Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings

Crispy Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings are a delightful treat that brings the vibrant flavors of Maryland right to your kitchen. Perfect for game days, parties, or a casual family dinner, these wings are easy to prepare and will impress your guests with their smoky, spicy, and sweet combination. Get ready to dive into a recipe that ensures full flavor in every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have delicious wings ready in no time.
• Flavorful Twist: The unique blend of Old Bay seasoning and honey gives these wings a taste that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, these wings can be enjoyed with various dipping sauces.
• Customizable Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer frying or baking, this recipe adapts beautifully to your cooking style.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools for making Crispy Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Deep fryer or heavy pot
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring spoons
• Whisk or spoon for mixing
• Wire rack or paper towels for draining

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep fryer or heavy pot: Ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect crispy texture.
• Mixing bowls: Allows for easy preparation of seasonings and sauce without mess.
• Wire rack: Keeps wings elevated while draining excess oil, maintaining their crispiness.

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.

Step 2: Mix Seasonings

In a small bowl, mix together the seasonings for the wings.

Step 3: Clean and Dry Wings

Clean your wings and remove any excess skin. Ensure they are fully dry before seasoning.

Step 4: Season the Wings

In a large bowl, add 3 tbsp of cooking oil and half of the seasoning mixture to the chicken wings. Mix until fully coated.

Step 5: Coat with Flour

In another bowl or plastic Ziploc bag, mix together the remaining seasoning and flour. Toss the seasoned wings in this mixture until they are well-coated.

Step 6: Fry the Wings

When the oil reaches 350°F, begin frying the wings in batches. Fry until golden brown and crispy (about 6-8 minutes). The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Remove from oil and drain on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.

Step 7: Make the Sauce

While frying, combine honey, Old Bay seasoning, hot sauce, and lemon juice in a small saucepot over medium heat. Once it starts bubbling, reduce heat to low.

Step 8: Toss in Sauce

Once all wings are cooked, toss them in the heated sauce until fully coated. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

With this guide to making Crispy Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings, you’re all set for a flavorful culinary adventure! Enjoy these tasty treats at any gathering or simply as a fun dinner option at home.

How to Serve Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings

These Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings are delicious and versatile, perfect for any gathering or game day. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dish.

Pair with Dipping Sauces

• Ranch Dressing: A cool, creamy dip that complements the spicy wings.
• Blue Cheese Sauce: Offers a tangy contrast that enhances the flavor of the wings.
• Honey Mustard: Adds a sweet and zesty kick that balances the heat.

Add Fresh Vegetables

• Celery Sticks: Crisp and refreshing, they provide a nice crunch alongside the wings.
• Carrot Sticks: Sweet and crunchy, they pair well with rich flavors.
• Cucumber Slices: Light and hydrating, these add a cooling element.

Serve with Classic Drinks

• Lemonade: A refreshing drink that cuts through the richness of the wings.
• Iced Tea: Sweetened or unsweetened, it’s a great thirst-quencher to enjoy with your meal.

How to Perfect Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings

Perfecting these Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings is all about technique and attention to detail. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Use Dry Wings: Patting your wings dry ensures they crisp up nicely during cooking.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at 350°F for optimal frying; this helps achieve golden, crispy skin.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan: Fry in small batches to prevent steaming and ensure even cooking.
• Coat Thoroughly in Sauce: Toss hot wings in sauce immediately after frying for maximum flavor absorption.
• Experiment with Seasoning: Feel free to adjust spice levels according to taste; add more Old Bay or hot sauce if desired.

Best Side Dishes for Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings

Complement your Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings with these delightful side dishes that enhance your dining experience.

1. Coleslaw: A crunchy salad made from cabbage and carrots that’s perfect for balancing flavors.
2. Potato Wedges: Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, they make a hearty side dish that pairs well.
3. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet and moist, cornbread is a comforting addition to any wing platter.
4. Macaroni Salad: Creamy pasta salad adds richness and is easy to prepare ahead of time.
5. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini and bell peppers bring color and nutrients to your meal.
6. French Fries: Classic fries are always a hit; try seasoned or loaded variations for extra flair.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to keep in mind:

• Skipping the Drying Step – Not drying the wings thoroughly can lead to soggy skin. Always make sure your chicken wings are completely dry before seasoning.
• Not Using Enough Seasoning – Under-seasoning can result in bland wings. Ensure you coat the wings evenly with the seasoning mixture for maximum flavor.
• Frying at the Wrong Temperature – Frying at too low a temperature can make wings greasy, while too high can burn them. Use a thermometer to maintain oil at 350°F.
• Overcrowding the Fryer – Adding too many wings at once can lower the oil temperature and lead to uneven cooking. Fry in small batches for best results.
• Ignoring Internal Temperature – Not checking if wings have reached 165°F means risking undercooked meat. Always use a meat thermometer for safety.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooked 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 container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings

• Oven – Preheat oven to 375°F. Place wings on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Use microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
• Stovetop – Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Sear wings for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to achieve crispy Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings?

To get crispy wings, ensure they are dried well before frying and consider using baking powder as mentioned in the baked option of the recipe.

Can I use other seasonings besides Old Bay?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices or create your own blend to customize your Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings.

How do I know when my chicken wings are done frying?

Chicken wings should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and turn golden brown when fully cooked.

Can I bake Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings instead of frying them?

Absolutely! You can bake or air-fry them using the adapted instructions provided. This option is healthier and still delicious.

How should I serve these chicken wings?

Serve your Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese for added flavor!

Final Thoughts

These Crispy Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings are not only flavorful but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet night in, these wings will surely impress. Feel free to customize them with different sauces or seasonings based on your preference!