Honey Barbecue Boneless Chicken Wings – You know those days when you just need something to hit the spot? That’s where these Honey Barbecue Boneless Chicken Wings come into play. I mean, what’s better than tender, juicy chicken coated in a crispy, golden breading and tossed in the most addictive honey BBQ sauce? These wings have become my go-to for everything from game nights to casual dinners. Honestly, they’re so good, I’m pretty sure my family thinks I’ve got a secret recipe straight from a restaurant.
Okay, confession time. The first time I made these wings was purely out of desperation. Picture this: it was game day, friends were already texting “on our way,” and I had nothing remotely snack-worthy in the fridge. But then I spotted some chicken breasts and a dusty bottle of molasses in the pantry. An idea clicked—Honey BBQ Wings! I whipped them up in record time, and let me tell you, they were gone faster than you can say “pass the ranch.” Now, they’re a staple in my house. Every bite takes me back to that chaotic, laugh-filled evening.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Barbecue Boneless Chicken Wings Recipe?
- Baked, Not Fried: All the crunch, none of the grease. Perfect if you want a slightly healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
- Homemade BBQ Sauce: Forget store-bought. This sauce is smoky, sweet, tangy, and seriously finger-licking good.
- Double-Coated Perfection: That crispy breading hugs the chicken just right.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes—because who has time to spend hours in the kitchen?
Ingredient Notes:
Let’s get real: every ingredient here pulls its weight. Here’s why they matter:
- Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy, especially when baked.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Adds that extra crunch factor we all crave.
- Spices: A mix of paprika, cayenne, and black pepper keeps things flavorful without overwhelming the palate.
- Honey BBQ Sauce: This blend of ketchup, honey, molasses, and spices is the star of the show.
- Cooking Spray: A quick spritz ensures the breading gets golden and crispy in the oven.
How To Make Honey Barbecue Boneless Chicken Wings?
Step 1: Whip Up the Sauce
Combine all the sauce ingredients in a saucepan. Let it simmer for a few minutes until everything is blended and slightly thickened. Keep it warm—you’ll need it soon.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
Mix the flour, panko, and spices in one bowl. In another, whisk the eggs and milk. Setting up your station ahead of time makes the process so much smoother (and less messy).
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then roll it in the breading. For extra crunch, double dip. (Pro tip: Use one hand for wet ingredients and the other for dry to avoid a sticky mess.)
Step 4: Bake to Crispy Goodness
Preheat your oven to 475°F. Place the breaded chicken on a greased baking sheet, spray a little cooking oil on top, and bake for 8-10 minutes. Want them extra crispy? Crank the heat to broil for the last couple of minutes.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Once the chicken is done, toss it in the honey BBQ sauce while it’s still warm. Trust me, this part is magic. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
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Storage Options:
If you have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, rarely happens):
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep that crispy texture.
- Freeze: Freeze the baked (unsauced) chicken pieces for up to 2 months. Reheat and toss in fresh sauce before serving.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Turn Up the Heat: Add a splash of hot sauce or extra cayenne for some fiery wings.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Swap the flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives.
- Try a New Sauce: Switch out the honey BBQ for buffalo, teriyaki, or even a sweet chili glaze.
- Different Proteins: Don’t limit yourself to chicken—this recipe works great with tofu or shrimp too.
What to Serve with Honey Barbecue Boneless Chicken Wings?
- Classic Pairings: Celery and carrot sticks with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Comfort Sides: Mac and cheese, coleslaw, or mashed potatoes.
- Party Favorites: Add these wings to a spread with sliders, nachos, or a big bowl of chips and dip.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I fry these instead of baking?
Absolutely! Heat your oil to 350°F and fry the chicken until golden and crispy. It’ll take about 3-4 minutes per batch.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce can be made up to a week in advance. Store it in the fridge and reheat gently before using.
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
No worries—regular breadcrumbs work too, though the texture won’t be as light and crispy.
So, are you ready to dive into these Honey Barbecue Boneless Chicken Wings? Whether it’s game day, a family dinner, or just a Tuesday night craving, these wings are guaranteed to hit the spot. Try them out, and let me know how they turn out—I’d love to hear your twist on this classic!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Honey Barbecue Boneless Chicken Wings
Ingredients
For the Honey BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Boneless Wings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 1 large egg or 2 egg whites
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into small chunks or strips (approximately 3/4–1 pound)
Instructions
Prepare the Honey BBQ Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, white vinegar, molasses, honey, liquid smoke, salt, black pepper, paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Cook over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring continuously until all ingredients are well combined.
- Reduce heat to the lowest setting and keep warm while preparing the chicken.
Prepare the Boneless Wings:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and lightly coat with non-stick cooking spray.
- Prepare the Breading Mixture: In a shallow bowl, mix flour, panko breadcrumbs, kosher salt, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg(s) and milk.
- Bread the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then coat it in the breading mixture. For extra crispiness, repeat the process to double-coat each piece.
- Arrange on the Baking Sheet: Place the breaded chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly browned. For a crispier texture, turn the oven to broil and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
Combine and Serve:
- Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 1-2 minutes.
- Toss the baked chicken in the warm Honey BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately with your choice of sides or garnishes.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!