Crispy Hot Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings Recipe

Looking for a new wing flavor? Try these crispy chicken wings tossed in a sweet-and-spicy hot honey glaze and seasoned with Old Bay.

Close up of a flat chicken wing covered in a reddish-orange glaze. An Old Bay seasoning container is out of focus in the background.

If you usually associate Old Bay with seafood, these wings will change your mind. Crunchy fried wings are coated in a glossy, sweet-and-spicy hot honey glaze and finished with a generous dusting of Old Bay. The classic seasoning pairs surprisingly well with chicken, giving the wings a savory, slightly citrusy edge.

The hot honey brings a balance of sugary sweetness and gentle heat that complements the Old Bay perfectly. One bite and you’ll understand why this combo is addictive.

A dinner plate filled with about a dozen chicken wings covered in an orange colored glaze. An old bay seasoning container and a bottle of hot honey are out of focus in the background.

These wings are great with garlic bread or fries. For a similar flavor, try a honey lemon pepper version for a brighter, tangy alternative.

Ingredients

A bottle of Old Bay seasoning, Mike's Hot Honey, a stick of butter, and about a dozen chicken wings on a wood cutting board.
  • Chicken wings – Party wings or full-size wings work; drumettes can be included.
  • Old Bay – For seasoning the wings and the glaze.
  • Hot honey – Use a hot honey for spice, or substitute regular honey if you prefer no heat.
  • Butter – Unsalted butter for the glaze.
  • Hot sauce (optional) – Add a tablespoon for more heat, if desired.
  • Oil – Peanut or canola oil for frying. Quantity depends on your frying vessel.

Tips

  1. You can bake or air fry the wings instead of deep frying; then finish by tossing them in the glaze.
  2. Prefer no spice? Use regular honey for a sweet glaze without the heat.
  3. For extra-crispy skin, pat wings very dry and leave them uncovered in the fridge for a few hours before cooking.
A hand olds up a drumstick chicken wing covered in a shiny glaze. In the background, a bottle of Mike's Hot Honey and and Old Bay seasoning are out of focus.

If these wings appeal to you, also consider a honey lemon pepper variation for a bright, tangy flavor that’s a family favorite.

Hot Honey Old Bay Wings

Crispy chicken wings tossed in a sweet and spicy Old Bay glaze.
Close up of a flat chicken wing covered in a reddish-orange glaze. An Old Bay seasoning container is out of focus in the background.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

Wings

  • 2 lbs Chicken Wings
  • 1 tablespoon Old Bay
  • Peanut or Canola Oil*

Glaze

  • 1/4 cup Hot Honey
  • 1.5 tablespoons Butter
  • 1 tablespoon Hot Sauce, optional
  • 1/2 tablespoon Old Bay

Instructions

Wings

  • Pat the wings dry with paper towels, then season both sides with Old Bay.
  • Pour 1–2 inches of oil into a large deep skillet or follow your deep fryer’s minimum fill line. Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C).
  • Fry the wings for 8–10 minutes until light brown and crispy. Transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain.

Glaze

  • Combine hot honey, butter, hot sauce (if using) and 1/2 tablespoon Old Bay in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, cook 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat. The glaze will be very hot—use caution.
  • Immediately place the fried wings in a large bowl and toss with the hot glaze until evenly coated.
  • Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

*Oil volume depends on your frying equipment. A deep fryer may require a half-gallon or more to reach the minimum fill; a skillet may need only a cup or so.

Author: Jessica Pinney
Did you make this recipe?Please tag @cookingwithjanica on Instagram—we’d love to see your results!