How to Make Honey Barbecue Chicken Wings in the Oven (Crispy, Sticky & Sweet!)

Making honey barbecue chicken wings in the oven is easier than you think.

You don’t need a fryer or grill to get that perfect balance of crispy skin and sticky-sweet flavor.

With the right mix of sauce, heat, and timing, you can create mouthwatering wings that taste like they came straight from a BBQ joint, right in your kitchen.

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What You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather these simple ingredients:

• 2 pounds of chicken wings (split and tips removed)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

• ¼ cup honey

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional for depth of flavor)

• ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat)

Prep the Chicken Wings

Start by patting the wings dry with paper towels.

The drier the skin, the crispier your wings will be.

Toss them in a large bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Coat evenly so every piece gets that nice base seasoning.

If you want even crispier results, place the wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet.

This lets the heat circulate around the wings while baking.

Bake Until Golden and Crispy

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Arrange the wings in a single layer and bake for 40–45 minutes, turning halfway through.

You’ll know they’re ready when the skin looks golden and a bit blistered.

The inside should be juicy, and the outer layer crisp to the touch.

To ensure your wings are safely cooked, check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Using a meat temperature guide, like the Easy Function Meat Temperature Magnet Chart, can help you cook your wings perfectly every time.

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Make the Honey Barbecue Sauce

While your wings are baking, mix the sauce ingredients in a small saucepan: barbecue sauce, honey, soy sauce, and chili powder (if you like spice).

Heat on low for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce is warm and smooth.

You’ll notice it thickening slightly, this helps it stick to the wings later.

If you’d like to dive deeper into perfecting your homemade sauce, check out this detailed guide on How to Make Honey BBQ Sauce for Chicken Wings, it breaks down flavor balance, sweetness levels, and pro tips for sauce consistency.

Coat and Caramelize

When the wings are done, remove them from the oven and place them in a large bowl.

Pour your honey barbecue sauce over the hot wings and toss well until coated.

To get that sticky glaze, place the coated wings back on the baking sheet and return them to the oven for another 5–7 minutes.

This final step caramelizes the honey and deepens the flavor.

Serve Hot and Enjoy

Once they’re out of the oven, let them rest for a minute before serving.

The sauce will thicken as it cools, creating that signature sticky-sweet texture.

Serve your wings with ranch, blue cheese dressing, or a crisp veggie platter.

If you’re serving these at a barbecue or party, keep a batch warm in the oven at 200°F (93°C) until ready to serve.

Need some side dish inspiration?

Explore What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Wings for the perfect pairing ideas, from creamy mac and cheese to grilled corn and fresh salads that balance out the sweetness of your wings.

Bonus Tip: Keep Your Grill Tools Clean

Even though this recipe is oven-based, many grill lovers like to give their wings a final quick sear on the grill for extra smokiness. 

After grilling, cleaning your grates is important for flavor and safety.

A safe, bristle-free option like the Easy Function Wood Grill Scraper helps remove residue without metal bristles that can break off.

It naturally shapes to your grill over time for a perfect fit.

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Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to make honey barbecue chicken wings in the oven, you’ll never need takeout again.

They’re crispy, flavorful, and easy enough for any weeknight dinner.

For more ways to up your BBQ game, explore Easy Function’s full line of grilling tools and accessories.

Click the image below to check out our products and make every cookout easier and tastier.