These hot honey peach chicken wings are a tasty treat! They’re sweet with a hint of spice, making them perfect for game day or a fun dinner. Just bake or grill them and get ready to enjoy!
I love how easy they are to whip up! You just mix the sauce, coat the wings, and bake away—no fuss! 🍑 Plus, they disappear fast, so be ready to share… or not! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: The star of this recipe! You can use whole wings, or cut them into flats and drumettes, as mentioned. If you prefer, try using boneless chicken thighs for a different texture.
Buttermilk: This is essential for marinating since it tenderizes the chicken. If you don’t have buttermilk, make your own by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
Paprika: Adds a mild flavor and nice color. If you’re looking for more heat, you can switch to smoked paprika or even cayenne pepper, but remember to adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
Peach Preserves: These give sweetness and fruity flavor. If fresh peaches are in season, blend them into a sauce instead, adding a bit of sugar or honey for sweetness.
Hot Sauce: Adjust this to your heat level. I suggest starting with a milder sauce and adding more if you like it spicy. Sriracha or a sweet chili sauce could also work well!
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Crispy Wings?
To get perfectly crispy wings, there are a few key steps to follow. Start by properly coating the wings with the flour mixture. Make sure each wing is completely covered for that satisfying crunch.
- Ensure oil is hot enough by using a thermometer; 350°F (175°C) is ideal.
- Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches to keep the oil temperature steady, allowing wings to crisp up nicely.
- After frying, let them rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil and maintain that crisp texture.
With these tips and ingredient insights, you’re set for a delicious dish that will impress your friends and family!
Easy Hot Honey Peach Chicken Wings
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup peach preserves or peach jam
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Optional: finely chopped fresh jalapeño or crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat
- Celery sticks and carrot sticks, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation, plus at least 1 hour for marinating. Frying the wings takes about 10 minutes, and making the sauce is just a few more. Overall, you’ll need around 1 hour and 30 minutes to enjoy these delicious hot honey peach chicken wings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Wings:
Begin by placing the chicken wings in a large bowl and covering them completely with buttermilk. This step is important because it helps the wings become tender and flavorful. Once coated, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or if you have time, overnight.
2. Prepare the Flour Coating:
While the wings marinate, you can prepare the flour mixture. In a large zip-top bag or a bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
3. Coat the Wings:
After marinating, take the wings out of the buttermilk. Let the excess buttermilk drip off before placing a few wings at a time into the flour mixture. Toss them in the flour until they are fully coated, pressing the flour onto the wings for full coverage. Set the coated wings aside on a wire rack or a plate.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or fryer, pour in enough vegetable oil to reach about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to check the temperature for the perfect frying experience.
5. Fry the Wings:
Once the oil is hot, carefully add a batch of wings to the oil. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan; this will help the wings fry evenly. Fry the wings for about 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are golden brown and cooked through. When done, remove them and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Make the Hot Honey Peach Sauce:
While the wings are frying, grab a small saucepan and combine the peach preserves, honey, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar over medium-low heat. Stir until everything is mixed well and warmed through. If you like it spicy, feel free to toss in some finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes!
7. Coat the Wings in Sauce:
Once the wings are fried, place them in a large bowl and pour the hot honey peach sauce over them. Toss the wings gently in the sauce until they are all beautifully coated and glossy.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the wings to a serving platter and pair them with fresh celery and carrot sticks for that perfect crunchy complement. Serve immediately and indulge in the wonderful mingling of sweet, spicy, and fruity flavors!
This recipe yields crispy, juicy wings with a sticky, flavorful sauce that’s bound to impress. Perfect for any occasion!
FAQ for Easy Hot Honey Peach Chicken Wings
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings?
Yes! If using frozen chicken wings, make sure to fully thaw them before marinating. The best way is to leave them in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also thaw them in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water.
Can I Bake the Wings Instead of Frying Them?
Absolutely! To bake, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the coated wings on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and cooked through. For extra crunch, you can use a broiler for the last few minutes.
How Do I Store Leftover Wings?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave them or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, which helps to maintain their crispiness.
What Can I Use Instead of Peach Preserves?
If you don’t have peach preserves, you can substitute with apricot jam or another fruit preserve of your choice. You can also use fresh, pureed peaches with added sugar for sweetness if you prefer a more natural option!
