Honey-Cayenne Chicken Wings

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy baked wings coated in a sweet-spicy glaze, ideal for sharing during game nights with friends. This American-inspired game-day recipe, ready in about 60 minutes, pairs chicken wings, olive oil, honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place 2 pounds chicken wings on a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon paprika. Toss to coat evenly.
  2. Step 2: Bake for 40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
  3. Step 3: Whisk together 3 tablespoons honey and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Remove wings from oven, brush with honey-cayenne mixture, and return to oven for 5 minutes to set the glaze.
  5. Step 5: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Honey-Cayenne Chicken Wings take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Honey-Cayenne Chicken Wings?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken wings from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Cayenne Chicken Wings?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Honey-Cayenne Chicken Wings for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Honey-Cayenne Chicken Wings?

American game day like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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