These hot honey peach chicken wings are a tasty treat! They combine juicy chicken with a sticky, sweet, and spicy sauce that will make your taste buds dance!
Cooking these wings is easy-peasy. Just mix your sauce, coat the wings, and bake them to crispy perfection. They’re perfect for game days or anytime you want a yummy snack!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: The star of this dish! You can use fresh or frozen wings. For a healthier option, you could try baking them instead of frying.
Peach Preserves: This brings sweet and fruity flavor. If you don’t have peach preserves, apricot or orange marmalade also works well. You can also use homemade fruit puree if that’s your style!
Honey: It adds sweetness and stickiness. If you’re looking for a lower sugar alternative, try agave syrup or maple syrup, but keep in mind the flavor changes slightly.
Hot Sauce: I like using Frank’s RedHot, but any favorite hot sauce will do. For less heat, try a milder sauce, or skip it entirely for a sweet-only wing!
How Do You Fry Wings Without Them Getting Soggy?
Frying wings can be messy, but keeping them crispy is easy! Start by ensuring your wings are dry before coating them in the flour mixture. Moisture will make them soggy. When frying:
- Heat oil to 350°F. Too low, and wings absorb oil; too high, and they burn.
- Fry in small batches. Overcrowding the pan reduces the oil temperature.
- Drain fried wings on paper towels to remove excess oil. This keeps them crispy!
How Can You Make the Sauce Stick Better?
To make sure the sauce adheres well to the wings, try these tips:
- Let wings rest for a minute after frying. This helps the surface set and grab onto the sauce.
- Use a large bowl to toss wings with the sauce thoroughly. This ensures even coating!
How to Make Easy Hot Honey Peach Chicken Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
- Oil, for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
- 1/2 cup peach preserves or peach jam
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or green onions (for garnish)
- Celery sticks and carrot sticks, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes until those delicious wings are ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Wings:
Start by patting the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Removing the moisture helps them get crispy when you fry them!
2. Make the Coating:
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. This will be the crispy coating for our wings.
3. Coat the Wings:
Toss the wings in the flour mixture until they are fully coated. Make sure to shake off any excess flour so they don’t get too heavy!
4. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or pot, pour in about 2 inches of oil and heat it to 350°F (175°C). This will give your wings that perfect crispy texture.
5. Fry the Wings:
Carefully fry the wings in batches, so they don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. Turn them occasionally for even cooking. Once done, remove them and let them drain on paper towels.
6. Make the Sauce:
In a small saucepan, mix the peach preserves, honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Heat it over low until everything is warm and the sauce is smooth.
7. Toss Wings in Sauce:
Place the crispy wings in a large bowl, then pour the hot honey peach sauce over them. Toss them gently until every wing is beautifully coated in sauce.
8. Serve:
Transfer your tasty wings to a serving plate and garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Serve them right away with celery and carrot sticks if you like!
Enjoy your sweet, spicy, and juicy hot honey peach wings!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bake Instead of Frying the Wings?
Yes, you can bake the wings for a healthier option! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), place the coated wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
What Should I Do if I Don’t Have Peach Preserves?
If you don’t have peach preserves, you can substitute with apricot jam or even a fruit puree like apple or pear. The flavor will vary a bit, but it’ll still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Wings?
Store the leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat in a microwave, though they may not stay as crispy.
Can I Make the Sauce in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the hot honey peach sauce ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat on the stove over low heat when ready to use.