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How to Make Copycat KFC Honey BBQ Wings

Saucy KFC Honey BBQ Wings on a blue plate

That nostalgic taste right at home!

If you grew up loving KFC’s legendary Honey BBQ Wings—the ones coated in that sticky, smoky-sweet glaze with the perfect crispy bite, then this Copycat KFC Honey BBQ Chicken Wings recipe will hit you with the nostalgic feels. They disappeared from the menu, but now you can bring them back to life right in your own kitchen.

These wings are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and slathered in a bold, homemade honey BBQ sauce that tastes just like the KFC version you remember. With a seasoning blend that includes seasoned salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and Sazon, the wings are marinated in a mustard, chili oil, and hot sauce mixture for unbeatable flavor.

The flour is seasoned with the same spice mix, ensuring every bite is packed with that classic KFC-style crunch. Once golden-fried to perfection, the wings are tossed in a sticky, sweet-and-smoky honey BBQ glaze made with BBQ sauce, Worcestershire, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey, balanced to perfection and finger-licking good!

Whether you're cooking for game day, dinner, or just chasing that childhood craving, these Copycat KFC Honey BBQ Wings are a must-try. They’re easy to make, budget-friendly, and taste like they came straight from your favorite bucket. So grab some napkins, because these wings are messy, nostalgic, and absolutely unforgettable.

Grocery List for the Copycat KFC Honey BBQ Wings Recipe

  • Whole chicken wings (Can be whole or cut up wings, but the whole wings were the mood for this recipe)
  • Seasoned salt (or Kosher salt)
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Sazon seasoning
  • French’s mustard
  • Louisiana hot sauce
  • Chili oil
  • Egg
  • AC Barbecue MVP seasoning (or favorite BBQ rub)
  • Oil for frying
  • All-purpose seasoning
  • BBQ sauce (your choice of brand)
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Dijon mustard
  • Honey
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 25 mins
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 350  C
Servings: 4
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year
Description

These Copycat KFC Honey BBQ Chicken Wings are the ultimate throwback! Crispy, golden fried wings are tossed in a homemade honey BBQ glaze that’s smoky, sweet, and perfectly sticky. Recreate the childhood flavor you remember from KFC with this easy, crave-worthy wing recipe.

For the chicken wings
  • 2 lbs. whole chicken wings
  • 1 tsp seasoned salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 packet Sazon seasoning
  • 1 tbsp French’s mustard
  • 1 tbsp Louisiana hot sauce
  • 1 tsp chili oil
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp AC Barbecue MVP seasoning (or favorite BBQ rub)
  • Oil for frying
    • For the Flour
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • The same spice mix above (seasoned salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.)
    • For the Honey BBQ Sauce
  • 2 cups BBQ sauce (your choice of brand)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • ¼ cup honey
Instructions
  1. 1
    Marinate the Chicken:
  2. 2
    In a large bowl, combine wings with seasoned salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, Sazon, mustard, hot sauce, chili oil, egg, and BBQ MVP seasoning. Mix thoroughly. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
  3. 3
    Prepare the Flour Coating:
  4. 4
    In a separate bowl, mix flour with the same seasonings used in the marinade. This adds flavor directly to the crust.
  5. 5
    Dredge the Wings:
  6. 6
    Remove wings from the marinade and coat them well in the seasoned flour. Shake off any excess.
  7. 7
    Fry the Wings:
  8. 8
    Heat oil to 350°F in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan. Fry wings in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 8–10 minutes depending on size. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
  9. 9
    Make the Honey BBQ Sauce:
  10. 10
    In a saucepan over medium heat, combine BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened and glossy.
  11. 11
    Sauce the Wings:
  12. 12
    Brush the sauce on the wings on both sides. Tossing them is fine, but brushing helps the wings to get sauced without compromising the crust.
  13. 13
    Bake in an oven pre-heated at 350 degrees for 5-8 minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize.
  14. 14
    Serve:
  15. 15
    Plate and serve hot with your favorite sides or dipping sauces. Get ready for a throwback to your childhood favorite!
Keywords: wings, chicken wings, bbq wings, honey bbq wings, fried chicken
Read it online: https://cookingwithpatlee.com/recipe/how-to-make-copycat-kfc-honey-bbq-wings/