Wings are a classic favorite for game days and casual get-togethers, but our Honey Old Bay Wings recipe takes them to the next level. We’ve combined the sweet, sticky goodness of honey with the bold, zesty kick of Old Bay seasoning for a flavor combo that’s impossible to resist. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves a little spice balanced with a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is essential for crafting our Honey Old Bay Wings with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Below we break down everything you need.
Chicken Wings
We start with high-quality chicken wings to ensure crispy texture and tender meat. Here’s what we use:
- 2 pounds fresh chicken wings, tips removed and wings separated into flats and drumettes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for coating the wings before baking or frying)
Honey Old Bay Sauce
The heart of this recipe is the Honey Old Bay Sauce that delivers that signature sweet and zesty kick. Ingredients for the sauce include:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Honey | ⅓ cup | Preferably raw or wild honey for richer flavor |
| Old Bay Seasoning | 1 tablespoon | The star spice blend |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons | Unsalted, for smooth richness |
| Garlic Powder | 1 teaspoon | Adds subtle depth |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tablespoon | Freshly squeezed for brightness |
Additional Seasonings
To enhance the wings’ flavor and provide a crispy finish, we add these seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika — for a hint of smokiness
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper — optional for added heat
- 1 teaspoon salt — to season the chicken thoroughly
- Freshly ground black pepper — to taste
With these ingredients ready, we’re set to create wings bursting with sweet, spicy, and savory notes that everyone will love.
Equipment Needed
To make our Honey Old Bay Wings perfectly crispy and flavorful, we rely on a precise set of kitchen tools. Here’s what we need to prepare, cook, and serve these wings with ease and confidence:
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large mixing bowl | To toss the wings with olive oil and seasoning evenly |
| Baking sheet | Provides a sturdy surface for roasting the wings |
| Wire rack | Elevates wings for even heat circulation and crispiness |
| Measuring spoons | Ensures precise measurement of seasoning and honey |
| Small saucepan | Melts and combines honey, butter, and spices for sauce |
| Tongs | For turning wings and coating with sauce |
| Instant-read thermometer | Checks the internal temperature for perfectly cooked wings |
| Parchment paper or foil | Optional; lines baking sheet for easy cleanup |
| Serving platter | Displays the wings attractively for guests |
We start by tossing the wings in our large mixing bowl, ensuring each wing is coated in olive oil and the smoky, spicy seasoning blend. Then, placing the wings on the wire rack over the baking sheet helps air circulate around them. This step is key for the wings to crisp up beautifully without sitting in their own juices.
While the wings bake, we use a small saucepan to melt butter and mix in honey, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and lemon juice. This rich and zesty sauce will perfectly complement the wings’ crispy exterior.
Once the wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F verified by our instant-read thermometer, we remove them and toss with the warm Honey Old Bay Sauce using tongs until each piece is evenly coated with that signature glaze.
Having these tools ready is essential for executing this recipe smoothly and achieving the best texture and flavor in our Honey Old Bay Wings.
Preparation
To create perfectly crispy Honey Old Bay Wings, we need to focus on two main steps: preparing the chicken wings and making the Honey Old Bay Sauce. These preparatory actions set the foundation for wings bursting with flavor.
Preparing the Chicken Wings
- Start with high-quality chicken wings—drumettes and flats separated for even cooking.
- Pat the wings dry thoroughly with paper towels. Removing excess moisture ensures a crispy skin.
- Toss the wings in a large mixing bowl with:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
This seasoning mix enhances the wings’ crispiness and core flavor.
4. Arrange the wings in a single layer on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. This setup encourages even air circulation and roasting.
5. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake wings for 35-40 minutes.
6. Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe, juicy wings.
Making the Honey Old Bay Sauce
While the wings roast, we prepare the sauce that gives this recipe its signature sweet and spicy kick:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Butter | 4 tablespoons | Melted |
| Honey | 3 tablespoons | Preferably raw honey |
| Old Bay Seasoning | 2 tablespoons | Adds zest and heat |
| Garlic Powder | ½ teaspoon | Enhances savory notes |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tablespoon | Adds brightness |
Steps:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely.
- Stir in honey until thoroughly combined.
- Add Old Bay seasoning and garlic powder, whisking until evenly incorporated.
- Remove from heat, then stir in fresh lemon juice for a tangy finish.
- Keep warm until wings come out of the oven.
These preparatory steps ensure the wings become a perfect canvas coated in the rich, balanced sweet and spicy Honey Old Bay Sauce.
Cooking Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to bake and coat our Honey Old Bay Wings perfectly, achieving that ideal balance of crispiness and flavorful glaze.
Baking the Wings
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Position the oven rack in the middle for even heat distribution.
- Arrange the prepared chicken wings on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet to ensure the air circulates and the skin crisps evenly.
- Bake the wings for 35-40 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to promote uniform browning on both sides.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the wings. They are done when they reach 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the wings from the oven and allow them to rest for 3-5 minutes before tossing in sauce. This pause keeps the juices locked inside, enhancing flavor and texture.
| Temperature | Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| 425°F (220°C) | 35-40 mins | Flip wings halfway; check for 165°F internal temp |
Tossing Wings in Sauce
- While the wings are baking, prepare the Honey Old Bay Sauce by melting butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in honey, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and fresh lemon juice. Heat gently until the sauce is warm and well-combined but not boiling.
- Transfer the hot wings to a large mixing bowl. Pour the Honey Old Bay Sauce over them.
- Toss the wings vigorously but gently to evenly coat each piece with the rich, sweet-spicy glaze.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the wings crispy outside and perfectly sauced inside.
“Coating the wings while they are hot ensures the sauce clings beautifully, creating that signature sticky, flavorful finish.”
Serving Suggestions
Serving Honey Old Bay Wings hot and fresh is key to savoring their full flavor. Let’s explore some ideal garnishes and side dishes that perfectly complement these wings and elevate your game day or casual meal experience.
Garnishes and Sides
To enhance the visual appeal and boost flavor layers, consider these garnishes and side accompaniments:
- Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the wings to add a bright, herbal note and vibrant color contrast.
- Lemon Wedges: Serve with wedges of fresh lemon to squeeze just before eating—this adds a refreshing citrus zing balancing the honey sweetness and Old Bay savory spice.
- Celery and Carrot Sticks: Crisp, cool celery and carrot sticks provide a classic crunchy counterpoint. Their subtle sweetness and crunch help cleanse the palate.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer a creamy cooling dip like ranch or blue cheese to balance the spiced Honey Old Bay glaze. These dips also add a luscious texture contrast.
- Coleslaw: A crisp and tangy coleslaw made with a light vinaigrette or creamy dressing pairs beautifully with the wings’ sticky, spicy profile.
- French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy fries, especially sweet potato fries, resonate with both the sweet and savory notes of the wings, enhancing the overall comfort food vibe.
| Garnish / Side | Flavor Contribution | Texture Contrast |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Parsley or Cilantro | Herbal brightness | Light crispness |
| Lemon Wedges | Citrus tang | Juicy burst |
| Celery and Carrot Sticks | Crisp, subtle sweetness | Crunch |
| Ranch or Blue Cheese Dip | Creamy, cooling | Smooth |
| Coleslaw | Tangy or creamy crunch | Crisp |
| French Fries/Sweet Potato Fries | Salty, crispy | Crunchy |
“We love pairing our Honey Old Bay Wings with crunchy, cool celery sticks and a tangy blue cheese dip. The contrast in textures and flavors truly makes the experience unforgettable.”
With this lineup, your wings will shine as the star of your spread, perfectly balanced by these carefully chosen sides and garnishes.
Make-Ahead Tips
Planning ahead can elevate our Honey Old Bay Wings experience while saving time on busy days. Here are essential tips to prepare wings and sauce in advance without sacrificing the crispy texture and bold flavors that define this dish.
Prepare and Store the Wings
- Season the wings fully with olive oil, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper just as we do in the recipe.
- Place the seasoned wings in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.
- Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to infuse deeply into the meat.
Note: Do not leave the wings marinating for more than 24 hours as the salt and spices can overpower the chicken and alter the texture.
Make the Honey Old Bay Sauce Ahead
- Combine butter, honey, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and lemon juice in a small saucepan.
- Heat gently until melted and well combined.
- Let the sauce cool to room temperature.
- Transfer to a clean jar or airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating and Finishing the Wings
Before serving, follow this process to achieve that crispy, saucy brilliance:
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Reheat the wings | Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes until warmed through and skin is crispy. |
| Warm the sauce gently | Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat until just warm. Avoid boiling. |
| Toss wings in sauce | Immediately coat the hot wings in the warmed sauce ensuring every piece is evenly covered. |
“The key to maintaining crispiness while using make-ahead wings lies in the reheating method: high heat and wire rack placement prevent sogginess and bring back that coveted crunch.”
Freezing Instructions
- To freeze wings: freeze seasoned raw wings in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Use within 2 months.
- To freeze cooked wings: freeze after cooling completely, separated by parchment paper in a freezer-safe container.
Defrost wings in the fridge overnight before reheating using the method above.
By following these make-ahead tips, we can enjoy delicious, Honey Old Bay Wings anytime with minimal prep, perfect for quick game day snacks or last-minute gatherings.
Conclusion
Honey Old Bay Wings bring a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that everyone will love. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, they’re an easy way to impress at any gathering. Whether you’re prepping ahead or cooking fresh, these wings deliver crispy, flavorful bites every time.
Pair them with your favorite sides and dips to create a complete game day feast. Once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a go-to for casual get-togethers and special occasions alike. Let’s get cooking and enjoy wings that truly stand out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Honey Old Bay Wings?
Honey Old Bay Wings are chicken wings coated with a sweet and zesty sauce made from honey and Old Bay seasoning, combined with spices and baked for a crispy texture. They offer a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors, ideal for game days or casual get-togethers.
What ingredients do I need to make Honey Old Bay Wings?
You’ll need chicken wings, olive oil, honey, Old Bay seasoning, butter, garlic powder, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. These ingredients create a flavorful and crispy wing experience.
How should I cook Honey Old Bay Wings?
Toss seasoned wings with olive oil and spices, place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway. Check that they reach 165°F (74°C) internally before tossing in warm Honey Old Bay Sauce.
Can I prepare the wings or sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can season the wings up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. The Honey Old Bay Sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Reheat wings in a hot oven on a wire rack to keep them crispy.
What are good sides and garnishes for Honey Old Bay Wings?
Serve with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, lemon wedges, celery and carrot sticks, and dipping sauces such as ranch or blue cheese. Crispy fries or coleslaw also pair well to make the meal complete.
How do I keep the wings crispy when reheating?
Reheat wings in a hot oven placed on a wire rack to allow air circulation around them. This method helps maintain their crispy texture without roasting them soggy or dry.
Can I freeze Honey Old Bay Wings?
Yes, both raw and cooked wings can be frozen. Store raw wings in a freezer-safe bag up to 3 months, and cooked wings similarly for best quality. Thaw properly before reheating for optimal flavor and texture.