A simple and easy Wingstop Hot Honey Rub recipe with a harmonious blend of honey, hot sauce, butter, and spices, delivering sweet and spicy perfection to chicken wings.

If you’re a loyal reader of this blog, you’ll know I’m a huge fan of Wingstop. I’ve shared various Wingstop Copycat Recipes like Wingstop Blue Cheese, Wingstop Hawaiian Sauce, and Wingstop Atomic Sauce. However, today’s recipe stands out—it’s the Wingstop Hot Honey Rub, and it’s absolutely fantastic and easy to make.

This recipe features a delightful blend of honey, hot sauce, butter, and spices, creating a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors that coat the chicken wings beautifully. What sets this Wingstop Hot Honey Rub apart is its versatility—you can pair it with other sauces like Wingstop Blue Cheese dip for an extra layer of flavor.

What is Wingstop Hot Honey Rub?

Wingstop Hot Honey Rub is a signature seasoning blend used to coat chicken wings at Wingstop restaurants. It features a unique combination of spicy and sweet flavors, created by blending honey, hot sauce, butter, and various spices. The rub adds a tantalizing kick to the wings, balancing the sweetness of honey with a moderate level of heat.

How to make Wingstop Hot Honey Rub

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 lbs chicken wings
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken Wings:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat your grill to medium-high.
• Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels.
• In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.

2. Bake or Grill the Wings:

• If baking, place the wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 40-45 minutes, turning halfway through, until the wings are crispy and fully cooked.
• If grilling, place the wings on the grill and cook for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until crispy and fully cooked.

3. Prepare the Hot Honey Rub:

• In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add honey and hot sauce to the melted butter, stirring until well combined.
• Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
• Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

4. Coat the Wings:

• Place the cooked wings in a large bowl.
• Pour the hot honey mixture over the wings and toss until they are well coated.

5. Serve:

• Transfer the wings to a serving platter.
• Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
• Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Wingstop Hot Honey Rub wings!

Additional tips

• Increase or decrease the amount of cayenne pepper in the hot honey rub to suit your spice tolerance.

• For extra flavor, coat the wings in the hot honey rub twice – once before baking or grilling, and again after they are cooked.

• After baking or grilling, broil the wings for 2-3 minutes on each side to achieve a crispy exterior.

• Fresh chicken wings typically yield better results than frozen ones, offering a juicier and more tender texture.

• Allow the wings to rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in juices and flavors before tossing them in the hot honey rub.

• If grilling, use a grill basket or foil to prevent smaller wings from falling through the grill grates.

• Reserve some hot honey rub sauce for drizzling over the wings just before serving for an added burst of flavor.

What to pair with Wingstop Hot Honey Rub

I love to enjoy Wingstop Hot Honey Rub wings with crisp celery sticks and creamy ranch dressing, as the coolness of the veggies and the richness of the dressing perfectly balance the spicy sweetness of the wings. Pairing them with a side of coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch and complements the bold flavors.

Also, one of my favorite ways is to serve them alongside cornbread, the sweetness of which contrasts nicely with the heat of the wings. But you can also opt for macaroni and cheese or sweet potato fries for a comforting and flavorful meal.

How many calories are in hot honey rub wingstop?

The calorie content of Wingstop Hot Honey Rub can vary based on the size of the serving and specific preparation methods. Generally, an average serving of Hot Honey Rub wings from Wingstop contains approximately 120-150 calories per wing.

How to store

To store leftover Wingstop Hot Honey Rub, allow them to cool to room temperature first. Then, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with aluminum foil. Store the wings in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 10-15 minutes. Avoid storing wings at room temperature for extended periods to ensure food safety.

FAQ

How spicy is Wingstop Hot Honey Rub?

The spiciness of Wingstop Hot Honey Rub is moderate, offering a balanced heat that complements the sweetness of honey. It’s typically enjoyable for those who prefer a bit of kick without overwhelming heat.

Is Wingstop Hot Honey Rub gluten-free?

The wings themselves are gluten-free, but it’s essential to check the ingredients of the hot sauce and spices used in the rub to ensure they are gluten-free.

Can Wingstop Hot Honey Rub wings be reheated?

Yes, you can reheat Wingstop Hot Honey Rub wings in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, ensuring they remain crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the wings soggy.

What are some alternatives to Wingstop Hot Honey Rub wings?

If you’re looking for different flavors, Wingstop offers a variety of wing sauces and rubs, including classic buffalo, lemon pepper, and garlic Parmesan, catering to different taste preferences.

Are Wingstop Hot Honey Rub wings spicy?

Wingstop Hot Honey Rub wings have a noticeable heat level due to the hot sauce and spices used in the rub. Adjust the spiciness by modifying the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper in the recipe.

Conclusion

This Wingstop Hot Honey Rub offers a tantalizing blend of sweet and spicy flavors that make them a popular choice for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or main dish, these wings deliver a satisfying crunch and a burst of deliciousness with every bite.