These Honey Chipotle Chicken Wings are the ultimate combination of crispy, sticky, smoky, and sweet. Each wing is baked to golden perfection and tossed in a rich glaze made with honey and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Whether you’re serving them for a party, game night, or casual dinner, they deliver bold flavors and a satisfying crunch that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These wings are incredibly flavorful and easy to make. The honey adds a natural sweetness, while the chipotle peppers bring a smoky heat that isn’t overpowering. Baking instead of frying keeps them lighter without sacrificing that crispy skin. Plus, the recipe is versatile — you can grill, bake, or air fry the wings depending on your preference. It’s the perfect balance of spice and sweetness that appeals to a wide range of palates.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For The Chicken Wings:
2 pounds chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For The Honey Chipotle Sauce:
½ cup honey
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
2 teaspoons adobo sauce (from the chipotle can)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon onion powder
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly grease the rack with nonstick spray.
Pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness.
In a large mixing bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until all pieces are evenly coated.
Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack, making sure they are not touching each other.
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is golden brown and crisp.
While the wings are baking, prepare the honey chipotle sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the honey, chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, apple cider vinegar, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if using. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
Once the wings are done, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm honey chipotle sauce over the wings and toss until well coated.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions or fresh cilantro if desired.
Servings And Timing
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
Air Fryer Wings: Cook the wings in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Grilled Wings: Grill the wings over medium heat for about 20 minutes, turning occasionally until fully cooked and slightly charred.
Less Spicy Version: Use only one chipotle pepper and increase the honey to ¾ cup for a sweeter, milder sauce.
More Heat: Add extra chipotle peppers, cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce for a fiery version.
Boneless Option: Use boneless chicken thighs or tenders instead of wings. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Dry Rub Option: Skip the sauce and coat the wings in a dry rub made with paprika, garlic powder, cumin, and brown sugar.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place the wings on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through and crisp. Alternatively, reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the crispy texture.
FAQs
Can I Make These Wings Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can bake the wings in advance and refrigerate them. Reheat them in the oven, then toss with freshly warmed sauce just before serving.
What Are Chipotle Peppers In Adobo Sauce?
They are smoked, dried jalapeños canned in a tangy, spicy tomato-based sauce. They add deep flavor and a moderate heat to the dish.
Can I Use Frozen Wings?
Yes, but you must thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and baking to ensure crispiness.
Are These Wings Very Spicy?
They have a medium level of heat. You can adjust the spice by using more or fewer chipotle peppers or adding extra honey for balance.
What Should I Serve With These Wings?
Classic sides include celery sticks, ranch or blue cheese dressing, coleslaw, potato wedges, or cornbread.
Can I Double This Recipe?
Absolutely. Use two baking sheets or work in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure the wings stay crispy.
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Instead?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs or breast strips work well. Bake for slightly less time, checking for doneness at around 20 to 25 minutes.
How Do I Make Them Even Crispier?
Ensure the wings are completely dry before baking and use a wire rack to allow hot air to circulate. You can also broil the wings for the last 2 to 3 minutes.
Can I Use Maple Syrup Instead Of Honey?
Yes, but the flavor will be slightly different. Maple syrup offers a more earthy sweetness compared to honey.
How Do I Store The Sauce Separately?
Allow the sauce to cool and transfer it to a jar or airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week and reheat gently before using.
Conclusion
These Honey Chipotle Chicken Wings are a flavor-packed favorite that brings sweet heat and crispy texture to the table. Whether you bake, grill, or air fry them, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Perfect for entertaining or enjoying as a meal, they’re easy to make, versatile, and unforgettable.
Sweet, smoky, and spicy — these Honey Chipotle Chicken Wings are baked to crispy perfection and tossed in a sticky glaze made with honey, chipotle peppers, and warm spices. A bold and flavorful twist on classic wings.
Ingredients
2 lbs chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
For the Honey Chipotle Sauce:
1/2 cup honey
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
2 tsp adobo sauce
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp onion powder
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a greased wire rack on top.
Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss wings with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Arrange wings in a single layer on the rack. Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Meanwhile, prepare the sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Stir in honey, chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, vinegar, onion powder, and cayenne. Simmer 5–7 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
Transfer baked wings to a bowl. Pour the warm honey chipotle sauce over and toss to coat evenly.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired.
Notes
Use a wire rack when baking for maximum crispiness.
Adjust heat by using more or fewer chipotle peppers.
Wings can also be cooked in an air fryer or on the grill.
