Irresistible Honey BBQ Grilled Chicken Wings: Your Ultimate Guide to Crispy, Saucy Perfection

There’s something universally satisfying about a platter piled high with perfectly grilled chicken wings. That first bite into a crispy skin, followed by tender, juicy meat coated in a sticky, sweet, and tangy sauce – it’s pure culinary bliss. If you’re searching for the easiest and most delicious way to achieve this culinary dream, look no further than these Honey BBQ Grilled Chicken Wings, featuring the incredible new Honey BBQ sauce from Head Country Bar-B-Q. These wings are designed for maximum flavor and minimum fuss, making them ideal for sharing with friends, family gatherings, or simply treating yourself to an unforgettable meal. Served alongside a quick and creamy dipping sauce, they are truly a snack-time, party-time, or any-time triumph.

For me, grilled BBQ chicken wings have always held a special place. I remember countless summer evenings with “the Man” (my husband), visiting our favorite local spot for platters of crispy grilled wings and cold beers. There’s an undeniable charm to wings hot off the grill – the smoky aroma, the slightly charred edges, and that glorious glistening layer of sauce. And when we talk about sauce, we’re talking about something truly special today.

I am absolutely thrilled to introduce you to Head Country Bar-B-Q’s newest flavor sensation: Honey BBQ sauce. Head Country is renowned for its robust and flavorful sauces, but this new honey variety truly takes things to an entirely new level of finger-licking goodness. What sets it apart is its perfectly balanced sweetness. Unlike some overly saccharine honey BBQ sauces, this one offers the rich, unmistakable taste of real honey complemented by a complex blend of spices and a subtle smoky depth. It’s not just sweet; it’s intricately flavored, creating a savory-sweet profile that clings beautifully to chicken, especially grilled wings. This sauce is destined to become a pantry staple for anyone who appreciates truly exceptional barbecue flavor.

Key Ingredients for Your Honey BBQ Wings

Crafting these delectable honey BBQ grilled chicken wings requires a few star ingredients, each playing a crucial role in the final flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Chicken Wings: For optimal flavor and value, I recommend buying whole chicken wings and breaking them down into drumettes and flats yourself. This simple task takes only about 5 minutes and offers significant cost savings. However, if convenience is your priority, pre-cut drumettes and flats work just as well.
• Head Country Honey BBQ Sauce: This is truly the star of the show. Its balanced sweet, smoky, and spicy notes are what elevate these wings from good to extraordinary. You can easily find this exceptional honey bbq sauce online or at most local grocery stores. Check their store locator to find the closest retailer to you.
• Seasoning: To build a deep flavor foundation, I toss the wings with Head Country’s Original Championship Seasoning. Its rich blend of spices perfectly complements the honey BBQ sauce. This seasoning is also essential for adding a savory kick to our creamy dipping sauce. If you don’t have it on hand, a homemade blend of equal parts kosher salt, garlic powder, freshly cracked black pepper, and paprika can be a good substitute, though the Head Country blend is truly unique.
• Mayonnaise: This forms the rich, creamy base of our indispensable dipping sauce. For the best texture and flavor, always opt for real mayonnaise over salad dressing like Miracle Whip.
• Sour Cream: Paired with mayonnaise, full-fat sour cream adds a delightful tang and extra creaminess to the dip. If you prefer a lighter option, light sour cream can be used without significantly impacting the overall taste.
• Milk: A small amount of milk helps to thin the dipping sauce to the perfect consistency. Any type of milk will work, including whole, skim, 2%, or even an unflavored plant-based alternative if you prefer.

Essential Equipment for Grilling Perfect Wings

Having the right tools can make all the difference in achieving perfectly crispy and saucy grilled chicken wings. Here are the must-haves for this recipe:

• Head Country Honey BBQ Sauce and Original Championship Seasoning: While not equipment, these are absolutely critical for the recipe’s signature flavor.
• Sharp Chef’s or Butcher Knife & Plastic Cutting Board: If you’re breaking down whole wings, a high-quality, sharp knife and a dedicated plastic cutting board for raw poultry are indispensable for both efficiency and food safety.
• Large Mixing Bowls: I recommend having at least two large bowls from a metal mixing bowls set. One for coating the raw wings with seasoning before grilling, and a separate, clean one for tossing the cooked wings in the BBQ sauce. This prevents cross-contamination.
• Grill: My personal favorite is a Traeger pellet grill, which offers consistent heat and a wonderful smoky flavor, especially when using hickory hardwood pellets. However, any good charcoal or gas grill can deliver fantastic results.
• Silicone Brush: A heat-resistant silicone brush is perfect for applying the BBQ sauce to the wings as they cook on the grill, ensuring an even and thorough glaze.
• Meat Thermometer: Absolutely essential for food safety and ensuring your wings are cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F without being dry.
• Tongs: A good pair of 9-inch tongs is invaluable for safely handling the wings on the hot grill and for oiling the grates.
• French Wire Whisk: For smoothly combining the ingredients for your creamy dipping sauce.

How to Make Honey BBQ Grilled Chicken Wings

This recipe is straightforward, ensuring you get crispy, saucy wings every time. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare and Season the Wings

First, ensure your chicken wings are completely thawed if using frozen. Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels; this is a crucial step for achieving crispy skin. In a large mixing bowl, add your chicken wings and toss them generously with the Head Country BBQ Championship Original Seasoning, ensuring each wing is evenly coated. Set these aside while you prepare your grill. Preheat your grill to high heat, aiming for around 400˚F. Once preheated, lightly oil the grill grates using a paper towel drizzled with canola oil and held with tongs – this prevents sticking and helps create those beautiful grill marks.

2. Grill to Perfection

Carefully place the seasoned wings on the preheated grill grates. Close the grill lid and cook for approximately 30 minutes. During this time, flip the wings halfway through to ensure even cooking and to encourage crispiness on all sides. Use a reliable meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; the wings are cooked through when they register 165˚F in the thickest part. This ensures they are safe to eat and perfectly juicy.

In the final 5 minutes of grilling, brush the wings liberally with about 1/3 cup of the Head Country Honey BBQ sauce. Close the grill lid again and continue cooking for another 5 minutes. This step helps the sauce caramelize slightly, creating a delicious glaze that will adhere beautifully to the wings.

3. Prepare the Creamy Dipping Sauce

While your wings are cooking on the grill, you can easily whip up the creamy dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, and 1 tablespoon of Head Country BBQ Championship Original Seasoning. Stir these ingredients together until they are completely smooth and well combined. Once mixed, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. This dipping sauce is a fantastic component to make ahead of time; it will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

4. Final Sauce Toss and Serve

Once the wings are fully cooked and glazed on the grill, remove them and transfer them to a large, clean mixing bowl. Pour the remaining Head Country Honey BBQ sauce over the grilled wings. Toss them gently but thoroughly to ensure every wing is generously coated in that irresistible sticky, sweet, and smoky sauce. Serve these glorious wings immediately, accompanied by your chilled creamy dipping sauce. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Tips for Grilling Success

Achieving perfectly grilled wings is simpler than you might think with these expert tips:

• Thaw Frozen Wings Completely: If using frozen wings, always ensure they are fully thawed before seasoning and grilling. The best method is to transfer them to the refrigerator overnight. Grilling partially frozen wings will result in uneven cooking.
• Preheat Your Grill Thoroughly: Patience is key here! Allow your grill to reach the desired temperature (400˚F) and then let it stabilize for an additional 10-15 minutes before placing the wings on the grates. This consistent heat helps cook the wings evenly and creates beautiful caramelization and crispy skin.
• Pat Wings Dry for Crispy Skin: Excess moisture on the chicken skin is the enemy of crispiness. Before applying any seasoning, vigorously pat your wings dry with paper towels. This allows the skin to crisp up rather than steam.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Arrange the wings in a single layer with enough space between each piece. Overcrowding lowers the grill temperature and prevents air circulation, leading to steamed rather than crispy wings. You may need to cook in batches depending on your grill size.
• Monitor Internal Temperature: The only way to truly know your wings are cooked safely and to perfection is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the wing, avoiding the bone, to ensure it reaches 165˚F.

Other tasty wing recipes to explore: Dry Rub Wings | Bourbon Peach Wings | Crispy Korean BBQ Wings | Bourbon Habanero Wings

Do You Put Sauce on Before or After Grilling?

For these Honey BBQ Grilled Chicken Wings, the strategy is a combination of both – you sauce them during cooking and then again after! I like to brush the wings with a portion of the BBQ sauce in the final 5 minutes of grilling. This step allows the sauce to gently caramelize and form a delicious glaze on the wings, ensuring a fantastic flavor adhesion. Then, once they’re off the grill, a final generous toss in the remaining sauce ensures maximum sauciness and flavor in every single bite. This dual-saucing method is key to getting that perfect sticky, sweet, and deeply flavored exterior.

How Do You Keep Chicken Wings From Sticking to the Grill?

Preventing your chicken wings from sticking to the grill grates is simple but crucial. The most effective method is to ensure your grates are meticulously clean and thoroughly oiled before adding the chicken. I achieve this by drizzling canola oil (or another high smoke point oil) onto a folded paper towel. Then, using tongs, I carefully rub the oiled towel across the hot grill grates. This creates a non-stick surface that allows the wings to release easily, resulting in beautiful grill marks and perfectly crispy skin. Remember, clean, hot, and oiled grates are your best friend for non-stick grilling.

Need some more inspiration for appetizers? Check out my appetizer recipes page!

How to Serve Honey BBQ Grilled Chicken Wings

These Honey BBQ Grilled Chicken Wings are so incredibly flavorful and saucy that they are absolutely fantastic on their own. However, they are also incredibly versatile and can be served in a multitude of ways, whether as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a delicious main course. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:

As an Appetizer:

• With Dipping Sauces: Our creamy homemade dipping sauce is a must-have, but you could also offer other favorites like ranch, blue cheese, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.
• Alongside Chips and Dips: For a party, consider serving these wings with easy-to-prepare chip and dip combos. My personal favorites include a rich spinach and artichoke goat cheese dip or a unique crab rangoon dip with crispy wonton chips.

As a Main Course:

• BBQ Feasts: These wings make an excellent starter for a larger BBQ spread. Follow them up with a build-your-own gourmet BBQ burger bar, tender and juicy BBQ apple cider Traeger ribs, or a perfectly grilled New York strip steak.
• Accompanied by Sides: If the wings are the star, pair them with robust side dishes. A refreshing sun-dried tomato pasta salad or crispy Brussels sprouts with balsamic are fantastic veggie-packed options. Other great choices include creamy coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, or a classic potato salad.

Beverage Pairings:

• Refreshing Cocktails: For a festive gathering, a pitcher of chile beer sangria offers a unique and flavorful twist. For smaller groups, a simple and elegant gin and ginger ale cocktail is always a hit.
• Non-Alcoholic Options: Classic lemonade, iced tea, or even a sparkling apple cider complement the sweet and savory notes of the wings beautifully.

I genuinely hope you enjoy making and devouring this honey BBQ grilled chicken wings recipe. If you do, please take a moment to give it a rating or leave a comment below. Your feedback means the world to me, and I always make an effort to respond to every single comment. Feel free to drop any questions you might have as well!

And don’t forget to tag me on Instagram if you share your culinary creations! Seeing these recipes come to life in your homes is truly my favorite thing, and I love looking through all your photos. It makes all the effort worthwhile!