Name: Baked Chicken Wings with Chipotle Hot Honey
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken wings; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 tablespoon kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper (to taste); 3 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons chipotle hot sauce (e.g., chipotle Tabasco); Celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing (for serving)

There’s nothing quite like chicken wings for satisfying a craving, especially when they’re perfectly crispy, tender, and dripping with bold, flavorful sauce. What if I told you that you could achieve all that without frying? That’s right—these Baked Chicken Wings with Chipotle Hot Honey are not only crispy and golden but also incredibly easy to make.

The secret to crispy wings in the oven? It’s baking powder. When tossed with chicken wings, baking powder works its magic by helping the skin brown and crisp beautifully in the oven. No need for a deep fryer or gallons of oil. To top it off, these wings are coated in a chipotle hot honey sauce that strikes the perfect balance between heat and sweetness. The result is sticky, spicy-sweet wings that you won’t be able to stop eating.

This recipe is perfect for game day, backyard barbecues, or any occasion where finger-licking-good food is required. And since they’re baked instead of fried, you can feel a little better about going back for seconds—or thirds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked chicken wing recipe is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen, and here’s why:

Crispy Without Frying: The baking powder trick ensures the wings get golden and crispy, just like they would in a deep fryer, but with less mess and less oil.
Bold and Flavorful Sauce: The chipotle hot honey sauce combines smoky heat with sweet honey for an irresistible glaze.
Easy to Make: With only a few ingredients and a straightforward method, this recipe is approachable even for beginners.
Perfect for Any Occasion: These wings are just as great for a casual family dinner as they are for a party or potluck.

Once you try these baked wings, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with frying.

Ingredients for Baked Chicken Wings with Chipotle Hot Honey

This recipe keeps it simple with just a handful of ingredients, but each one is crucial to creating the perfect wings.

Chicken Wings: Use whole wings or drumettes and flats for this recipe. Patting them dry before seasoning is key for crispiness.
Baking Powder: The MVP of this recipe. Baking powder helps the skin dry out in the oven, resulting in that coveted crispy texture.
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: For seasoning the wings and sauce.
Chipotle Hot Sauce: Look for a smoky hot sauce like chipotle Tabasco to bring the heat and depth of flavor.
Honey: Sweet and sticky, it balances the heat from the chipotle sauce beautifully.
Celery and Dressing: Classic wing accompaniments—celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing are perfect for dipping.

Optional: Add a squeeze of lime to the sauce for a tangy twist, or sprinkle the finished wings with fresh chopped cilantro.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have crispy, saucy wings ready in no time.

Step 1: Preheat the Broiler

Position the oven rack about 5 inches below the broiler and preheat it to high. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. This setup ensures the wings cook evenly and crisp up beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Wings

Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step is essential for achieving crispy skin. In a large bowl, toss the wings with 1 tablespoon of baking powder and 1 tablespoon of kosher salt until evenly coated. Let them sit for about 5 minutes—this allows the baking powder to start working its magic.

Step 3: Broil the Wings

Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re not crowded. Broil for 25–30 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F. The wings should be golden brown and crispy when done.

Tip: Keep an eye on the wings as they broil—ovens can vary, and you don’t want them to burn.

Step 4: Make the Chipotle Hot Honey Sauce

While the wings are cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of chipotle hot sauce, 3 tablespoons of honey, a pinch of salt, and a dash of freshly ground black pepper. Adjust the heat and sweetness to your liking by adding more honey or hot sauce.

Step 5: Coat the Wings

Once the wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the chipotle hot honey sauce over the wings and toss until they’re evenly coated. The sauce will cling to the crispy skin, creating a glossy, irresistible finish.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the wings immediately with celery sticks and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a wedge of lime if desired.

Serving Suggestions

These baked chicken wings are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

As an Appetizer: Perfect for parties, game days, or gatherings.
As a Main Dish: Pair the wings with a simple side salad, coleslaw, or even roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
With Extra Dipping Sauces: While ranch or blue cheese are classics, try serving the wings with a garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or a smoky barbecue sauce for variety.

Don’t forget to warm up some extra chipotle hot honey sauce for dipping—it’s the perfect finishing touch.

Tips for Perfect Baked Chicken Wings

Pat the Wings Dry: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the wings before seasoning.
Use Baking Powder (Not Baking Soda): Baking powder helps create crispy skin by raising the pH level and promoting browning. Don’t substitute it with baking soda, as it will give an unpleasant taste.
Space Out the Wings: Crowding the wings on the baking sheet will cause them to steam instead of crisp. Arrange them in a single layer with space between each wing.
Flip Halfway Through: Turning the wings during cooking ensures even browning on all sides.
Adjust the Sauce to Taste: If you prefer spicier wings, add more chipotle hot sauce. For a sweeter glaze, increase the honey.

Variations

This recipe is a great base for experimenting. Here are a few ideas to mix things up:

Smoky BBQ Wings: Swap the chipotle hot honey sauce for your favorite barbecue sauce mixed with a dash of liquid smoke.
Buffalo-Style Wings: Use classic Buffalo sauce instead of chipotle hot honey.
Asian-Inspired Wings: Toss the wings in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and a touch of sriracha.
Herb-Infused Wings: Sprinkle the wings with garlic powder, smoked paprika, or dried herbs before broiling for an extra layer of flavor.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 419
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 33g
Sugar: 16g

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning.

Can I make the sauce less spicy?
Absolutely! Reduce the amount of chipotle hot sauce and increase the honey for a milder flavor.

Can I bake the wings instead of broiling?
Yes, bake the wings at 425°F for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 375°F until warmed through and crispy.

These Baked Chicken Wings with Chipotle Hot Honey are everything you want in a wing—crispy, saucy, and packed with flavor. They’re proof that you don’t need to fry to get amazing results. Whether you’re serving them for a crowd or enjoying them solo, they’re sure to become a go-to recipe. Give them a try, and don’t forget to share your photos and let me know how they turn out!