Spicy Honey BBQ Chicken Wings with Chilli Kick

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Spicy honey BBQ wings hit differently

Honey BBQ chicken wings are all about balance, sweet, smoky, and sticky, but when you throw chilli into the mix, they become something else entirely. The honey softens the heat just enough so it lingers pleasantly without overwhelming. These wings are the ones I bring out when friends say they “like a bit of spice” but don’t want their tongues on fire. They’re crowd-pleasers at casual BBQ get togethers, fiery enough to be exciting yet still easy to eat by the handful.

I first served a version of these at a back garden party. I’d made my usual BBQ glaze, but at the last minute stirred in chilli flakes and a splash of hot sauce. The result? Everyone loved them. If you’re curious about playing with heat levels, the sweet vs. spicy honey BBQ wing sauce variations guide explores different ways to get that balance just right. For more wing inspiration, don’t miss my full honey BBQ chicken wing recipe collection.

How the chilli-honey glaze works

The reason these wings work so well is contrast. Honey clings to the skin and creates a sticky base, while chilli flakes, powder, and hot sauce bring layered heat. You taste sweetness first, then a kick of warmth that lingers. Roasting them in the oven helps the honey caramelise, giving the glaze a glossy sheen that makes them look as irresistible as they taste.

If you want a smokier finish, you can take them to the grill instead of the oven, much like my smoky grilled honey BBQ wings. Either way, the chilli cuts through the sweetness, making these wings feel like a perfect balance of indulgence and heat.

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
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 150 g BBQ sauce
• 3 tablespoons runny honey
• 2 teaspoons chilli flakes
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)

Instructions

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

Meanwhile, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, chilli flakes, and hot sauce in a small pan over medium heat. Let it bubble gently for a few minutes until slightly thickened. Once the wings are cooked, toss them in the sauce until evenly coated, then return them to the oven for another 8–10 minutes so the glaze sets sticky and glossy.

Wine and beer pairings

Spicy wings love wines that cool the heat. A chilled Riesling with a touch of residual sweetness works wonders, tempering the chilli while refreshing your palate. A sparkling rosé is another fun choice, light, bubbly, and fruity enough to play against the spice.

For beer, I’d pour a wheat beer, which has a soft, mellow profile that soothes the chilli kick. If you prefer a bolder option, a citrusy pale ale works brilliantly, the hops highlight the heat without overwhelming the honey glaze. Check out our BBQ chicken wine pairing guide for more inspo.

Frequently asked questions about spicy honey BBQ wings

Tips for success

Balance is everything. Too much hot sauce and you’ll drown out the honey, too little and the wings won’t deliver the promised kick. Apply the glaze in thin layers to build up sticky shine without burning. If you’re worried about too much heat, always taste the sauce before tossing the wings in.

Storage and reheating honey BBQ chicken wings

These wings will keep in the fridge for three days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C for about 12–15 minutes, brushing with a little extra honey BBQ sauce to freshen the glaze. They also freeze well — store in airtight containers for up to three months, then thaw and reheat in the oven.

Ingredient notes and alternatives

I’ve used chilli flakes for a steady background heat, but you could use fresh chopped chillies for more punch. Hot sauce adds tang as well as heat, so if you skip it, consider adding a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar for balance. For gluten-free needs, check your BBQ sauce and hot sauce labels carefully. For vegetarians, this spicy glaze is fantastic brushed over roasted cauliflower or crispy tofu.