Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings

There’s something magical about the combination of crispy chicken wings, sweet honey, and the bold, zesty kick of Old Bay seasoning. If you’ve never tried Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings, you’re in for a serious treat! These wings bring together the best of both worlds: the comforting crunch of deep-fried (or baked!) wings and a sticky, flavorful glaze that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re making these for a family dinner, a game-day snack, or a weekend indulgence, they’ll quickly become a household favorite.

Old Bay seasoning, originally designed for seafood, has a unique blend of spices like celery salt, paprika, black pepper, and a hint of warmth that works wonders on chicken. Paired with rich, golden honey, it transforms ordinary wings into an irresistible dish. The best part? You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients—just a few pantry staples to create something truly spectacular. Whether you like your wings baked, air-fried, or deep-fried, this recipe will guide you through every step to ensure crispy, sticky, and utterly delicious results.

Why You’ll Love These Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings

• Perfect Flavor Balance – The bold, slightly spicy Old Bay seasoning complements the natural sweetness of honey, creating a mouthwatering contrast.
• Crispy and Sticky – You get the best of both textures: crispy skin and a finger-licking sticky glaze that coats every bite.
• Versatile Cooking Methods – Whether you prefer baking, air frying, or deep frying, this recipe works for all techniques.
• Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for game nights, parties, barbecues, or even as a main dish for a casual dinner.
• Simple Ingredients – No need for specialty spices or sauces; everything can be found in your kitchen or at any grocery store.

Preparation Time and Yield

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4-6

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 14g

Ingredients for Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings

For the Chicken Wings:

• 2 lbs chicken wings (drums and flats, separated)
• 2 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (if baking or air frying)

For the Honey Old Bay Glaze:

• ⅓ cup honey
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional, for a little heat)
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions for Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Wings

If your wings aren’t already pre-cut, separate the drumettes and flats by cutting through the joint. Pat them dry with paper towels—removing excess moisture helps them crisp up better.

Step 2: Season the Wings

In a large bowl, toss the wings with Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, and cornstarch. If you’re baking or air frying, drizzle the wings with olive oil to help them crisp up.

Step 3: Choose Your Cooking Method

• Baking Method: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
• Air Frying Method: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange wings in a single layer and cook for 22-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Deep Frying Method: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C). Fry wings in batches for 8-10 minutes until crispy and golden brown. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 4: Make the Honey Old Bay Glaze

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in honey, Old Bay seasoning, hot sauce (if using), lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze is slightly thickened.

Step 5: Coat the Wings

Transfer the cooked wings to a large bowl. Pour the honey Old Bay glaze over them and toss until they’re evenly coated.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your wings and serve them hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery sticks, and extra Old Bay seasoning for garnish.

Ingredient Background

One of the stars of this recipe is Old Bay seasoning, a unique blend of spices that originated in Maryland in the 1940s. It was originally crafted for seafood, but its bold, slightly spicy, and savory flavor has made it a go-to for everything from fries to chicken. The key components of Old Bay include celery salt, paprika, black pepper, and a mix of warming spices like nutmeg and cloves, creating a depth of flavor that enhances the wings beautifully.

Honey is the other key ingredient that transforms these wings from good to outstanding. A natural sweetener, honey provides a rich, golden glaze while also balancing out the saltiness of the Old Bay seasoning. Honey has been used in cooking for centuries, not just for its sweetness but also for its ability to caramelize and create a sticky, flavorful coating on meats.

Cornstarch might seem like a simple ingredient, but it plays a crucial role in getting these wings extra crispy. By absorbing moisture from the chicken skin, cornstarch ensures that whether you bake, air fry, or deep fry your wings, they will develop a crispy, crunchy texture that holds up to the glaze without becoming soggy.

Technique Tips for Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings

The secret to truly crispy, flavorful wings lies in a few key techniques. First, always pat the wings dry before seasoning. This removes excess moisture, which can prevent crispiness when cooking. Even if you’re deep frying, drying the wings helps achieve a golden-brown crust.

When baking or air frying, using a wire rack over a baking sheet is essential. This allows air to circulate around the wings, crisping them up evenly rather than steaming them. If you place them directly on the baking sheet, they can end up soggy where they touch the pan.

For the glaze, don’t rush the simmering process. Letting the honey, butter, and Old Bay seasoning heat together for a couple of minutes ensures the flavors meld perfectly. If you add the glaze while the wings are still extremely hot, let them cool for a minute before tossing. This prevents the sauce from sliding off and allows it to coat the wings more effectively.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

While classic wings are always a hit, there are plenty of fun ways to present this dish differently. One creative idea is to serve these wings on skewers, threading a few drumettes onto wooden sticks for an easy-to-eat party appetizer. This not only makes them look more elegant but also makes them a less messy finger food.

Another option is to turn these wings into a loaded platter. Arrange them over a bed of seasoned fries or crispy potato wedges, then drizzle with extra honey Old Bay glaze. Add a sprinkle of crumbled feta or blue cheese, and you’ve got a next-level snack or meal that feels indulgent and satisfying.

For a fusion twist, chop up the cooked wings and use them to make Honey Old Bay Chicken Tacos. Warm up soft flour or corn tortillas, add a handful of shredded lettuce, top with the chopped wings, and finish with a drizzle of ranch or spicy aioli. This takes the wings in a whole new direction while keeping all the delicious flavors intact.

Freezing and Storing Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings

If you have leftovers (which is rare because these wings disappear fast!), proper storage ensures they stay fresh. Once the wings have cooled to room temperature, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, reheat them in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soft.

To freeze cooked wings, spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for about 1 hour. This prevents them from sticking together. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they’ll last for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the oven or air fryer.

If you want to prep wings ahead of time, season them and store them uncooked in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat for even more flavor. When ready to cook, follow the usual baking, air frying, or frying steps.

Healthier Twist Ideas

If you want a lighter version of these wings, opt for baking or air frying instead of deep frying. Both methods significantly reduce the amount of oil used while still delivering a crispy result. To make them even crispier in the oven, spray them lightly with cooking spray before baking.

For a low-sugar alternative, swap out honey for pure maple syrup or a sugar-free honey substitute. These options still provide a hint of natural sweetness while keeping the sugar content lower. If you prefer a completely sugar-free version, you can use a blend of melted butter and lemon juice to create a tangy, Old Bay-infused coating.

For a higher protein, lower-fat option, try making boneless chicken bites instead. Use diced chicken breast, coat them in the Old Bay seasoning and cornstarch mixture, then bake or air fry until golden brown. These bite-sized pieces offer all the flavor without the extra fat from the chicken skin.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings are the ultimate party food, making them perfect for game nights, cookouts, and casual get-togethers. Serve them on a large platter with dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or honey mustard, and pair them with crispy celery and carrot sticks for a classic sports bar-style spread.

For a backyard BBQ, serve these wings alongside grilled corn on the cob, coleslaw, and homemade cornbread. The sweet and spicy glaze complements smoky grilled dishes beautifully, making for a balanced and satisfying meal.

If you’re making these wings for a holiday appetizer, consider pairing them with mini sliders, stuffed jalapeños, or loaded nachos to create a shareable feast. The bold flavors of Old Bay and honey stand out among other party foods, ensuring these wings are the star of the spread.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these wings ahead of time?
Yes! You can season the wings in advance and keep them in the fridge overnight. You can also cook them ahead and reheat them in the oven to maintain crispiness.

2. What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?
You can make a substitute by mixing 2 tsp celery salt, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp cayenne, ¼ tsp mustard powder, and a pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon.

3. Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to get the best crispiness.

4. How do I make them spicier?
Add extra hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the glaze for an added kick.

5. What’s the best way to reheat these wings?
Use the oven or air fryer at 375°F for about 10 minutes to keep them crispy.

6. Can I use boneless chicken instead?
Yes! Boneless chicken bites or tenders work great with the same seasoning and glaze.

7. Can I grill these wings?
Absolutely! Grill over medium heat for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway, then toss in the glaze.

8. Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes, maple syrup gives a slightly different sweetness but works well.

9. Do these wings taste good cold?
They’re best warm, but some people enjoy them cold straight from the fridge!

10. What dipping sauces go well with these wings?
Ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard, or a simple garlic aioli are all great choices.

Conclusion

These Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings are the perfect blend of crispy, sweet, and savory flavors. Whether you’re making them for a party, a family dinner, or just a personal treat, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of Old Bay’s bold spices and the sticky honey glaze creates a mouthwatering experience that you’ll crave again and again.

Try this recipe today, and let me know how it turns out! Would you serve these wings for a party or just for yourself?