Church’s Honey BBQ Wings

Church’s Honey BBQ Wings are a popular and delicious treat, combining crispy, tender wings with a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, so these wings are perfect for game day, parties, or just as a tasty snack.

Ingredients:

For the Wings:

10-12 chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
paprika 1/2 teaspoon
garlic powder 1/2 tsp
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
1 egg
1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar)
Vegetable oil for frying

For the Honey BBQ Sauce:

1/2 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for tang)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for added flavor)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Instructions:

Prepare the Wings:
Start by cleaning and patting the chicken wings dry with paper towels, so this will help the breading stick better and prevent excess moisture, so which can result in soggy wings.
Marinate the Wings:
In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk (or milk and vinegar) and the egg, then place the chicken wings into the mixture and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, so this step helps tenderize the wings and adds flavor.
Prepare the Breading:
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper, then stir to evenly mix the dry ingredients. This seasoned flour mixture will create a crispy coating on the wings when fried.
Coat the Wings:
After marinating, remove the wings from the buttermilk mixture, then allowing any excess liquid to drip off, then dredge the wings in the seasoned flour, pressing down gently to ensure the flour sticks to the surface. For extra crunch, so you can dip the wings back into the buttermilk mixture and coat them in the flour again for a double layer of breading.
Fry the Wings:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature of around 350°F (175°C), then carefully add the coated wings to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the wings in batches if necessary. Cook the wings for about 8-10 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy, so the internal temperature of the wings should reach 165°F (74°C).

Once the wings are done, then remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Prepare the Honey BBQ Sauce:
While the wings are frying, prepare the honey BBQ sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the barbecue sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Heat the sauce over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it begins to simmer, then allow it to cook for about 3-5 minutes to thicken slightly and let the flavors meld together.
Coat the Wings in Sauce:
Once the wings are fried and crispy, then transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the honey BBQ sauce over the wings and toss gently to coat them evenly, then ensure each wing is fully covered in a sweet and smoky sauce.
Serve:
Serve the wings immediately, either on their own or with classic sides like coleslaw, fries, or a refreshing salad.