KFC Honey BBQ Wings: Copycat Recipe

Prepare to embark on a journey of taste and texture as we present our recipe for KFC Honey BBQ Wings.

These wings are more than just a dish; they’re an experience that marries the smokiness of hickory BBQ sauce with the sweetness of honey, all embraced by a crunchy golden crust.

Whether you’re seeking an appetizer to kick off a gathering, a satisfying dinner option, or the ultimate game day snack, these wings are here to exceed expectations.

Jump to:

• 3 reasons why you’ll love this recipe
• What ingredients you need to make this recipe
• Variations
• Substitutions for this KFC honey BBQ wings
• What to serve with KFC honey bbq wings
• KFC Honey BBQ Wings
• How to refrigerate, freeze and thaw

So, don your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s create a symphony of flavors that will undoubtedly become a beloved favorite – a perfect fusion of comfort and culinary flair.

3 reasons why you’ll love this recipe

1. Irresistible Combination of Flavors: The marriage of crispy fried chicken wings with the luscious sweetness of honey and the bold tang of hickory smoke BBQ sauce creates an explosion of flavors in every bite. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and the succulent meat, combined with the savory-sweet barbecue sauce, is a taste sensation that’s sure to leave taste buds dancing.
2. Homemade Comfort with a Restaurant Twist: Your recipe brings the beloved KFC-style wings right to the comfort of your readers’ kitchens. The step-by-step instructions guide them through the process of achieving the perfect crunchy coating, capturing the essence of their favorite restaurant-style wings. This fusion of home cooking and familiar restaurant flavors will resonate with anyone looking to indulge in a satisfying comfort food experience.
3. Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a casual game day gathering, a weekend family dinner, or a potluck party, these Honey BBQ Wings fit any occasion. They’re an ideal appetizer that disappears in seconds, a delightful dinner that satisfies cravings, and a show-stopping party snack that draws people together. With the irresistible aroma and delectable taste, these wings effortlessly elevate any event, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

What ingredients you need to make this recipe

1. Chicken Wings: These are the star of the dish, delivering tender and juicy meat encased in a crispy, golden-brown coating. The wings are full of flavor and offer a satisfying contrast between their succulent interior and the crunchy exterior.
2. All-Purpose Flour: A versatile pantry staple used to create the breading for the chicken wings. It forms a crispy and slightly textured outer layer when fried, adding a delightful crunch to each bite.
3. Salt: An essential seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and helps balance the overall taste of the dish. It also plays a role in the breading mixture, contributing to the perfect seasoning of the outer layer.
4. Fresh Ground Black Pepper: This spice adds a subtle but noticeable heat to the breading, complementing the other flavors. Its earthy and pungent notes balance the richness of the chicken and the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
5. Buttermilk: Buttermilk serves as a tenderizing and flavor-enhancing agent. It helps create a moist and tender interior for the fried chicken, while also contributing a subtle tanginess that pairs well with the other elements.
6. Vegetable Oil: The key to achieving the coveted crispy texture on the chicken wings. The oil is used for frying, providing the high heat necessary to create a crunchy and golden crust on the outside of the wings.
7. Hickory Smoke BBQ Sauce: This sauce is the heart of the dish, offering a smoky, sweet, and tangy profile that elevates the wings to a new level. The hickory smoke flavor adds depth, while the sweetness and tanginess create a harmonious balance.
8. Honey: A natural sweetener that brings a rich and luscious sweetness to the BBQ sauce. It not only enhances the overall flavor but also contributes to the appealing caramelization and glaze on the wings after baking.
9. Ketchup: Adding a tangy and slightly acidic note, ketchup complements the other flavors in the BBQ sauce. Its vibrant color also contributes to the visual appeal of the dish.
10. Liquid Smoke: This potent flavoring agent imparts a smoky taste to the BBQ sauce, mimicking the flavors of traditional barbecue cooking methods. It enhances the overall smokiness of the dish, creating a robust and inviting aroma.

Variations

Here are three creative variations you can consider for your KFC Honey BBQ Wings recipe:

1. Spicy Maple Glaze Wings:

• Replace the hickory smoke BBQ sauce with a spicy BBQ sauce of your choice.
• Add a touch of maple syrup to the sauce for a delightful blend of sweet and heat.
• Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the breading mixture for an extra kick.
• The result: A fusion of spicy and sweet flavors that will tantalize taste buds and add a unique twist to the classic honey BBQ wings.

1. Asian-inspired Soy Glazed Wings:

• Swap out the BBQ sauce for a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of sesame oil.
• Incorporate a bit of hoisin sauce or sweet chili sauce into the glaze for depth and complexity.
• Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a vibrant visual appeal.
• The outcome: Wings with a delicious umami flavor profile, showcasing a balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic Asian-inspired elements.

1. Mango Habanero Wings:

• Blend fresh mango with habanero peppers to create a spicy and fruity mango habanero sauce.
• Combine the mango habanero sauce with a touch of honey and lime juice for a vibrant, zesty glaze.
• Add a hint of paprika to the breading mixture to enhance the smoky and spicy notes.
• The result: A dynamic combination of sweet mango, fiery habanero, and zesty lime that delivers a sweet-heat explosion in every bite.

Substitutions for this KFC honey BBQ wings

Certainly, here are some simple ingredient substitutions that can be used if someone doesn’t have a particular ingredient for your KFC Honey BBQ Wings recipe:

Buttermilk:

• Substitute with plain yogurt: Plain yogurt can work as a suitable replacement for buttermilk, providing acidity and moisture for the chicken.

Liquid Smoke:

• Omit or use smoked paprika: If you don’t have liquid smoke, you can skip it or replace it with a small amount of smoked paprika in the BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.

Hickory Smoke BBQ Sauce:

• Use regular BBQ sauce + a dash of smoked paprika: If you don’t have hickory smoke BBQ sauce, opt for a regular BBQ sauce and enhance the smokiness with a pinch of smoked paprika.

Honey:

• Substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar: If honey is unavailable, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar as an alternative sweetener.

Ketchup:

• Replace with tomato sauce or tomato paste: If you’re out of ketchup, you can use tomato sauce or tomato paste diluted with a bit of water to achieve a similar tomato-based flavor.

Remember that these substitutions may slightly alter the flavor or texture of the final dish, but they can still result in a delicious outcome.

It’s always a good idea to be open to experimentation and adaptation based on the ingredients available in your pantry.

What to serve with KFC honey bbq wings

Here are some side dish ideas that pair wonderfully with your KFC Honey BBQ Wings:

1. Coleslaw: A classic side dish that provides a refreshing and crunchy contrast to the rich and savory flavors of the wings. The creaminess of the coleslaw helps balance out the heat and sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
2. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with a touch of paprika or chili powder adds a rustic and flavorful element to the meal.
3. Baked Beans: Hearty and slightly sweet baked beans complement the barbecue theme perfectly. Their rich, savory flavor complements the wings’ smokiness and the sweetness of the honey BBQ sauce.
4. Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese offers comfort and indulgence alongside the wings. Its cheesy goodness pairs well with the savory and tangy notes of the dish.
5. Potato Salad: A classic potato salad with a tangy dressing complements the flavors of the wings and adds a satisfying texture contrast to the meal.
6. Garlic Parmesan Fries: Transform regular fries into a gourmet delight by tossing them in a mixture of grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and chopped parsley. These fries offer a savory and aromatic sidekick to the wings.
7. Vegetable Platter: A colorful assortment of fresh veggies such as carrot sticks, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, and cherry tomatoes served with a creamy dip provides a refreshing and healthy option.
8. Rice Pilaf: A fragrant rice pilaf made with herbs, spices, and a touch of sautéed onion elevates the meal with its aromatic and flavorful profile.
9. Mixed Green Salad: A light and vibrant mixed green salad with a zesty vinaigrette offers a palate-cleansing option that balances the richness of the wings.
10. Fruit Salad: A medley of fresh seasonal fruits, such as watermelon, pineapple, and berries, provides a juicy and sweet counterpart to the savory wings.

Remember, side dishes can be tailored to your personal preferences and the preferences of your guests.

Choose sides that you believe will complement the flavors and textures of the KFC Honey BBQ Wings, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your choices!

How to refrigerate, freeze and thaw

Certainly, here’s how to properly freeze, refrigerate, and thaw your KFC Honey BBQ Wings:

Freezing:

1. Allow the cooked wings to cool down to room temperature.
2. Place the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3. Place the baking sheet in the freezer and let the wings freeze until they’re solid. This usually takes a few hours.
4. Once the wings are frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bags. If using bags, remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
5. Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of freshness.

Refrigerating:

1. If you’re planning to eat the wings within a day or two, you can refrigerate them.
2. Allow the wings to cool down slightly before refrigerating.
3. Place the cooled wings in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap.
4. Store the wings in the refrigerator, making sure they’re kept at a temperature of 40°F (4.4°C) or below.
5. Consume the refrigerated wings within 2-3 days for the best quality.

Thawing:

1. To thaw frozen wings, transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator.
2. Allow the wings to thaw slowly in the refrigerator. This helps maintain their texture and flavor while preventing bacterial growth.
3. Depending on the size of the wings, thawing might take several hours to overnight.
4. Once thawed, you can reheat the wings in the oven to restore their crispiness. Place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Important Tips:

• Never leave cooked chicken wings at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly in the “danger zone” between 40°F (4.4°C) and 140°F (60°C).
• It’s best to avoid freezing wings that have already been coated in sauce, as freezing and thawing can affect the texture of the sauce.
• When reheating frozen or refrigerated wings, ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C) to ensure they are safe to eat.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your KFC Honey BBQ Wings at a later time without compromising their taste and quality.