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
- In a saucepan, combine BBQ sauce, honey, unsalted butter, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Whisk sauce mixture over medium heat until butter melts and sauce is smooth.
- Pour hot sauce over wings in a mixing bowl.
- Toss wings until evenly coated with sauce using tongs.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Honey BBQ Wings from Buffalo Wild Wings copycat recipes allow you to recreate the signature sweet and smoky flavor at home using accessible ingredients. If you don't have apple cider vinegar, substitute it with white vinegar or lemon juice to maintain acidity. When frying chicken wings, ensure the oil temperature is steady at 350degF to get a crispy texture without greasiness. Using baking powder helps crisp the skin but make sure it's aluminum-free to avoid any metallic taste. You can adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference, giving your wings a personalized kick.
Tips
Ensure the chicken wings are thoroughly dried with paper towels before coating; excess moisture prevents crispiness during frying. Tossing wings with baking powder creates a light, crunchy texture by helping crisp the skin without seasoning the meat. When frying, maintain the oil temperature at 375degF (190degC) to cook wings evenly and avoid greasy results. You should toss the wings in the warm honey BBQ sauce right before serving to keep the glaze sticky and flavorful without becoming soggy.
Nutritions
Honey BBQ Wings from Buffalo Wild Wings contain protein-rich chicken wings that provide essential amino acids important for muscle repair and growth. The honey and BBQ sauce add sugars, contributing to the overall carbohydrate content, which provides quick energy but may also increase calorie intake. Seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper add minimal calories while enhancing flavor and offering antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. Your nutritional profile for this dish includes fats from frying and butter, carbohydrates from the sauce, and protein from the chicken, so moderation is key to balancing your meal.
Storage
Store leftover Honey BBQ Wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their flavor and texture. Reheat them in an oven at 350degF (175degC) for 10-15 minutes on a wire rack over a baking sheet to keep the wings crispy while warming your food evenly. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess and preserve the sticky, flavorful glaze on your wings.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute smoked paprika with chipotle powder to add a deeper smoky flavor to your honey BBQ wings. For a baking option, try cooking the coated wings at 425degF (220degC) on a wire rack for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispness. Replace apple cider vinegar with fresh lemon juice to introduce a brighter tanginess that complements the honey sweetness. Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity if you prefer milder or spicier wings based on your taste preference.
Allergies
Honey BBQ Wings from Buffalo Wild Wings contain ingredients such as honey and butter, which may cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to bee products or dairy. The BBQ sauce could include common allergens like soy or gluten depending on the brand used, so checking ingredient labels is important for your safety. Cross-contamination with other allergens can occur during preparation, making it essential to inform the restaurant of any food allergies before ordering.
Why this recipe?
Buffalo Wild Wings' Honey BBQ Wings are celebrated for their perfect balance of sweet honey and smoky barbecue flavors, creating a mouthwatering taste that satisfies both savory and sweet cravings. The wings are smoked to tender perfection and coated in a rich, sticky sauce that enhances every bite. You'll appreciate how making this copycat recipe at home allows you to customize the sweetness and spice levels to match your personal preference while enjoying a restaurant-quality experience. Trying this recipe is worth it because it delivers the addictive flavor profile and texture that fans of Buffalo Wild Wings love, making it a favorite for game day or casual gatherings.