Extra Sticky Honey BBQ Wings with Garlic Butter

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Garlic butter takes honey BBQ wings to the next level

Honey BBQ chicken wings are already sticky, glossy, and downright satisfying, but when you add garlic butter to the glaze, they become something else entirely. The butter enriches the sauce, giving it a silky texture that clings tightly to the wings, while garlic cuts through with savoury depth. The result is a wing that’s sweet, smoky, garlicky, and luxuriously sticky all at once.

I came up with this version after making garlic butter for bread and thinking, “why not wings?” The combination worked so well that it became a regular feature at my weekend gatherings. They’re messy in the best possible way, you’ll need napkins, but it’s worth it. If sticky finishes are your thing, I’d recommend looking at my baking hacks for perfectly sticky honey BBQ wings, which can help you achieve that lacquered finish every time. You’ll also find this recipe in my round-up of honey roast chicken wing favourites.

How garlic butter transforms the glaze

The garlic is sautéed gently in butter first, which softens its sharpness and infuses the fat with flavour. That garlicky butter is then whisked into the honey BBQ glaze, enriching it so it coats the wings in thick, sticky layers. As the wings bake with the glaze, the butter helps it cling while the honey caramelises into a glossy shell.

This method creates wings that stay sticky even as they cool, which makes them ideal for parties and sharing plates. For a smoky finish, you could also transfer them to the grill right at the end, like I do with my smoky grilled honey BBQ wings.

Ingredients you’ll need (serves 4)

• 1 kg chicken wings, separated at the joints
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 150 g BBQ sauce
• 3 tablespoons runny honey
• 50 g unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 200°C (fan 180°C). Line a tray with foil and set a wire rack on top. Pat the wings dry, then toss them with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread out evenly on the rack and bake for 40 minutes, turning halfway through, until crisp and golden.

While the wings cook, melt the butter in a small pan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook gently for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the BBQ sauce, honey, and vinegar, whisking until smooth and glossy. Once the wings are cooked, toss them in the garlic butter glaze, return them to the oven, and bake for another 8–10 minutes until sticky and shiny.

Wine and beer pairings

A Chardonnay with a touch of oak complements the buttery glaze beautifully, highlighting the richness while balancing the sweetness. Alternatively, a chilled Riesling offers a fresher contrast that cuts through garlic and honey.

For beer, a golden ale works brilliantly with garlic butter wings, echoing the caramel notes of the glaze. A porter is another interesting choice, with roasted undertones that complement garlic and smoke.

Frequently asked questions about extra sticky garlic butter wings

Tips for success with garlic butter honey BBQ wings

Don’t rush the garlic, let it soften gently in butter without browning, otherwise it’ll taste bitter. Always toss the wings in the glaze twice: once to coat and once more after a short bake. That double-coating technique gives them the thick, sticky finish you want. If you’d like a variation, try brushing the glaze on my crispy oven-baked garlic wings.

Storage and reheating honey BBQ chicken wings

These wings will keep in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat at 180°C for 12–15 minutes, brushing with extra glaze if you’ve saved some. They also freeze well, store in airtight containers for up to three months, then thaw and reheat until piping hot.

Ingredient notes and alternatives

Butter is central to this recipe, but you could use ghee for a slightly nutty flavour. Garlic is best fresh, though jarred garlic will work if you’re in a rush. For gluten-free needs, check your BBQ sauce. Vegetarians can use this garlic butter glaze on roasted cauliflower florets for a surprisingly indulgent side.