These Honey Chili Crisp Grilled Chicken Wings deliver a bold, irresistible combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. A sticky sauce made from honey, butter, chili crisp, soy sauce, and a touch of vinegar coats perfectly grilled wings, creating a crispy, caramelized finish that’s ideal for backyard barbecues, game day, or any gathering.
Prep the wings and the sauce, grill until nicely charred, then toss them in the warm glaze for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Hot honey glazes have been everywhere recently — and for good reason. The sweet heat is fantastic on wings. Adding chili crisp brings texture and an extra layer of spicy, savory complexity that takes these wings to the next level.
To make these wings, season and grill the chicken, melt together the sauce ingredients on the stove, then toss the cooked wings in the sauce until they’re glossy and coated. Simple, fast, and packed with flavor.
Honey Chili Crisp Grilled Chicken Wings – What You Need
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a silky texture to the sauce.
- Chili crisp: A chili oil condiment with crunchy chili flakes and spices. Use your favorite brand — Momofuku is a great option but not required.
- Honey: Brings sweetness that balances the heat.
- Soy sauce: Adds umami and savory depth.
- Apple cider vinegar: A splash of acidity brightens the sauce.
- Chicken wings: Any wings will work—drummettes and flats both grill well. Make sure they reach a safe internal temperature before tossing with the sauce.
Substitutions & Variations
These wings are easy to customize. Add garlic powder or a favorite dry rub before grilling for more savory depth. A final squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens the sweet-spicy balance.
If you don’t have a charcoal or gas grill, a grill pan or oven rack works well—just adjust the cooking time and follow the same steps to achieve crispy skin.
Tips for the BEST Honey Chili Crisp Grilled Chicken Wings
If using charcoal, wait until the coals are mostly gray with a bright orange glow before placing the wings on the grate.
When checking doneness, insert a thermometer into the thickest part of the wing without touching bone to get an accurate reading.
To reduce heat, stir in an extra 1–2 tablespoons of honey and taste as you go.
How to Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes to crisp the skin and warm the sauce without making the wings soggy.
What to Serve with Honey Chili Crisp Grilled Chicken Wings
These wings pair well with bright, crunchy salads or classic barbecue sides. A green salad, grilled Caesar, or tangy slaw complements the sweet-heat. Traditional sides like cornbread, potato salad, or grilled corn make a hearty meal.
For dipping, creamy dressings such as blue cheese or ranch are a natural match that cool and contrast the spicy-sweet glaze.
Honey Chili Crisp Grilled Chicken Wings Recipe
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Ingredients
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons chili crisp
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Wings
- 2 lbs. chicken wings
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
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Preheat grill to 425°F.
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Season the wings with salt and pepper in a bowl, tossing to coat. Set aside.
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Make the sauce: combine butter, chili crisp, honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Melt the butter, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
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Spray grill grates with nonstick spray. Grill wings over direct heat for 15–20 minutes, flipping every 3–5 minutes, until browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Aim for even grill marks; arrange drummettes and flats so they cook uniformly.
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Remove the cooked wings from the grill and immediately toss them in the warm honey chili crisp sauce until well coated.
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Serve immediately while the glaze is warm and glossy.
Tips & Notes
- If using charcoal, ensure the coals are mostly gray with a bright orange glow before grilling.
- Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of a wing without touching bone for an accurate reading.
- To mellow the heat, add 1–2 more tablespoons of honey to the sauce and taste until it reaches your desired balance.
Watch It
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
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