This honey chipotle chicken is a must try that hits all the right notes. These are juicy wings with a crispy texture tossed in a smoky chipotle pepper and garlic glaze that’s a little sweet, smoky and spicy. It’s not only a foolproof recipe I’ve created, but also a family favorite highly requested in my home.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT TOO
The search for crispy wings without using a deep fryer can be a challenge. And while air fryers are fantastic for smaller portions, they can be just as time consuming when you need to cook large batches, because you’ll have to work in multiple rounds. This is where the oven method really shines because you can cook a large amount all at once and still get that crispy skin.
INGREDIENT ESSENTIALS
Here’s some information on some of the key ingredients and how they create a signature flavor profile and delicious texture. Don’t worry, I’ve got you – a full list of ingredients are in the recipe card below.
Baking Powder- I like to use baking powder for an extra crispy puffy exterior. Baking powder when combined with salt creates a chemical reaction that helps draw out the moisture, and result in crispy skin. You can also use cornstarch with similar results but the skin has a slightly lighter crunch.
Chipotle Peppers in Adobe Sauce- This is the star of the show as it provides the signature smoky heat and rich complex flavor. You can find it in the Hispanic aisle of your local grocery store. For a milder heat, remove the seeds from the peppers before mixing the sauce ingredients together. If you want a saucier wing or smoother glaze with less prep, you can purchase the adobo sauce without peppers.
Garlic- Fresh garlic is great for aroma and depth. But you can also add two teaspoons of garlic powder and an extra garlic clove for a more robust garlicky flavor.
Honey- The sweetness from the honey balances the heat from the peppers, creating the perfect sweet and spicy finish.
Lime Juice- The acidity of the lime helps to balance out the flavors and the sweetness.
LET’S COOK THE WINGS
Here’s some extra guidance to guarantee crispy flavorful results every time. All of the detailed instructions you need will be in the recipe card below.
Prep the Oven and Pan- First, adjust the oven racks to the second to the lowest and second to highest levels. Next, line the baking sheet with foil for easy clean up. Then, place an oven safe cooling rack on top of the lined pan. Spray the rack with baking spray.
Season the Wings- Pat dry the wings with a paper towel. Then, in a large bowl, mix together the baking powder, salt and pepper. Coat the them well with this mixture.
Pro Tip- If you have time, the secret to wings that stay crispy when glazed is placing the seasoned wings in the fridge uncovered for at least 30 minutes for a short air dry.
First Bake- Next, put the seasoned wings on the greased rack in a single layer making sure they don’t touch. Then, place the pan on the lowest rack and bake at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. This slow and low way of cooking helps to render the fat and begin the crisping process.
Second Bake- Now move the pan to the higher rack and increase the oven temperature to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook for 40 to 50 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy, making sure to rotate the pan halfway through the cooking time.
TIME TO MAKE THE SAUCE AND SERVE
While the meat cooks, you can make the glaze.
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it’s a translucent golden-yellow liquid.
Add the garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant.
Add remaining ingredients- Next, stir in the chipotle pepper, lime juice and honey. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes until glossy and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
Pro Tip – For a less chunky sauce, place all the sauce ingredients in a food processor to get a smoother glaze.
Coat the Wings- Once the wings are done, toss them immediately in the warm sticky glaze and coat them evenly.
Pro Tip – Reserve a little sauce to brush on just before plating to help make the finished dish extra glossy.
Recipe Update: This recipe was refreshed in 2025 with new photos and tips!
Tried it? Leave a ⭐ rating and let me know your favorite way to enjoy it!
Honey Chipotle Wings Recipe
Ingredients
- 10 whole wings cut into drumettes and flats
- 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- Sauce:
- 6 garlic cloves finely chopped or pressed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 6 tablespoons chipotle peppers adobo sauce
- Juice of one Lime
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Adjust the racks inside your oven as follows: Place one rack at the second to lowest level. And place the second rack on the second highest level.
- Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
- Line a pan with foil, and place an oven safe cooling rack on top of the lined pan.
- Spray the rack with baking spray.
- In a large bowl mix together the baking powder, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and chicken wings. Make sure to coat the chicken wings well with the baking soda/salt mixture.
- Place the chicken wings on the greased rack. Place your pan on the lowest rack of your oven. Bake the wings for 30 minutes.
- When they wings have finished cooking for the first 30 minutes, move the pan of wings to the higher rack.
- Turn the oven temperature up to 425 degrees. Let the wings cook for about 40 to 50 minutes. Rotate the pan halfway through the cooking process.
- While the wings are cooking, make the sauce by placing the butter in a medium saucepan and melt the butter using medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the garlic and cook the garlic for about a minute.
- Once the garlic has cooked, add the adobo sauce, lime juice, and honey.
- Allow the sauce to cook for a few minutes. Remove from heat source, and set aside.
- When the wings have finished cooking, toss the wings in the sauce. Or you can use the sauce as a dipping sauce. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Please note that I am not a nutritionist, and the nutritional information is an estimate only. It varies based on the products and brands used.
SERVING IDEAS
Ranch or blue cheese with celery sticks are the classic sides for this one and perfect for easy menu planning for parties.
French fries is a side you can never go wrong with when it comes to a wing meal.
Cornbread and coleslaw is a great comfort combo.
Tossed green salad or grilled veggies are good for a lighter side if you’re wanting some a bit more healthy.
STORAGE AND REHEATING TIPS
Fridge – You can place the cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. It would be better to store the leftovers un-sauced if you can so the sauce doesn’t burn while reheating.
Freezer – I recommend storing them in a freezer bag or container un-sauced. If freezing the sauce for a later date as well, store the sauce in ice cube trays for easy freezer storage. When ready to cook, reheat them in the oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes. Warm the glaze in a small sauce pan on low heat. Then, toss the heated wings in the sauce right before serving for the best crunch.
Reheating – Place them on a baking sheet, and cook in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes. You can also use the air fryer as an option to reheat them as well. Just place them in the air fryer at 350 degrees for about 5 to 10 minutes or until they are heated through.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes, you can! Set the air fryer at 370 degrees Fahrenheit. Coat the meat pieces with the baking powder and salt mixture. Place them in a single layer in the fryer basket, spray them evenly with cooking oil, and cook for about 35 minutes, flipping every five minutes. Remove from the air fryer and coat them with the glaze.
Absolutely! This is an excellent way to get an extra smoky flavor and crispy char to the wings. If grilling, follow the recipe’s seasoning and sauce instructions, then preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the meat for about 20 to 25 minutes, making sure to flip them every few minutes to prevent burning and sticking. Once they’re cooked through, toss them in the sauce and serve.
Yep! Follow the recipe to cook the pieces of meat and the sauce. Store the chicken un-sauced in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer, and then toss the wings in the warmed sauce right before serving.
Wings are ideal for this recipe, but the sauce works well with drumsticks, thighs and breast. The cooking time will be a bit different for these other cuts, but the rest of the recipe will be the same. You would cook the thighs and legs for a longer period of time in the oven. It’s recommended to sear chicken breasts in a pan on the stove top to prevent overcooking them. Then, glaze the pieces after they have cooked through.
This dish is everything you want for a family dinner or a party with this sweet, sticky, smoky sauce transforming ordinary chicken into something unforgettable. I’ve got your back over here making sure you have all you need for this recipe to be a crowd pleaser!
Let me know in the comments what you decided to serve with your finished product! I love getting ideas from you!
MORE WINGS
Spicy Pineapple and Mango Wings
These are super indulgent and fried to perfection. This is another sweet and spicy wing sauce made with pineapples and mango.
Crispy Chinese Black Pepper Chicken Wings
My twist on black pepper chicken wings with a bold pepper marinade and dipping sauce.
These are quick air fryer wings made with the ultimate jerk style dry rub using spices you can find right in your pantry.
Here are a few more chicken recipes to make for future dinners!
- Greek Chicken Skewers With Pesto Sauce
- Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich with Cilantro Jalapeño Coleslaw
- Crispy One Pot Honey Garlic Ethiopian Berbere Chicken Thighs
Made This Recipe?
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Thanks for stopping by! Welcome to the Savory Spicerack! In my kitchen, there is no such thing as a bland meal. Each of my creations are just the way food should be – packed with flavor and created with love.
I tried this recipe and it tasted INCREDIBLE! I highly recommend trying it yourself.
Honey chicken wings are my favorite. That glaze is absolutely amazing!
This looks good! I know once I start making them I’m not going to stop! What the heck!!
These look fabulous! And can’t wait to hear about the “baby!” 😀
Lol thanks!
Honey and garlic together make such a tasty sauce. This looks a tasty wing recipe
Thanks Bintu!
The sweet and spicy combo sounds amazing! All ingredients I love, I need to make these soon!
You know my family is requesting it again this week! They love the sweet and spicy combo you mentioned 🙂
That sauce looks and sounds amazing! I want to jump right through the screen.
LOL thanks !!