I have spent 30 years looking for the kinds of recipes that are so delicious it makes people want to eat them on repeat. These Honey Chipotle Wings are one of those recipes. Simple, crispy grilled chicken wings (with an oven-baked option, too) get tossed in the most crazy amazing honey chipotle sauce. It is an irresistible sweet, smoky, slightly spicy mix that is so darn good!

And because these are so easy to make, you might as well add one of these game day recipes. From pizza and potato skins to mac and cheese, we've got plenty of truly tasty bites to round out the spread.

A sheet pan of honey chipotle chicken wings.

The very moment I tasted the honey chipotle sauce, I knew it was made for chicken wings. It's a sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy sauce that really clings to the wings in the best way.

Chicken wings are one of those recipes we love for game days (they happen a lot over here!), pizza night, or any night we want something casual and yummy!

Recipe Notes from Danielle & Misty

Once we discovered the baking powder trick for getting incredibly crispy chicken wings (without the hassle of frying), our minds have been working overtime on different flavor combinations.

The Honey Chipotle Chicken copycat we developed, inspired by Chipotle's ever-popular menu item, was the inspiration for these wings. Every once in a while, you can nail a recipe with almost no testing. But that usually comes because all the experience that came before it helps you to know what works, and what doesn't.

We had already perfected oven-baked and grilled chicken wings with the baking powder technique, and we had this seriously delicious Hot Honey Sauce that could be tweaked to have a Mexican-inspired flavor profile. And we were right! These are so good they could be on any restaurant menu!

Honey chipotle wings ingredients

Throughout the years of making chicken wings, we've learned a few key tips that make all the difference.

Garlic powder, onion powder, honey, salt, oregano, chipotle chile, butter, baking powder, wings, black pepper, paprika, and cumin on a countertop.

Chicken wings: You will need 18-20 drummettes, flats, or a combination of both. We prefer to buy frozen wings since they are usually already separated into pieces which saves a step. Fresh wings work just as well, but you will probably need to cut the flats, drummettes, and wing tips (discard) yourself.
Honey: Honey provides the sticky thickness that helps the sauce coat the wings. The best honey is a mild flavored variety that won't overpower the other flavors.
Butter: We love salted butter so much that it's the only kind we stock in our kitchens. However, if you have unsalted just add a tiny pinch more salt to the sauce.
Baking powder: Not all baking powder is created equal! It is essential that you use aluminum-free baking powder because baking powder that has aluminum in it will leave your wings tasting like metal. Be sure to check the ingredient list for the word "aluminum". Also, be sure your baking powder hasn't been opened longer that 6 months. Freshness is important.
Chipotle chili powder: This is the key flavor component to the sauce. Smoked and dried jalapeno chilis are ground into fine powder. Think of it as the flavor in chipotles in adobo, without the adobo sauce.
Smoked paprika: I really recommend using smoked paprika rather than regular or hot paprika. It adds additional smokiness without making it overly spicy.
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, ground cumin, and oregano round out the flavors in the sauce, adding layers so that it isn't a one note experience.

Helpful kitchen tools

How to make honey chipotle chicken wings

Start by preheating the grill to a medium-high heat. Once the grates are hot, be sure to clean the greates and then wipe a thin layer of oil over them.

A small dish of honey chipotle sauce with a whisk.

Combine all the ingredients for the honey chipotle sauce in a small or medium bowl. Stir until thoroughly combined, then set aside until it's time to toss the wings.

Raw chicken wings getting dried with a paper towel.

Pat the wings very dry with paper towels, making sure to remove as much moisture as possible. This step is critical for getting crispy skin. Too much remaining moisture can lead to steaming the skin which causes it to be rubbery.

Once the wings are fully dry, place them in a large bowl. Sprinkle the seasonings and baking powder over the top of the wings and toss together until they are evenly coated.

Once the grill is hot and the grates are oiled, place the wings on the grill, leaving about an inch or so in between each one. Giving them room allows the heat to circulate evenly and helps the skin to get crispy.

Once the first side is brown and crispy, flip the wings over and continue cooking on the other side. Watch out for hot spots and move the wings around as needed to prevent them from buring.

Grilled chicken wings in a glass bowl covered in sauce.

Once the chicken wings are cooked through (they should be 165º F when a meat thermometer is inserted) it is time to add them to a clean bowl. Drizzle all of the honey chipotle sauce over the top and toss the wings together. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

A cluster of honey chipotle wings on parchment paper.

What to serve with

Looking to try other flavors or just want to add variety to your menu? Here is a list of all our chicken wing flavors so far:

Honey chipotle sauce dripping off a cluster of chicken wings on a white surface.

Tips & Tricks

Be sure to really dry the wings thoroughly, then toss with the baking powder and seasonings just before grilling.
Grills usually have hot spots, so you might need to move them around if the heat on the grill is uneven.
The amount of sauce called for gives plenty of flavor, but for the photos we used a little extra sauce for drizzling. If you want extra saucy wings, double the ingredients for the sauce.

More recipes

Looking for other recipes? Try these: