Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings

Crispy Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings are a delightful treat perfect for game day, family gatherings, or any fun occasion. These wings are not only easy to make but also pack a flavorful punch with the unique combination of sweet honey and the iconic Old Bay seasoning. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or the main dish, one bite will leave everyone asking for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of preparation and 25 minutes of cooking time, these wings are simple to whip up for any gathering.
• Flavor Explosion: The blend of smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors will tantalize your taste buds and keep you coming back for more.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as a stand-alone dish or pair with your favorite dipping sauces for added enjoyment.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, game nights, or casual dinners that everyone will love.
• Baked Option Available: If you prefer a healthier version, follow the baked or air-fried option for equally delicious results without frying.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need for making your Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Deep fryer or heavy pot
• Mixing bowls
• Wire rack or paper towels
• Small saucepot
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep fryer or heavy pot: Essential for achieving that perfect crispy texture while frying your wings.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for combining seasonings and tossing wings to ensure even coating.
• Wire rack: Allows excess oil to drain off wings after frying, keeping them crispy.
• Small saucepot: Perfect for warming up your Honey Old Bay sauce without burning it.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Wings

• 2 lbs – party wings/wingettes
• 3 tbsp – cooking oil (vegetable, grapeseed, olive, etc.)
• 1 tbsp – Old Bay Seasoning
• 2 tbsp – onion powder
• 2 tbsp – garlic powder
• 1 tbsp – paprika
• 1 tsp – kosher salt
• 1 tsp – ground black pepper
• 1 tsp – baking powder
• 1 cup – all-purpose flour
• Vegetable or Canola Oil for frying

For the Honey Old Bay Sauce

• ⅓ cup – honey
• 1 tbsp – Old Bay Seasoning
• 2 tbsp – hot sauce (i.e. Old Bay Hot Sauce)
• 1 tbsp – lemon juice

How to Make Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings

Step 1: Prepare the Oil

Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavily weighted pot on medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.

Step 2: Season the Wings

In a small bowl, mix together the old bay seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, and baking powder.
– Clean your chicken wings thoroughly and remove any excess skin.
– Ensure they are fully dry before seasoning.
– In a large bowl, add 3 tablespoons of cooking oil along with half of the seasoning mixture to the chicken wings. Mix until evenly coated.

Step 3: Dredge in Flour

In another bowl or plastic Ziploc bag:
– Combine the remaining seasoning with flour.
– Toss the seasoned chicken wings in this mixture until well-coated.

Step 4: Fry the Wings

Begin frying the wings in batches:
– Carefully place them into hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy (about 6–8 minutes).
– Ensure that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. They usually float when fully cooked.
– Remove from oil and drain on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

While the wings are frying:
– In a small saucepot on medium heat, combine honey, old bay seasoning, hot sauce, and lemon juice.
– Once it starts bubbling, reduce heat to low.

Step 6: Toss in Sauce & Serve

After all wings are cooked:
– Toss them in the warm Honey Old Bay sauce until fully coated.
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

How to Serve Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings

Serving Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings can elevate any gathering. Their smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors pair well with a variety of dishes and beverages. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your wing experience.

With Dipping Sauces

• Ranch Dressing – Creamy and cool, ranch dressing complements the spiciness of the wings perfectly.
• Blue Cheese Dressing – For a tangy contrast, blue cheese adds a rich flavor that balances the sweetness of honey.
• Hot Sauce – Add extra heat by serving with your favorite hot sauce for those who love a spicy kick.

On a Platter

• Garnished with Celery and Carrots – Fresh veggies provide a crunchy texture and help balance the richness of the wings.
• With Lemon Wedges – A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds zest to each bite.
• Decorative Herbs – Sprinkling fresh parsley or cilantro can add color and freshness to your serving platter.

As Part of a Meal

• With Coleslaw – The creamy crunch of coleslaw contrasts beautifully with crispy wings, making it a classic pairing.
• Over Rice or Quinoa – Serve wings over a bed of rice or quinoa for a hearty meal that soaks up all the delicious sauce.

How to Perfect Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings

Perfecting your Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure they come out crispy and flavorful every time.

• Choose Fresh Ingredients – Using fresh chicken and spices enhances flavor, ensuring the best possible taste.
• Dry Wings Thoroughly – Patting the wings dry before seasoning helps achieve maximum crispiness during frying or baking.
• Maintain Oil Temperature – Keeping the oil at 350°F is crucial for achieving that golden-brown crunch without greasy wings.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Fry in small batches to allow even cooking and prevent steaming, which can make wings soggy.
• Toss in Sauce While Hot – Coating wings in sauce immediately after cooking allows them to absorb more flavor.
• Experiment with Seasonings – While Old Bay is fantastic, feel free to mix in other spices for unique flavor combinations.

Best Side Dishes for Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings

Pairing side dishes with Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options that complement their flavor.

1. French Fries – Crispy, golden fries are an all-time favorite that pairs well with any wing dish.
2. Potato Salad – Creamy potato salad offers a comforting side that balances spicy flavors perfectly.
3. Corn on the Cob – Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and crunch alongside smoky wings.
4. Garlic Bread – Warm garlic bread provides a delicious way to soak up any leftover sauce from your wings.
5. Baked Beans – Sweet and savory baked beans bring depth to your meal while highlighting Southern flavors.
6. Macaroni and Cheese – Creamy mac and cheese is a beloved comfort food that makes every gathering special.
7. Pickles or Pickled Vegetables – The tanginess cuts through the richness of the wings, adding an exciting contrast.
8. Tossed Green Salad – A light salad with vinaigrette offers freshness that balances out the heavier elements of your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make small mistakes that can affect the final outcome of your Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Bold seasoning: Not seasoning the wings adequately will lead to bland flavors. Be generous with the Old Bay seasoning and other spices.
• Bold frying temperature: Frying at too low a temperature can result in greasy wings. Ensure the oil reaches 350°F before adding the wings for that perfect crisp.
• Bold flour usage: Skipping the seasoned flour can lead to less crispy wings. The coating is essential for achieving that crunchy texture.
• Bold sauce timing: Tossing the wings in sauce too early will make them soggy. Wait until they’re fully cooked and crispy before adding the sauce.
• Bold overcrowding: Overcrowding the fryer can lower oil temperature and lead to uneven cooking. Fry in batches for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings

• Place cooled wings in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months; ensure you remove as much air as possible.

Reheating Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread wings on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place wings on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat, add a small amount of oil, and warm the wings for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of wings for Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used, but cooking times may vary. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

What if I don’t have Old Bay Seasoning?

You can create a homemade blend using equal parts paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, celery salt, and dried mustard for similar flavors.

Can I bake Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings instead?

Absolutely! Follow the baked option provided in the instructions for crispy results without frying.

How spicy are these Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings?

The spiciness depends on the hot sauce used. Adjust according to your preference by adding more or less hot sauce.

How should I serve Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings?

These wings pair well with celery sticks and your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Final Thoughts

These Crispy Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings are not just delicious but also incredibly versatile! You can customize them with different sauces or sides according to your taste. Give this recipe a try at your next gathering; it’s sure to impress everyone!