Crispy, sticky, and packed with bold flavor—these Honey Chipotle Chicken Wings bring the perfect balance of sweet heat and smoky depth to your next game day spread, backyard cookout, or casual dinner at home. Whether you’re using an air fryer, firing up the grill, or sticking to the oven, this recipe delivers big-time flavor without the fuss.
If you love wings that hit that sweet spot between spicy and savory, then you’re in the right place. The wings are dry-rubbed and cooked until perfectly crispy, then tossed in a homemade honey chipotle sauce that’s finger-lickin’ good. This recipe offers three methods to suit your kitchen setup: air fryer, oven, or grill. No matter which way you cook them, you’re guaranteed wings that are tender on the inside, crispy on the outside, and glazed in a sauce that keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2 lbs chicken wings (split into flats and drumettes)
- 2 tbsp vegetable or canola oil
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp baking powder (optional, for crispier skin)
Honey Chipotle Sauce
- 1 tbsp vegetable or canola oil
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 cup honey
- ⅓ cup chipotles in adobo sauce, chopped
- 2 tbsp adobo sauce (from the can of chipotles)
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
Instructions
1. Season the Wings
Begin by patting your chicken wings dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp up during cooking. In a large bowl, toss the wings with oil. Add kosher salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and baking powder if using. Mix thoroughly to ensure all wings are well-coated.
2. Choose Your Cooking Method
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Arrange wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary.
- Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through. The skin should be golden and crisp, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Oven Method
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly grease the rack.
- Place the wings in a single layer.
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
Grill Method
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Lightly oil the grates.
- Place the wings on the grill and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, turning every 5 to 6 minutes.
- The wings are done when they’re charred in spots and reach 165°F internally.
3. Make the Honey Chipotle Sauce
While the wings are cooking, prepare the sauce. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the honey, chopped chipotles, adobo sauce, and lime juice.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens. Remove from heat.
4. Toss and Serve
Once the wings are fully cooked, place them in a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm honey chipotle sauce over the wings and toss to coat evenly.
Serve immediately while hot, garnished with chopped cilantro or lime wedges if desired.
Tips for Success
- Dry the wings thoroughly. Moisture is the enemy of crisp skin. Pat wings dry before seasoning.
- Use baking powder. This optional ingredient helps break down the proteins in the chicken skin, giving you that crave-worthy crunch.
- Control the heat. For a milder sauce, use fewer chipotles or replace with just the adobo sauce.
- Double the sauce. If you’re a fan of extra saucy wings, consider doubling the sauce ingredients.
- Grill tip. For deeper char flavor, move wings directly over high heat for the last 2 to 3 minutes.
What to Serve with Honey Chipotle Chicken Wings
1. Classic Sides
- Celery and Carrot Sticks – Cool, crisp veggies balance the heat.
- Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing – Creamy dips to tame the spice.
- French Fries or Waffle Fries – Always a fan favorite with wings.
- Coleslaw – Creamy or vinegar-based slaw adds a refreshing crunch.
- Mac and Cheese – Rich, cheesy comfort food pairs well with bold wings.
2. Southern & Comfort Food Favorites
- Cornbread or Honey Butter Biscuits – A little sweet, a little savory.
- Baked Beans – Smoky, sweet beans round out the meal.
- Potato Salad – Creamy and cool to balance the heat of the wings.
- Fried Pickles – Tangy, crispy bites that match the flavor intensity.
- Southern Green Beans or Collard Greens – Earthy and tender greens to lighten the plate.
3. Game Day and Party Foods
- Nachos – Loaded or simple, they work great with a wings spread.
- Loaded Potato Skins – Cheesy, crispy, and easy to share.
- Sliders – Mini burgers or pulled pork sliders alongside wings is always a hit.
- Garlic Bread or Pull-Apart Bread – Great for soaking up leftover sauce.
- Onion Rings or Mozzarella Sticks – Crispy, indulgent appetizers that pair well.
4. Drinks & Beverages
Margaritas or Spicy Bloody Marys – Bold cocktails that pair well with wings
Iced Sweet Tea or Lemonade – Refreshing, non-alcoholic options.
Craft Beer or IPA – Balances the sweet and spicy flavors.
Sparkling Water with Lime – Light and refreshing to cleanse the palate.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 10–12 minutes, or until warmed through and re-crisped. Avoid microwaving as it softens the skin.
Make Ahead Tips
You can season and refrigerate the wings up to 24 hours in advance for even more flavor. The sauce can also be made ahead and stored in an airtight jar in the fridge for 4–5 days. Warm it slightly before tossing with the cooked wings.
Honey Chipotle Chicken Wings (Air Fryer, Oven, or Grill)
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings split into flats and drumettes
- 2 tbsp vegetable or canola oil
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp baking powder optional, for crispier skin
- For the Honey Chipotle Sauce:
- 1 tbsp vegetable or canola oil
- 1 tbsp garlic minced
- 1 cup honey
- ⅓ cup chipotles in adobo sauce chopped
- 2 tbsp adobo sauce from the can
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Pat wings dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss with oil, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and baking powder (if using) until well coated.
- Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Arrange wings in a single layer.
- Cook for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Oven Method:
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Line a baking sheet with foil and top with a wire rack. Grease rack.
- Arrange wings in a single layer.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
- Grill Method:
- Preheat grill to medium-high (400°F). Oil grates.
- Grill wings for 20–25 minutes, turning every 5–6 minutes, until charred in spots and internal temp reaches 165°F.
- While wings cook, heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in honey, chopped chipotles, adobo sauce, and lime juice. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Place cooked wings in a large bowl. Pour warm sauce over wings and toss to coat. Serve hot.
