These sweet and spicy hot honey peach wings are a treat! They’re crispy and packed with flavor, thanks to the perfect mix of honey and spices.
Honestly, these wings have become my favorite party snack. I can never make enough because everyone keeps going back for seconds. Trust me; they’re a hit every time! 🍗❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: I recommend using a mix of drumettes and flats for variety, but you can also use just one type if you prefer. For a lighter option, try air-frying or using skinless chicken pieces.
Honey: Pure honey is the star for sweetness! If you need a vegan option, consider using agave nectar or maple syrup for a similar effect.
Peach Preserves: If fresh peaches are in season, go ahead and blend them into a puree! Otherwise, any peach jam will do. I find that strawberry or apricot preserves can also add a nice twist.
Spices: Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper depending on your heat tolerance. If you like it really hot, try adding a little more cayenne or red pepper flakes!
How Can I Make My Wings Extra Crispy?
Getting crispy wings is all about the drying and cooking method. Here are a few tips:
- Dry the wings thoroughly with paper towels before seasoning for a better crust.
- Use a wire rack while baking to allow hot air to circulate, which prevents sogginess. If frying, make sure the oil is hot enough—350°F (175°C) is perfect!
- For extra crispiness, you can also consider tossing your wings in a bit of baking powder along with the spices.
Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Peach Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to spice preference)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for baking or frying)
For the Hot Honey Peach Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup peach preserves or fresh peach puree
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot or preferred)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and around 40-45 minutes for cooking in the oven or 15-20 minutes if frying. Keep in mind that the wings are best enjoyed right after tossing them in the sauce for maximum flavor and crispiness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Wings:
Start by patting the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step is super important as drying the wings will help them get nice and crispy when you cook them.
2. Seasoning the Wings:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken wings with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Toss everything together until the wings are coated evenly with the spices. This will give your wings a wonderful flavor kick!
3. Cooking the Wings:
You can choose either the oven or frying method:
- Oven method: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Spread the wings out in a single layer on the rack. Bake them for about 40-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even crispiness.
- Frying method: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to about 350°F (175°C). Fry the wings in batches for about 8-10 minutes until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Make sure to drain them on paper towels afterward to remove any excess oil.
4. Preparing the Hot Honey Peach Sauce:
While your wings are cooking, make the sauce! In a small saucepan, mix together the honey, peach preserves (or puree), hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt. Warm the mixture over medium heat while stirring occasionally until it’s nicely combined and slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Then take it off the heat!
5. Tossing the Wings in Sauce:
Once your wings are cooked, place them in a large bowl. Pour the warm hot honey peach sauce over the wings and gently toss until they are coated thoroughly. Get ready for the aroma—it’s going to be amazing!
6. Serving:
Transfer your delicious wings to a serving platter. If you want to dress them up a little, you can garnish with peach slices or some fresh herbs. Serve them right away for the best taste and texture!
Enjoy your Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Peach Wings! They are bursting with flavor and are sure to be a hit at any gathering! 🍑🔥
FAQ for Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Peach Wings
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the wings in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. If you’re in a hurry, you can also thaw them in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for a quicker option.
How Do I Store Leftover Wings?
After serving, allow any leftover wings to cool, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness, or microwave them for about a minute, but note that they may become less crispy.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Absolutely! You can easily adjust the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to suit your taste. For less spice, reduce these amounts, or leave them out entirely. Conversely, if you love heat, feel free to add more hot sauce or toss in some chopped fresh chilis for an extra kick!
Is It Possible to Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the hot honey peach sauce ahead of time! Simply mix all the ingredients, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before tossing it with your wings. The flavors will still be delightful!
