Indulge in the irresistible flavors of KFC Honey BBQ Wings with this homemade recipe that captures the essence of the beloved fast-food favorite.

Crispy KFC-style Honey BBQ Wings coated in sweet, tangy sauce.
Save This Recipe Form

Want to save this recipe?

Enter your email below & I will send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes from me on occasion!

These wings are coated in a sticky-sweet honey barbecue sauce, delivering a perfect balance of tangy and sweet notes with every bite.

Whether you’re craving a game day snack or a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next gathering, these KFC-inspired wings are sure to impress.

Get ready to enjoy finger-licking goodness right in the comfort of your own home with this easy and delicious recipe!

If you love KFC try some of my favorite copycat recipes, such as kfc copycat potato wedges, air fryer copycat kfc spicy chicken sandwich, air fryer copycat kfc biscuits, or air fryer kfc chicken recipe.

Golden, crispy KFC Honey BBQ Wings coated in sweet BBQ sauce.

KFC Honey BBQ Wings

KFC Honey BBQ Wings are a popular menu item at Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). They consist of crispy fried chicken wings coated in a sweet and tangy honey barbecue sauce. The wings are typically served hot and fresh, offering a delicious combination of savory and sweet flavors. KFC’s Honey BBQ Wings are a favorite among customers looking for a tasty and satisfying snack or meal option.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • Crispy Texture: Perfectly crispy wings with every bite.
  • Sweet and Tangy: Balanced honey BBQ sauce for flavor.
  • Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and steps for quick cooking.
  • Restaurant-Style: Enjoy KFC-inspired wings in your own kitchen.
  • Finger-Licking Good: Irresistible sauce that sticks to each wing.
  • Customizable Heat: Adjust spice level for your personal taste.
  • Perfect for Parties: A crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish.
  • Kid-Friendly: Sweet and mild flavors that kids will love.

    Ingredients Needed

    Ingredients needed for KFC Honey BBQ Wings on kitchen table.
    • Chicken Wings: Fresh, meaty wings perfect for crispy coating.
    • Kosher Salt: Enhances flavor with clean, mild saltiness.
    • Black Pepper: Adds a mild, warm kick to seasoning.
    • Baking Powder: Ensures crispy, crunchy skin on wings.
    • BBQ Sauce: Rich, smoky sauce for a classic barbecue flavor.
    • Honey: Sweetness to balance the tangy BBQ sauce.
    • Ketchup: Adds a tangy, smooth depth to the sauce.
    • Soy Sauce: Boosts umami flavor with savory richness.
    • Garlic Powder: Adds savory, aromatic depth to the sauce.
    • Onion Powder: Enhances the flavor with mild onion essence.
    • Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky, slightly spicy flavor to sauce.

      How To Make Copycat KFC Honey BBQ Wings Recipe

      Chicken wings rinsed, dried, and coated with salt, pepper, and baking powder.

      Step One: Rinse the chicken wings and pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and baking powder. Toss until evenly coated.

      Chicken wings arranged in air fryer basket, cooking to crispy perfection.

      Step Two: Arrange wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 380 degrees F (193°C), set cook time for 12 minutes. Flip the wings and continue cooking time for another 10-12 minutes until they’re golden and crispy.

      BBQ sauce, honey, ketchup, and spices simmering in a pan.

      Step Three: On medium heat, combine BBQ sauce, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir and let it simmer for 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.

      Crispy chicken wings tossed in homemade honey BBQ sauce.

      Step Four: Place the crispy wings in a large bowl. Pour the honey BBQ sauce over the wings and toss until they’re fully coated.

      Honey BBQ wings garnished with green onions and served with dip.

      Step Five: Transfer the coated wings to a serving plate. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds. Serve with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dip on the side.

      Crispy KFC-style Honey BBQ Wings coated in sweet, tangy sauce, garnished with green onions.

      Honey BBQ Wings KFC Recipe Tips

      • Pat the Wings Dry: Before seasoning, make sure to pat the chicken wings dry to help them get crispy when cooked.
      • Use Baking Powder: Adding baking powder to the seasoning mix helps achieve a crispy texture on the wings.
      • Flip for Even Crisping: Flip the wings halfway through cooking to ensure both sides are evenly crispy and golden.
      • Customize the Sauce: Adjust the honey or BBQ sauce amount to fit your preferred sweetness or tanginess level.
      • Use Fresh Spices: Fresh garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika will provide the best flavor in the sauce.
      • Serve Immediately: Serve the wings right after tossing them in the sauce for the best crispy texture.
      • Rest the Wings: Let the wings rest for a few minutes after frying to help set the crispy coating before serving.
      • Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Arrange the wings in a single layer to allow for proper air circulation, which results in crispier wings.

      Favorite Chicken Wing Recipes

      Storing

      • Storing: Store leftover KFC Honey BBQ Wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the wings have cooled to room temperature before storing to maintain their crispiness.
      • Freezing: To freeze, place the wings on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
      • Reheating: Reheat the wings in an air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.
      Crispy KFC Honey BBQ Wings coated in sweet, tangy sauce.

      What To Serve With Copycat KFC Honey BBQ Wings

      Copycat KFC Honey BBQ Wings pair wonderfully with a variety of sides to complete your meal. Serve them with classic crispy French fries or golden onion rings for a comforting and hearty accompaniment. For a lighter option, a fresh coleslaw or a crisp garden salad with a tangy dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, sweet wings. You can also serve them with creamy ranch or blue cheese dip for extra flavor. To add a bit more texture, crunchy celery and carrot sticks are a perfect, refreshing side that balances out the sweetness of the wings.

      KFC Honey BBQ Wings Recipe Faqs

      Can I use frozen chicken wings? Yes, you can use frozen wings, but make sure to fully thaw them before cooking to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

      How do I make the wings extra crispy? Pat the wings dry before seasoning, and add baking powder to the seasoning mix. Cooking them in an air fryer or a hot oven helps achieve a crispy texture.

      Can I bake the wings instead of using an air fryer? Yes, you can bake the wings at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, to achieve a crispy finish.

      Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce? Absolutely! You can add more honey for extra sweetness or increase the BBQ sauce for a more tangy flavor.

      Can I make the wings ahead of time? While it’s best to serve the wings fresh, you can prepare the wings and sauce ahead of time, then reheat and coat them in sauce just before serving.

      Can I use other sauces for this recipe? Yes, you can experiment with different BBQ sauces or even buffalo sauce to create your own flavor profile for the wings.

      Golden, crispy KFC Honey BBQ Wings coated in sweet, tangy sauce.

      More KFC Copycat Recipes

      KFC Honey BBQ Wings

      KFC Honey BBQ Wings

      No ratings yet
      Author: Laurie Fleming
      Prep Time: 10 minutes
      Cook Time: 24 minutes
      Total Time: 34 minutes
      Servings: 8 Servings
      Print

      Description

      Recreate KFC’s Honey BBQ Wings at home with this simple recipe! Crispy wings coated in a sweet, tangy honey BBQ sauce for a delicious and irresistible meal.

      Ingredients 

      Chicken Wings:

      • 2 pounds Chicken wings
      • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
      • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
      • 1 tablespoon Baking powder, for crispy skin

      Honey BBQ Sauce:

      • 1 cup BBQ sauce
      • 1/3 cup Honey
      • 2 tablespoons Ketchup
      • 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
      • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
      • 1 teaspoon Onion powder
      • 1/2 teaspoon Smoked paprika

      Instructions

      • Rinse the chicken wings and pat dry with paper towels.
      • Season with salt, pepper, and baking powder. Toss until evenly coated.
      • Arrange wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
      • Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 12 minutes. Flip the wings and continue cooking for another 10-12 minutes until they’re golden and crispy.
      • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine BBQ sauce, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
      • Stir and let it simmer for 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.
      • Place the crispy wings in a large bowl.
      • Pour the honey BBQ sauce over the wings and toss until they’re fully coated.
      • Transfer the coated wings to a serving plate.
      • Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds.
      • Serve with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dip on the side.

      Equipment

      • Air Fryer
      • Cooking Spray
      • Parchment Paper, optional

      Nutrition

      Serving: 1ServingCalories: 249kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 12gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 47mgSodium: 1023mgPotassium: 213mgFiber: 1gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 252IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 111mgIron: 1mg

      Share this recipe

      We can’t wait to see what you’ve made! Mention @forktospoon or tag #forktospoon!