How To Make Wingstop Hot Honey Rub Wings Easy Recipie
Wingstop Hot Honey Rub is a dry seasoning blend used to coat crispy chicken wings. It combines the sweetness of honey with a kick of mild to medium heat, creating a flavor that’s bold, sticky sweet, and slightly spicy but without using a wet sauce.
It’s part of Wingstop’s limited time or seasonal flavor lineup, and it’s popular for its sweet-heat balance that appeals to both spicy food lovers and those who prefer milder wings.
Key Flavor Profile:
- Sweet: Brown sugar and honey powder
- Spicy: Paprika, cayenne, chili powder
- Smoky: Hints of garlic, smoked paprika, and black pepper
- Savory: Salt and onion powder to round out the rub
How It’s Used:
- Wings are fried or baked until crispy.
- Then they’re tossed in the hot honey rub, coating the outside with a dry but flavorful layer.
- The result is crispy, sweet, spicy wings with no sticky mess.
Is It Really Spicy?
It’s not extremely spicy. The heat is balanced by the sweetness, making it ideal for those who like a little kick but not overwhelming spice.
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 430–500 kcal |
| Protein | 25–28 g |
| Total Fat | 24–28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6–8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28–35 g |
| Sugars | 15–20 g |
| Fiber | 0.5–1 g |
| Cholesterol | 80–100 mg |
| Sodium | 700–850 mg |
| Iron | 6–10% DV |
| Calcium | 4–6% DV |
| Vitamin A | 5–8% DV |
| Vitamin C | 2–4% DV |
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Ingredients
- For the wings:
Chicken wings or drumettes
All‑purpose flour (about 2 cups)
Cornstarch (¼ cup)
Buttermilk (1 quart)
Hot sauce (e.g. Tapatío – about 2 TBSP or more)
Seasonings: salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper
- For the hot honey sauce:
Honey (1 cup)
Hot sauce (1 cup)
Butter (2 TBSP)
Step‑by‑Step
Brine the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix the buttermilk, hot sauce, Cajun seasoning and cayenne.
- Cut the wings at the joints if needed and place in the brine.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to tenderize and infuse flavor.
Prep the Coating
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, cayenne and Cajun seasoning.
- After brining, dredge each wing thoroughly in the dry coating.
Fry the Wings
- Heat oil in a deep pot until about 350–375°F (oil should bubble around a wooden chopstick when ready).
- Fry wings in batches: wings about 10–12 minutes, drumsticks 12–15 minutes.
- Flip occasionally for even browning; once golden and crispy, drain on paper towels.
Make the Hot Honey Sauce
- Over low–medium heat, melt butter in a saucepan.
- Stir in honey and hot sauce until smooth and slightly thickened.
Toss & Serve
- Place fried wings in a large bowl.
- Pour the hot honey sauce over them and toss to coat each piece evenly.
- Serve immediately while glossy and saucy.
Pro Tips
- Adjust heat: reduce cayenne or hot sauce if you prefer milder wings, or add more for serious spice.
- Alternative cooking methods: for oven-baked versions, follow seasoning and sauce steps, bake at ~400 °F for about 45 minutes, flipping halfway, then broil briefly for crispiness.
- Storage & reheating: refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at ~375 °F for 5–10 min to retain crunch.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I bake honey hot wings instead of frying?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet, and bake for 40–45 minutes. Flip halfway through and broil for 2–3 minutes to crisp the skin. Toss in sauce before serving.
2. How spicy are honey hot wings?
They’re medium spicy. The honey balances the heat from the hot sauce. For less spice, reduce the cayenne or use a milder hot sauce. For extra heat, add red chili flakes or extra cayenne.
3. What kind of hot sauce works best?
Tapatío, Frank’s RedHot, Crystal, or Cholula work great. Choose one based on your spice tolerance and flavor preference. You can also try sriracha for a garlicky twist.
4. Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, but make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before marinating or frying. Moisture causes oil splatter and affects crispiness.
Absolutely! Air fry at 380°F (195°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway. Toss in the hot honey sauce after air frying.
6. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F for 8–10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
7. What goes well with honey hot wings?
Serve with:
- Celery & carrot sticks
- Ranch or blue cheese dip
- Garlic fries, coleslaw, or mac and cheese
- A cold drink like lemonade or soda
8. Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes! You can make the hot honey sauce up to 3 days ahead. Store it in a sealed jar in the fridge and reheat slightly before using.
