Irresistible Honey BBQ Grilled Chicken Wings: The Ultimate Easy Recipe for Crispy, Flavorful Perfection
Get ready to elevate your grilling game with the most mouth-watering Honey BBQ Grilled Chicken Wings you’ve ever tasted! This recipe makes preparing your favorite crispy, saucy snack an absolute breeze. Featuring the incredible new Honey BBQ sauce from Head Country Bar-B-Q, these wings are not just a meal; they’re an experience, perfect for sharing at any gathering and made even better with a simple, creamy dipping sauce.
Who can resist the allure of a generously piled platter full of perfectly cooked chicken wings? Few things compare to the simple joy of sinking your teeth into a wing that’s crispy from the grill, drenched in a rich, tangy, and sweet sauce, and complemented by a cool, creamy dip. For me, grilled BBQ chicken wings are a supreme culinary delight. I fondly remember countless summer evenings before our little Babycakes arrived, when my husband and I would frequent our favorite local spot for grilled wings and cold beers. There’s a certain magic to that combination, especially as the weather warms.
I genuinely cannot resist them, particularly when they are impeccably seasoned and gloriously saucy. That perfect balance of texture and flavor is what makes them truly addictive.
Speaking of sauciness, let’s dive into the star of this show: the sauce itself!
The Star of the Show: Head Country Honey BBQ Sauce
Friends, I am beyond excited to share this recipe with you because it features a phenomenal new flavor from Head Country Bar-B-Q. And what is this sensational new flavor, you ask? It’s their fantastic new Honey BBQ sauce!
Head Country Bar-B-Q is already renowned for delivering a powerful punch of robust flavor with all their existing sauces, but this new Honey BBQ sauce truly takes things to an entirely new level of finger-lickin’ goodness. What makes it so exceptional for me is its perfectly balanced sweetness. It captures that beautiful, classic honey flavor with the expected touch of sweetness, but it’s far from overpowering. What truly sets it apart is a sophisticated blend of spices and a subtle smokiness that provide the sauce with incredible depth and complexity. It’s a flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting, making it utterly irresistible.
This sauce is not just good; it’s absolutely ideal for chicken in any form – whether baked, fried, or slow-cooked. However, its characteristics truly shine when paired with grilled chicken wings! The heat of the grill caramelizes the sugars in the honey, creating a glorious, sticky glaze that adheres perfectly to the crispy skin of the wings, sealing in all that amazing flavor.
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Key Ingredients for Perfect Honey BBQ Grilled Chicken Wings
Crafting exceptional grilled chicken wings starts with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need for this irresistible recipe:
- Chicken wings – For this recipe, I typically opt to buy whole chicken wings and expertly break them down into drumettes and flats myself. This process takes only about 5 minutes once you get the hang of it, and it ultimately saves a significant amount of money compared to purchasing them pre-cut. However, if you prefer to skip this step for convenience, feel free to buy them already broken down. Ensure your wings are fully thawed before seasoning for even cooking.
- Honey BBQ Sauce – The unmistakable star of these honey BBQ wings is, of course, the incredible Head Country Honey BBQ sauce. It has quickly become my new go-to barbecue sauce! You can conveniently purchase it online or find it at most local grocery stores. To locate the closest store near you, simply click here! Its perfect balance of sweetness and smoky depth is what makes these wings truly special.
- Seasoning – To perfectly season the wings, I generously toss them with Head Country’s Original Championship Seasoning. This rich, savory blend of spices is designed to complement their BBQ sauces beautifully, creating a harmonious flavor profile that perfectly underpins the sweet honey BBQ. You’ll also use this seasoning to add a delicious kick to your creamy dip. If Head Country seasoning isn’t available, a homemade blend of equal parts kosher salt, garlic powder, freshly cracked black pepper, and paprika makes an excellent substitute, providing a similar savory base.
And for that essential dipping sauce:
- Mayonnaise – The foundation of our creamy dipping sauce is a combination of mayonnaise and sour cream. For the best flavor and texture, I highly recommend using a good quality, full-fat mayonnaise. Please avoid using Miracle Whip, as its different flavor profile and consistency will alter the intended taste of the dip.
- Sour cream – Alongside mayonnaise, full-fat sour cream is crucial here, offering a rich tang and velvety texture that perfectly balances the sweetness of the wings. While full-fat is best for optimal flavor, you can certainly use a light sour cream if you prefer a lighter option without compromising too much on creaminess.
- Milk – A splash of milk is used to adjust the consistency of the dip, ensuring it’s perfectly dippable. Any kind of milk works wonderfully – whether whole, skim, 2%, or even an unflavored alternative milk if you have dietary preferences. It’s just there to loosen it up to your desired thickness.
Essential Tools for Grilling Success
Having the right tools can make all the difference in preparing these delicious wings. Here are the must-haves for this recipe:
- Head Country Products: Our journey to perfect wings begins with the stars of the show: Head Country Honey BBQ Sauce and Head Country Original Championship Seasoning. These premium products ensure authentic, rich flavor.
- Knives and Cutting Board: If you’re opting to break down whole wings yourself, a good quality chef’s knife or butcher knife along with a sturdy plastic cutting board are indispensable. These tools allow for precise cuts and safe food preparation.
- Mixing Bowls: I always recommend having at least two large bowls from a durable metal mixing bowls set. One is for coating the raw wings with seasoning before cooking, ensuring no cross-contamination. The second, clean bowl is reserved for tossing the cooked wings with the final BBQ sauce, maximizing flavor and maintaining hygiene.
- Grill: My personal favorite for this recipe is my robust Traeger grill. Its generous size is perfect for both casual weeknight grilling and larger backyard parties, providing consistent heat and incredible smoky flavor from wood pellets. However, these wings are equally delicious when cooked on a traditional charcoal grill, which imparts a classic char and smoky taste.
- Silicone Brush: A reliable silicone basting brush is essential for evenly applying the BBQ sauce to the wings as they cook on the grill. Silicone bristles are ideal because they don’t shed and are easy to clean.
- Meat Thermometer: To guarantee food safety and perfectly cooked, juicy wings, an accurate instant-read meat thermometer is a non-negotiable tool.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Honey BBQ Grilled Chicken Wings
Follow these simple steps to create perfectly crispy, saucy, and flavor-packed grilled chicken wings:
Prepare and Season the Wings
Before you begin, ensure your chicken wings are completely thawed and patted thoroughly dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps achieve that desirable crispy skin. In a large mixing bowl, add your prepared chicken wings. Sprinkle generously with the Head Country BBQ Championship Original Seasoning, then toss them vigorously until each wing is evenly coated. Every nook and cranny should be covered with that savory rub. Set the seasoned wings aside while you prepare your grill. Preheat your grill to a consistent high heat, aiming for around 400˚F. Once preheated, lightly oil the grill grates with canola oil using a paper towel held with tongs to prevent sticking.
Grill to Perfection
Carefully place the seasoned wings directly onto the preheated, oiled grill grates. Close the grill lid and cook for a total of 30 minutes. During this time, remember to turn the wings halfway through (at about the 15-minute mark) to ensure even cooking and beautiful crisping on all sides. You’ll know they are perfectly cooked when the skin is wonderfully crisp and golden, and the internal temperature, measured with a reliable meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the wing (avoiding the bone), registers a safe 165˚F (74˚C).
In the final 5 minutes of grilling, open the lid and generously brush the wings with approximately 1/3 cup of the Head Country Honey BBQ sauce. Close the lid again and allow them to cook for the remaining 5 minutes. This creates a delectable, caramelized glaze that truly brings the flavor to life.
Whip Up the Creamy Dip
While your wings are cooking on the grill, take this time to prepare the accompanying creamy dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the dip (mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, and the remaining Head Country BBQ Championship Original Seasoning). Stir thoroughly until all components are well combined and the dip is smooth and consistent. For optimal flavor melding and a refreshing chill, cover the bowl and set it aside in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. This dipping sauce is also an excellent component to prepare ahead of time, as it will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days, allowing flavors to deepen.
Final Sauce and Serve
Once the wings are perfectly grilled and glazed, carefully remove them from the grill and transfer them into a large, clean mixing bowl. Pour the remaining Head Country Honey BBQ sauce over the hot wings. Toss vigorously to ensure every single wing is thoroughly coated in that glorious, sticky sauce. The warmth of the wings will help the sauce adhere beautifully. Serve your freshly sauced wings immediately alongside the chilled creamy dipping sauce. Get ready for a flavor explosion!
Tips for Grilling Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Like a Pro
Achieving perfect grilled wings every time is easy with a few key tips:
- Thaw Frozen Wings Completely: If you’re using frozen wings, it is absolutely crucial to ensure they are completely thawed before you begin seasoning and grilling. I recommend transferring them to the refrigerator overnight to thaw slowly and safely. Grilling partially frozen wings will result in uneven cooking and potentially unsafe internal temperatures.
- Always Preheat Your Grill: Don’t rush the preheating process. I like to let my grill come up to its target temperature (400˚F) and then let it continue to heat for an additional 10-15 minutes before placing the wings on the grates. This allows the grates to get sufficiently hot, which is key for achieving even cooking, those beautiful grill marks, and preventing the wings from sticking.
- Pat Wings Dry for Extra Crispiness: This is a game-changer! Before seasoning, use paper towels to thoroughly pat your chicken wings dry. Removing excess moisture from the skin is the secret to getting that coveted crispy texture on the grill.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Resist the temptation to pile too many wings onto the grill at once. Overcrowding reduces airflow and lowers the grill’s temperature, leading to steamed rather than crispy wings. Give each wing enough space to breathe and cook evenly. Grill in batches if necessary.
- Monitor for Flare-Ups: Since BBQ sauce contains sugar and chicken wings have fat, flare-ups can occur. Keep a spray bottle of water nearby to quickly extinguish any flames without losing too much heat. This prevents charring the wings while ensuring even cooking.
Looking for more amazing wing recipes? Explore these tasty options: Dry Rub Wings | Bourbon Peach Wings | Crispy Korean BBQ Wings | Bourbon Habanero Wings
FAQ: When to Apply BBQ Sauce to Chicken Wings on the Grill?
For the best results with grilled chicken wings, you actually apply the BBQ sauce both during the cooking process and again after they come off the grill. My preferred method is to brush the wings with a portion of the sauce in the final 5 minutes of cooking. This timing allows the sugars in the honey BBQ sauce to caramelize slightly, creating a beautiful, sticky glaze without burning. This initial application helps the sauce adhere wonderfully to the crispy skin. Then, once the wings are fully cooked and removed from the grill, they are tossed in a fresh batch of the remaining sauce. This dual-application ensures maximum flavor, incredible moisture, and that irresistible, saucy finish.
FAQ: Preventing Chicken Wings from Sticking to the Grill
The key to preventing chicken wings from sticking to your grill grates is proper preparation of the grill surface. First and foremost, ensure your grill is thoroughly preheated to the correct temperature. A cold or lukewarm grill is much more prone to sticking. Once hot, generously oil the grates. My favorite technique is to drizzle a high smoke point oil, such as canola or vegetable oil, onto a folded paper towel. Then, using long-handled tongs, carefully rub the oiled towel across the hot grill grates. This creates a non-stick barrier. You can even do this while the grill is hot, ensuring a fresh coat of oil right before the wings go on, all without risking your fingers. Additionally, make sure your wings are patted dry before placing them on the grill, as excess moisture can also contribute to sticking.
FAQ: Can I Bake These Wings Instead of Grilling Them?
Absolutely! While grilling imparts a unique smoky flavor and char, these Honey BBQ Chicken Wings can be deliciously baked in the oven as well. To bake them, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack set over a baking sheet (for extra crispiness). Bake for 40-50 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy. Just like with grilling, brush with 1/3 cup of the Honey BBQ sauce during the final 10 minutes of baking to create that beautiful glaze, then toss with the remaining sauce after removing from the oven.
Craving more appetizer inspiration? Dive into my extensive appetizer recipes page for a variety of crowd-pleasing bites!
How to Serve Your Honey BBQ Grilled Chicken Wings
These Honey BBQ Grilled Chicken Wings are so flavorful and saucy, they are absolutely fantastic on their own as a standalone snack or appetizer! However, if you’re hosting a party, looking for a refreshing drink pairing, or planning a full meal, I’ve got you covered with some perfect accompaniments.
For a refreshing beverage, consider a vibrant chile beer sangria. It’s a fun, unique take on a cocktail that’s ideal for a crowd and offers a little more festivity than just cracking open a beer. If you’re entertaining a smaller, more intimate group, whipping up a simple yet elegant gin and ginger ale cocktail provides a crisp and clean contrast to the rich wings.
When hosting a party, I love to serve these wings with an easy-to-prepare chip and dip combo. My personal favorites that pair wonderfully with the sweet and savory wings include a creamy spinach and artichoke goat cheese dip or a decadent crab rangoon dip with crispy wonton chips. These offer different textures and flavors that complement the wings without overwhelming them.
Are you serving these wings as the grand opening act before a main course? Follow them up with a customizable gourmet BBQ burger bar, where everyone can build their dream burger. Alternatively, juicy, tender BBQ apple cider Traeger ribs provide another smoky, succulent option. For a more sophisticated main, a perfectly seared grilled New York strip steak would make an impressive follow-up.
If you envision this recipe as more of a centerpiece, surrounded by a medley of delightful side dishes, then a refreshing sun-dried tomato pasta salad offers a light, zesty counterpoint. And for a fantastic veggie-packed option, crispy Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze provide a savory, slightly bitter crunch that balances the sweetness of the wings beautifully.
Finally, if you whip up this delicious honey BBQ grilled chicken wings recipe, please take a moment to give it a rating or leave a comment below! I genuinely love hearing about your culinary creations, and I make an effort to respond to every single comment. Don’t hesitate to drop any questions you might have as well – I’m here to help!
Oh, and be sure to tag me on Instagram if you share your photos! Seeing these recipes come to life in your homes is truly my favorite part of this work, and I cherish looking through all your wonderful pictures. It truly means the world to me!
Honey BBQ Grilled Chicken Wings
5 minutes
30 minutes
35 minutes
6
equipment
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French Wire Whisk
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Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
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9-Inch Tongs
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Traeger Lil Tex Elite 34 Pellet Grill
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Hickory Hardwood Grill Pellets
ingredients
- 4 lbs chicken wings broken down into drummettes and flats
- 1 Tbsp Head Country BBQ Championship Original Seasoning
- 1 cup Head Country Honey BBQ Sauce
- DIPPING SAUCE
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 Tbsp milk
- 1 Tbsp Head Country BBQ Championship Original Seasoning
instructions
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Preheat the grill to high heat (about 400˚F). Oil grates lightly.
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Add wings to a large bowl and add Head Country BBQ Championship Original Seasoning. Toss to coat the wings evenly in the seasoning.
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Place wings on the grill. Cover and cook for 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the skin is crispy and they are cooked through. They should register 165˚F internally on a meat thermometer. In the final 5 minutes of cooking, brush the wings with 1/3 cup of the sauce, cover and cook for 5 minutes.
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While the wings are cooking, make the dipping sauce by stirring together all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl until combined. Set aside in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
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Remove the wings from the grill and add to a large bowl. Toss to coat the wings in the remaining sauce.
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Serve with dipping sauce.
nutrition
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Carbohydrates: 24g
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Protein: 32g
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Fat: 44g
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Saturated Fat: 12g
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Polyunsaturated Fat: 14g
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Monounsaturated Fat: 14g
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Trans Fat: 0.3g
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Cholesterol: 145mg
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Sodium: 738mg
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Potassium: 463mg
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugar: 17g
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Vitamin A: 570IU
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Vitamin C: 2mg
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Calcium: 141mg
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Iron: 4mg
625kcal
American
Appetizer