Wingstop Hot Honey Rub Recipe – Easy Copycat Version
Craving the sweet and spicy kick of Wingstop’s famous Hot Honey Rub? You’re in for a treat! This homemade Wingstop Hot Honey Rub recipe brings together smoky spices, a touch of heat, and the sticky sweetness of warm honey to coat crispy chicken wings. Whether you’re hosting game night, preparing for a family dinner, or simply indulging in a wing craving, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality wings right from your own kitchen.
The best part? It’s quick, easy, and made with pantry-friendly ingredients. Let’s get started!
Preparation & Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Wings
First things first, rinse your chicken wings under cold water, then pat them completely dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture ensures the wings turn out crispy instead of soggy. If there’s any extra skin or fat, trim it off.
Step 2: Make the Dry Rub
In a medium mixing bowl, combine all the dry spices:
Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, brown sugar, thyme, oregano, black pepper, cumin, cayenne, and salt. Whisk everything together until you have a well-blended rub.
Step 3: Season the Wings
Place the wings in a large bowl and sprinkle the spice mix evenly over them. Use tongs (or your hands if you don’t mind getting messy!) to toss the wings until every piece is fully coated with the rub.
Step 4: Bake Until Crispy
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows heat to circulate through the wings, crisping them up evenly. Please make sure they’re in a single layer without overlapping.
Bake for 20 minutes, then flip each wing carefully with tongs. Return to the oven and bake for another 20–25 minutes, or until the wings are golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Add the Hot Honey Finish
Warm your honey in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl until it becomes nice and pourable. Once the wings are out of the oven, brush them generously with warm honey. If you love extra sweetness, drizzle more over the top right before serving.
Serving & Variations
Serving Suggestions
These Wingstop-style hot honey wings are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while they’re still hot, crispy, and sticky. Here are a few ways I love serving them:
- Game Day Platter: Pair with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Family Dinner: Serve alongside a simple coleslaw, cornbread, or roasted potatoes for a filling meal.
- Party Snack: Arrange on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. Perfect for BBQs and tailgates.
Flavor Variations
The beauty of this recipe is how customizable it is! You can easily tweak the flavor profile depending on your mood:
- Extra Spicy Version: Mix a teaspoon of hot sauce into the honey before brushing it over the wings.
- Smoky-Sweet Twist: Swap regular paprika for smoked paprika to add depth.
- Crispy Air Fryer Option: Instead of baking, air fry the wings at 380°F for 22–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Boneless Version: Try this rub on chicken tenders or boneless wings for a fun variation.
Suggested Toppings
If you want to take it up a notch, sprinkle your finished wings with:
- Fresh chopped parsley for color
- A pinch of flaky sea salt for contrast
Storage Instructions
Keeping Wings Fresh
If you’ve got leftovers (though I doubt they’ll last long!), place the wings in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The honey glaze may make them a bit sticky, but the flavor will stay bold and delicious.
Reheating Tips
To keep that crispy texture, avoid the microwave. Instead:
- Oven Method: Reheat wings on a baking sheet at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.
- Air Fryer Method: Reheat at 370°F for 5–6 minutes until hot and crispy again.
Freezing Option
Yes, you can freeze these! Let the wings cool completely, then arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 2 months. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat using the oven or air fryer method.
Wingstop Hot Honey Rub Recipe
Ingredients
Video
Notes
Required Kitchen Tools
To make this copycat Wingstop Hot Honey Rub recipe at home, you’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools:- Mixing Bowls: For blending spices and coating the wings evenly.
- Tongs: Essential for flipping and coating the wings without losing seasoning.
- Baking Sheets with Wire Racks: Helps the wings cook evenly and stay crispy instead of soggy.
- Basting Brush: Perfect for brushing on warm honey at the end.
- Meat Thermometer: Optional but helpful to ensure wings are fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is Wingstop Hot Honey Rub made of?
Wingstop’s Hot Honey Rub is a mix of smoky spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder, finished with a drizzle of warm honey for that signature sweet-and-spicy flavor. My homemade version recreates the same bold taste with pantry-friendly ingredients.
2. Can I make this recipe in the air fryer instead of the oven?
Absolutely! To air fry, cook the wings at 380°F for 22–25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Brush on the warm honey at the end for the perfect sticky glaze.
3. How spicy are these wings?
The spice level is totally adjustable. The recipe calls for cayenne pepper, but you can add more or less depending on your heat tolerance. For a milder version, skip the cayenne altogether.
4. Can I use boneless chicken instead of wings?
Yes! This rub works just as well on boneless chicken thighs, drumsticks, or even chicken tenders. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
5. What sides go best with Wingstop Hot Honey Rub wings?
Classic sides like French fries, coleslaw, cornbread, or mac and cheese pair beautifully. For a lighter option, try celery and carrot sticks with ranch or blue cheese dip.
6. How do I keep the wings crispy after adding honey?
The key is to bake (or air fry) the wings until they’re super crispy first, then brush on the honey right before serving. This keeps them sticky without losing that crunch.
7. Can I make the rub ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix up a batch of the dry rub and store it in an airtight container for up to 6 months. That way, you can quickly whip up a batch of hot honey wings whenever the craving hits.
Conclusion
Making Wingstop Hot Honey Rub wings at home is easier than you think, and honestly, just as good as the restaurant version. With a bold mix of smoky spices, a sticky honey glaze, and that signature kick of heat, these wings are guaranteed to impress family, friends, or anyone lucky enough to snag a plate.
The best part is that you control the flavor: more honey for sweetness, more cayenne for spice, or even a smoked paprika twist for a BBQ vibe. Serve them up on game day, at parties, or as a fun weeknight dinner, and watch them disappear fast.
So go ahead, grab your spices, fire up that oven (or air fryer), and treat yourself to the sweet-and-spicy perfection of homemade Wingstop Hot Honey Rub wings.
Sophia Smith is a passionate home baker and dessert enthusiast who loves sharing her favorite recipes, baking tips, and kitchen secrets. Through Roses Baking Passion, she inspires others to bake with love and creativity every day.
