If you’re looking for a chicken wing recipe that’s a little different from the usual buffalo sauce, these Harissa Hot Honey Wings are about to become a favorite! They’re baked until crispy, tossed in a sweet and spicy glaze, and packed with smoky flavor from harissa.
Whether you’re making them for game day, a summer cookout, or just because you’re craving something a little different, these wings deliver big flavor without requiring a deep fryer. They’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
3 pounds chicken wings
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Harissa Hot Honey Sauce
2 tablespoons harissa sauce
3 tablespoons hot honey
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon onion powder
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top if you have one.
2. Pat the chicken wings very dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss the wings with the baking powder, salt, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper until evenly coated. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake for 20 minutes. Flip the wings and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
4. While the wings bake, whisk together the harissa sauce, hot honey, melted butter, soy sauce, and onion powder in a medium bowl. Microwave for about 30 seconds, or until the sauce is smooth and easy to stir.
5. Transfer the cooked wings to a large bowl and toss with the sauce until evenly coated. Return the wings to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Recipe Tips and FAQs
How spicy are these Harissa Hot Honey Wings?
These wings have a moderate level of heat from the harissa and hot honey. For milder wings, reduce the harissa or add extra honey. For more heat, add an additional tablespoon of harissa or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, but they should be fully thawed before baking. Pat them dry with paper towels to help them crisp up in the oven.
Why do you use baking powder on chicken wings?
Baking powder helps draw moisture from the skin, creating extra crispy wings without deep frying.
What is harissa?
Harissa is a North African chili pepper paste made with peppers, spices, and olive oil. It adds smoky, slightly spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with sweet hot honey.
Can I make these wings ahead of time?
You can bake the wings ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Reheat in a 400°F oven until hot and crispy, then toss with the sauce before serving.
How do I store leftover wings?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What should I serve with Harissa Hot Honey Wings?
These wings pair well with ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery and carrot sticks, coleslaw, roasted potatoes, fries, or a crisp cucumber salad.
Can I use this sauce on other meats?
Absolutely! The harissa hot honey sauce is delicious on chicken thighs, drumsticks, grilled chicken breasts, shrimp, salmon, or roasted vegetables.
Can I make the sauce without hot honey?
Yes. Use regular honey and add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to create a similar sweet-and-spicy flavor.
What Makes These Wings So Crispy?
The secret is a combination of thoroughly drying the wings, coating them with baking powder, and baking them at a high temperature. This method creates crispy skin without the mess of deep frying while allowing the sweet and spicy harissa hot honey glaze to cling to every bite.
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