There’s nothing more addictive than crispy chicken wings coated in a sticky, sweet, and spicy glaze.
These Orange Hot Honey Chicken Wings bring the perfect balance of tangy citrus, rich honey, and fiery heat.
They’re golden, crunchy, and absolutely crowd-pleasing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The wings bake until perfectly crisp without deep frying.
The orange zest and juice add freshness that lifts the richness of the honey.
A touch of hot sauce and red pepper flakes bring customizable heat.
They make the ultimate game day or party appetizer.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Chicken wings are the star, baked until golden and crispy.
Baking powder helps the skin crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Fresh orange juice and zest give the sauce a tangy, citrus kick.
Honey creates that sticky-sweet coating that clings to every bite.
Hot sauce and chili flakes add a spicy finish you can adjust to taste.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Pat the chicken wings very dry before baking for maximum crispiness.
Flip halfway through baking so both sides get evenly golden.
Don’t skip the orange zest—it intensifies the citrus flavor in the glaze.
If your hot honey thickens too much, reheat gently until pourable.
How to Make Orange Hot Honey Chicken Wings
Step 1 – Prep the oven
Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2 – Season the wings
Pat chicken wings dry.
Toss with baking powder, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until coated.
Step 3 – Bake until crispy
Arrange wings on the sheet pan, spray lightly, and bake 20 minutes.
Flip, then bake another 25–30 minutes until golden and crisp.
Step 4 – Make the sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in honey, orange juice, zest, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes.
Simmer briefly until blended.
Step 5 – Coat the wings
Transfer hot wings to a large bowl, pour sauce over top, and toss until fully coated.
Step 6 – Garnish and serve
Top with sliced green onions and serve immediately while hot.
What to Serve Them With
Pair with ranch or blue cheese dip to cool the heat.
Serve with celery and carrot sticks for crunch.
Add to a game-day platter with sliders and nachos.
Variations / Substitutions
Swap hot sauce with sriracha for an Asian twist.
Use lemon juice and zest instead of orange for a tangier version.
Try maple syrup in place of honey for a deeper sweetness.
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 375°F until warmed and crispy again.
Avoid microwaving, as it softens the wings.
FAQs
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes, cook at 400°F for 18–22 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Do I need to use baking powder?
Yes, it helps the skin crisp up, but you can skip it if preferred.
How spicy are these wings?
They’re medium heat, but you can adjust by adding or reducing hot sauce and chili flakes.
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, chicken tenders or thighs work, but reduce the baking time.
Can I make the sauce ahead?
Absolutely. Rewarm gently before tossing with fresh-baked wings.
What type of hot sauce is best?
Frank’s RedHot is classic, but any hot sauce you love will work.
Final Thoughts
These Orange Hot Honey Chicken Wings are the ultimate mix of sweet, tangy, and spicy.
Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, they’re a surefire hit at parties or family dinners.
Once you try them, they’ll become a new favorite.
Orange Hot Honey Chicken Wings
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray.
- Pat wings dry and toss with baking powder, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Arrange wings on pan, spray lightly, and bake 20 minutes.
- Flip and bake another 25–30 minutes until golden and crisp.
- In a saucepan, melt butter, then whisk in honey, orange juice, zest, hot sauce, and chili flakes.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/orange-hot-honey-chicken-wings/
Notes
- Baking powder helps wings get extra crispy without frying.
- Adjust spice by using more or less hot sauce and chili flakes.
- Great with ranch or bleu cheese dressing for dipping.
My name is Isabella, and this space was born from years of stirring sauces at sunset, baking cookies while the kids played on the porch, and finding comfort in a homemade meal after long, busy days. Here you’ll find delicious, reliable recipes made with simple ingredients, plus easy step-by-step photos and videos to help you cook confidently at home.