Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe Easy 5-Step Flavorful Wings with Toasted Sesame Seeds

Let me tell you, the scent of smoky honey BBQ chicken wings wafting through the kitchen is enough to make anyone’s mouth water instantly. The sticky glaze, kissed with sweet honey and smoky barbecue notes, clings to each crispy wing, while the subtle crunch of toasted sesame seeds adds a surprising yet delightful twist. The first time I baked these flavorful honey BBQ chicken wings with toasted sesame seeds, I was instantly hooked—the kind of moment where you pause, take a deep breath, and just smile because you know you’re onto something truly special.

Years ago, when I was knee-high to a grasshopper, my family gatherings always featured some kind of wing recipe, but nothing quite like this. I stumbled upon this recipe on a rainy weekend, trying to recreate my favorite restaurant snack at home. Honestly, I wish I had discovered it years ago because my family couldn’t stop sneaking them off the cooling rack (and I can’t really blame them). This recipe is dangerously easy and delivers pure, nostalgic comfort with a fun twist that brightens up any potluck or casual dinner.

You know what? Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat for game day or a finger-licking appetizer for your next party, these honey BBQ chicken wings with toasted sesame seeds have become a staple for family gatherings and gifting. After testing it multiple times in the name of research, of course, I’m confident you’re going to want to bookmark this one.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This honey BBQ chicken wings recipe isn’t just another wing dish—it’s a game-changer. After countless trials (and a few tasty mishaps), I’ve nailed a recipe that blends the right balance of sweet, smoky, and nutty flavors with a texture that’s crispy on the outside and juicy inside. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Quick & Easy: Comes together in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings.
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy grocery trips needed; you likely already have everything in your kitchen pantry.
• Perfect for Parties: Great for game days, potlucks, or casual dinners where finger food rules.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Always gets rave reviews from kids and adults alike—trust me, these wings disappear fast!
• Unbelievably Delicious: The combo of sticky honey BBQ sauce with crunchy toasted sesame seeds is pure magic.

What sets this recipe apart is the little extra step of toasting sesame seeds and adding them as a finishing touch. It adds that unexpected crunch and a subtle nuttiness that takes the wings beyond ordinary. Plus, using a homemade honey BBQ sauce means you can tweak the sweetness and smokiness to fit your taste buds perfectly. Honestly, it’s comfort food with a playful twist that’ll have you closing your eyes after the first bite. You’ll impress guests without breaking a sweat, turning simple wings into something memorable every single time.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and satisfying texture without the fuss. Most are pantry staples, and you can easily swap out a few to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

• Chicken Wings: About 2 pounds (900g) of fresh or thawed wings, separated into drumettes and flats for even cooking.
• Honey: ¼ cup (85g) of pure honey for natural sweetness and sticky glaze.
• BBQ Sauce: ½ cup (120ml) of your favorite barbecue sauce (I recommend a smoky, slightly spicy brand like Sweet Baby Ray’s for best flavor).
• Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons (30ml) for a touch of umami and saltiness (use tamari for gluten-free option).
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon for subtle savory depth.
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon to round out the flavor.
• Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon adds smoky warmth without the need for a smoker.
• Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon freshly cracked for mild heat.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon to season the wings perfectly.
• Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) to coat the wings for crispiness.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds: 2 tablespoons (20g) lightly toasted for crunch and nutty flavor.

Optional Add-ons: A pinch of cayenne pepper for heat, or chopped fresh green onions for garnish.

Feel free to swap regular soy sauce with coconut aminos if you’re avoiding soy. And if you want to make it paleo-friendly, use a sugar-free BBQ sauce and pure maple syrup instead of honey. I typically toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant—trust me, it’s worth the extra minute or two.

Equipment Needed

• Baking Sheet: A rimmed baking sheet to catch drips and keep the wings crispy.
• Wire Rack: Placed over the baking sheet to allow air circulation around the wings for even cooking and crispiness. If you don’t have one, you can bake directly on parchment-lined baking sheet but expect less crunch.
• Mixing Bowls: For tossing wings in oil and seasoning, and for mixing the honey BBQ sauce.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Precise measurements help get the flavor just right.
• Skillet or Small Pan: For toasting sesame seeds.
• Tongs: Handy for flipping wings and tossing with sauce.

If you don’t have a wire rack, a cooling rack that fits inside a baking sheet works just fine. For those on a budget, parchment paper helps with cleanup and prevents sticking. I’ve tried baking in an air fryer too, which is a great alternative if you want faster cooking and crispier skin without turning on the oven.

Preparation Method

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier cleanup, then set a wire rack on top.
2. Prepare the wings: Pat 2 pounds (900g) of chicken wings dry with paper towels—this helps them crisp up. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
3. Season the wings: Drizzle 2 tablespoons (30ml) of olive oil over the wings. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Toss well to coat all wings evenly.
4. Arrange wings on the rack: Spread the seasoned wings in a single layer on the wire rack. Make sure they’re not touching so the heat circulates properly.
5. Bake wings: Cook wings for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be golden brown and crispy when done. (If you’re unsure, internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C.)
6. Make the honey BBQ sauce: While wings bake, combine ¼ cup (85g) honey, ½ cup (120ml) BBQ sauce, and 2 tablespoons (30ml) soy sauce in a bowl. Stir until smooth.
7. Toast sesame seeds: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast 2 tablespoons (20g) sesame seeds for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant and golden. Remove from heat to cool.
8. Glaze the wings: Once wings are cooked, transfer to a large bowl. Pour the honey BBQ sauce over the wings and toss gently to coat each wing evenly.
9. Serve: Arrange glazed wings on a platter, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, and add optional chopped green onions if desired. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.

Pro tip: If you want extra sticky wings, reserve a few tablespoons of the sauce to brush on after plating. Also, don’t skip drying the wings—wet skin means soggy wings, and nobody wants that!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Getting wings crispy yet juicy is a bit of an art, but here’s what I’ve learned over many batches. First, always pat your wings dry before seasoning; moisture on the skin steams the wings instead of crisping them. Tossing wings in oil helps the seasoning stick and encourages browning.

Baking on a wire rack is a game-changer—air circulation crisps the skin all around without the grease pool that happens when baking directly on a pan. Flipping halfway through cooking ensures even color and crunch.

When mixing the honey BBQ sauce, stir gently to avoid breaking down the honey’s natural texture, which adds to that luscious stickiness. Toasting sesame seeds is quick but don’t walk away—they burn fast! A light golden color and nutty aroma are your cues to stop.

One common mistake is overcrowding the pan. If wings touch, they steam instead of crisp. Also, don’t glaze the wings too early; if you do, the sugar in the honey BBQ sauce can burn during baking, so wait until fully cooked.

Multitasking tip: Toast your sesame seeds while wings bake and mix your sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking to save time. This way, everything comes together warm and fresh.

Variations & Adaptations

Feeling adventurous? Here are some ways to customize this honey BBQ chicken wings recipe to suit different tastes and needs:

• Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the honey BBQ sauce for wings with a fiery punch. I love this for game day!
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and check your BBQ sauce label to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
• Low-Sugar: Swap honey for a sugar-free syrup alternative and use a low-sugar BBQ sauce to reduce sweetness while keeping that sticky glaze.
• Air Fryer Method: Cook wings in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, shaking halfway through. Toss with sauce and sprinkle sesame seeds just like the baked version.
• Sesame-Free: Omit toasted sesame seeds and swap them with crushed peanuts or chopped green onions for crunch and color.

Personally, I once tried adding fresh grated ginger to the sauce for a subtle zing—delicious! Don’t hesitate to tweak ingredients to match your flavor cravings or dietary needs.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these honey BBQ chicken wings hot or warm for the best experience. They pair beautifully with simple sides like coleslaw, crispy fries, or a fresh cucumber salad to cut through the sweetness. For drinks, a cold beer or iced tea complements the smoky, sweet flavors perfectly.

Leftovers? Store wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, lay them on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crisp texture.

The flavors actually deepen if you let the wings sit overnight in the fridge, so it’s great for prepping ahead of time. Just add the toasted sesame seeds right before serving to keep their crunch.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Each serving (about 4-5 wings) contains roughly 300-350 calories, depending on the BBQ sauce brand used. The chicken wings provide a good dose of protein, while honey offers natural antioxidants and antibacterial properties. Sesame seeds add a boost of healthy fats, fiber, and essential minerals like calcium and magnesium.

This recipe can be adapted to gluten-free or lower-sugar versions, making it suitable for many dietary lifestyles. Just keep an eye on the BBQ sauce ingredients if you have allergies or sensitivities.

From a wellness perspective, these wings are a satisfying treat that balances indulgence with wholesome ingredients—perfect for when you want comfort food without feeling weighed down.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, these flavorful honey BBQ chicken wings with toasted sesame seeds bring together the best of sweet, smoky, and nutty flavors in a hassle-free recipe you can trust. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a finger-licking snack, this recipe adapts to your needs and tastes.

I love how the toasted sesame seeds add that little extra crunch that makes these wings stand out. It’s a recipe I keep coming back to, especially when I want to impress guests without fuss. So, go ahead and give it a try—you might just find your new favorite wing recipe!

Don’t forget to leave a comment if you try it, share your variations, or just tell me what you thought. Happy cooking, and may your wings always be crispy and delicious!

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken wings for this honey BBQ recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before seasoning to get the best crispy results.

How do I keep the wings crispy after tossing them in sauce?

Toss the wings gently in the sauce right before serving, and add any crunchy toppings like sesame seeds just before plating to keep that crisp texture.

Can I make the honey BBQ sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! Make the sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Warm slightly before tossing with wings.

What if I don’t have sesame seeds—can I skip them?

You can omit sesame seeds or substitute with crushed peanuts or chopped green onions for a similar crunch and flavor contrast.

Is it possible to bake these wings without a wire rack?

Yes, but they may not get as crispy. Baking directly on parchment paper works; just flip wings more often to help even browning.

Print