Juicy Chicken Wings with Spicy Honey
A simple snack with a golden crust and a bright sweet-and-piquant flavour. The wings first marinate with spices, then fry to a golden colour; the spicy honey is added at the end, so it doesn't burn, keeps its chilli aroma and coats the hot chicken in a glossy sticky glaze. The heat level is easy to choose — from mild piquancy to a truly fiery version.
Preparation
- 1
Blot the wings; optionally split each at the joint into two parts, keeping the tips for stock.
- 2
Transfer to a large bowl, add salt, spices and 1–2 tbsp oil and toss thoroughly by hand.
- 3
Marinate for 15–20 minutes.
- 4
Pour 0.5–1 cm of oil into a pan and heat well over medium.
- 5
Lay the wings in a single layer with gaps and fry ~18–25 minutes, turning occasionally, to a golden crust (in batches if needed).
- 6
Check doneness at the bone (clear juices, ≥74°C).
- 7
Rest on a rack or paper towel for 1–2 minutes.
- 8
Transfer the hot wings to a clean bowl, drizzle with spicy honey and toss quickly to coat each piece thinly (2 tbsp for mild, 3–4 for a stickier glaze).
- 9
Plate them, optionally sprinkle sesame, green onion or chilli flakes and serve immediately while the crust is crisp.
Chef's tips
- —Dry the wings well — excess moisture prevents a golden crust.
- —Don't add honey to the marinade before frying — it can burn quickly.
- —Don't crowd the pan, or the wings start to steam.
- —Turn the wings several times for an even crust.
- —Add the spicy honey to the hot chicken — the heat thins it so the glaze spreads evenly.
- —For a crisper crust add 1 tbsp cornstarch to the spices.
What to pair it with
Chicken wings with spicy honey pair well with cool sauces, crunchy vegetables and simple sides.
- ranch sauce
- garlic aioli
- cheese sauce
- coleslaw
- pickles
- carrot and celery sticks
- fries
- baked potato wedges
- grilled corn
- mac and cheese
✨ Perfect match
An especially good combination is hot wings, cool ranch sauce, pickles and fresh vegetables. The creamy sauce softens the heat, the vegetables add freshness, and the spicy honey creates a distinct sweet-and-spicy finish.
