Get ready for some finger-lickin’ goodness with these Easy Hot Honey Peach Chicken Wings! They are sweet, spicy, and super tasty with juicy peach sauce that brings summer vibes to your plate.
These wings bake up crispy and are perfect for game day or a casual meal. I love serving them with a side of extra peach sauce for dipping—because who can resist a little extra sweetness? 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: I love using fresh, whole chicken wings for the best flavor. If you have frozen wings, just make sure to fully thaw them before cooking. You could also substitute with drumsticks or thighs if that’s what you have on hand!
Peach Preserves: These are key for that sweet sauce! If peaches aren’t in season or preserves aren’t available, you can use apricot jam or even mango chutney for a different twist.
Hot Sauce: Adjust the spiciness to your liking. If you’re not a fan of too much heat, you can use a milder hot sauce or even swap it out for barbecue sauce for a sweeter flavor.
Vegetable Oil: Canola or grapeseed oil works well for frying. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can bake the wings instead of frying. They will still taste great!
What’s the Best Way to Fry Chicken Wings?
Frying chicken wings can be intimidating, but it’s really straightforward! Here’s how to ensure they’re crispy and delicious:
- Heat your oil to the right temperature (about 350°F). This helps achieve a crispy texture without greasiness.
- Do not overcrowd the pan! Fry in batches to keep the temperature consistent. This is key for crispy wings.
- Fry each batch for about 8-10 minutes until they’re golden brown. Use a thermometer to check that they reach 165°F for safe eating.
- After frying, place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil, keeping them crispy!
With these tips, you’re sure to get perfectly crispy wings every time. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Easy Hot Honey Peach Chicken Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, tips removed and wings separated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Oil, for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
For the Hot Honey Peach Sauce:
- 1/2 cup peach preserves or peach jam
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
For Garnish and Serving:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)
- Celery sticks and carrot sticks, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Cooking these delightful chicken wings takes about 20 minutes for prep and about 20-25 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll be looking at about 45 minutes until you’re indulging in sweet and spicy peachy goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Wings:
Start by patting the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This helps to ensure they get crispy when fried. Nobody likes soggy wings, right?
2. Seasoning the Wings:
In a large bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Toss the wings in the seasoning mixture until they are evenly coated. This will give them great flavor!
3. Coating the Wings:
Put the flour in a shallow dish. Coat each wing evenly in flour, shaking off any excess. This layer of flour will help create a crispy texture when you fry them.
4. Heating Oil:
In a deep fryer or a large heavy-bottom skillet, heat enough oil to completely submerge the wings to about 350°F (175°C). This is the sweet spot for achieving that perfect crispy finish!
5. Frying the Wings:
Fry the wings in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Drain them on a wire rack or paper towels to remove any excess oil.
6. Making the Sauce:
While your wings are frying, grab a small saucepan and combine peach preserves, honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling spicy), and lime juice. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
7. Tossing the Wings in Sauce:
Once the wings are fried and crisp, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the hot honey peach sauce over the wings and toss them gently to coat. Make sure every wing is covered in that delicious sauce!
8. Serving Up:
Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley if you’re using it. Serve your hot honey peach chicken wings immediately, paired with celery and carrot sticks for a delightful crunch!
There you have it! A perfect blend of sweet and spicy that’s sure to be a hit whether it’s game day or a fun family dinner. Enjoy every bite of these tasty wings!
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings! Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. The best way to thaw is to place them in the refrigerator overnight, or you can use the cold water method by sealing them in a bag and submerging them in cold water for about an hour.
How Can I Make These Wings Spicier?
If you love heat, you can increase the amount of hot sauce in the recipe or add more red pepper flakes to the sauce based on your taste preferences. Experimenting with different hot sauces can also add a new flavor dimension!
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the peach honey sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before tossing it with the wings.
How Can I Store Leftover Wings?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or microwave them until heated through. Just be aware that reheating in the microwave can make them a bit less crispy.
