Get ready for a tasty treat with these Easy Hot Honey Peach Chicken Wings! These wings are sticky, sweet, and have just the right kick of heat to make your taste buds dance.
Making them is a breeze! Just toss the wings with a honey-peach sauce, bake until crispy, and enjoy them at your next party. Trust me, you might want to keep a napkin handy for all that deliciousness! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: Fresh wings are ideal for frying, but you can also use frozen wings. Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. I find that drumettes have a nice meat-to-bone ratio.
Peach Preserves: If you can’t find peach preserves, you can substitute with apricot jam or even mango chutney for a different fruity twist. I love experimenting with different flavors based on what I have at home!
Hot Sauce: Adjust the heat by choosing your favorite hot sauce. If you want a milder version, consider using a mild salsa instead. Personally, I enjoy a dash of sriracha for that perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
Vegetable Oil: for frying, you can also use canola or peanut oil. Both have high smoke points and work well for frying wings. Just avoid olive oil as it can burn easily.
How Can I Ensure My Wings Are Perfectly Crispy?
Frying chicken wings to get that perfect crispiness takes a little technique. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure the wings are completely dry before coating them. Excess moisture can lead to soggy wings.
- Heat the oil properly; use a thermometer if you have one. Too hot can burn the outside, while too low will leave them greasy.
- Don’t overcrowd the frying pan. Fry in batches to keep the oil temperature steady. This ensures even cooking.
- Let the wings drain on a wire rack after frying. This keeps them crispy since they won’t sit in oil.
How to Make Easy Hot Honey Peach Chicken Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Hot Honey Peach Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup peach preserves or peach jam
- 1-2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for brightness)
- 1 small fresh peach, finely diced (optional, for extra peach flavor)
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
For Serving:
- Sliced green onions or fresh herbs for garnish
- Celery sticks and carrot sticks for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 20-25 minutes to cook. After you fry those crispy wings, you’ll need just a few minutes to whip up the sauce and coat the wings. Total time is about 40-45 minutes. Perfect for a weekend treat or game day snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Wings:
Start by patting the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This helps them get crispy when fried. No one likes soggy wings!
2. Mix the Dry Coating:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Give it a good mix so all the seasonings are evenly distributed.
3. Dredge the Wings:
Toss the chicken wings in the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure they are evenly coated, then shake off any excess flour. This step will give you that nice crispy layer!
4. Heat the Oil:
In a deep frying pan or skillet, pour in enough vegetable oil to reach about 2 inches deep. Heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). A good tip is to drop a small piece of the flour mixture into the oil; if it sizzles, you’re good to go!
5. Fry the Wings:
Carefully add the wings to the hot oil in batches. Fry for about 8-10 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. Be sure to turn them occasionally for even cooking. Once done, remove the wings and let them drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
6. Make the Hot Honey Peach Sauce:
While the wings are frying, grab a small saucepan. Over medium heat, combine the honey, peach preserves, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar (if using), diced peaches, and red chili flakes (if using). Stir until the sauce is warm and glossy, about 3-5 minutes. Feel free to taste and adjust the heat or sweetness to your liking!
7. Coat the Wings:
Once the wings are done frying, pour them into a large bowl. Drizzle the hot honey peach sauce over the wings and toss them until they are fully coated. Get messy and make sure every wing gets a good amount of sauce!
8. Serve:
Transfer the coated wings to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced green onions or fresh herbs for a pop of color. If you want, serve them with celery and carrot sticks on the side for a refreshing crunch.
Now, sit back and enjoy your sweet, spicy, and irresistibly sticky Hot Honey Peach Chicken Wings!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. To thaw quickly, place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water for about an hour. Pat them dry before coating and frying.
How Can I Adjust the Spiciness of the Sauce?
If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of hot sauce or skip the red chili flakes. For more heat, add extra hot sauce or some chopped fresh jalapeños to the sauce mixture!
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the hot honey peach sauce a day in advance! Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to use, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring until warm.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Wings?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
