Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Wings

If you’re on the hunt for a chicken wing recipe that’s bursting with flavor yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner, look no further than Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Wings. These wings combine the perfect balance of sweet honey, tangy whole grain mustard, and a hint of heat from hot sauce, all baked to crispy, golden perfection. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or craving a satisfying snack, these wings are sure to impress without the mess and extra calories of frying.

Why Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Wings is Worth Your Time

There’s something undeniably satisfying about crispy wings slathered in a sticky, flavorful sauce. But frying can be a hassle and often leaves you with greasy wings. Baking is a game changer—it’s less messy, healthier, and just as delicious. The honey mustard sauce here is a classic combination that hits sweet, tangy, and spicy notes all at once, making it a crowd-pleaser. Plus, using whole grain mustard gives the sauce a lovely texture and a bit of a rustic kick that you won’t get with smooth mustard.

This recipe isn’t just about taste; it’s about convenience and making sure you can enjoy finger-licking wings with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction. And if you’re a fan of bold flavors, you might also enjoy the Honey Sriracha Chicken Thighs, which bring a similar sweet-heat vibe to the table.

What Goes In

• 3 pounds chicken wings, trimmed – Fresh wings trimmed of excess skin and tips for even cooking.
• 2 tablespoons canola oil – Helps crisp the skin and coat the wings evenly.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a mild kick and depth.
• ½ cup whole grain mustard – The star of the sauce, offers texture and tang.
• ½ cup honey – Natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce – Adds a gentle heat; adjust to taste.
• Freshly chopped chives, for garnish (optional) – Adds freshness and a pop of color.

Equipment Breakdown

• Baking sheet – A rimmed sheet pan works best to keep any drips contained.
• Wire rack – Elevates wings for even air circulation and crispy skin.
• Mixing bowls – One for seasoning wings, another for mixing the sauce.
• Tongs – For turning wings and coating them evenly in sauce.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient portions.

Cook Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Wings Like This

Step 1: Prep and Season the Wings

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this helps them crisp up nicely. Place the wings in a large bowl, drizzle with canola oil, then sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper. Toss well to coat every wing evenly.

Step 2: Arrange on a Wire Rack

Set a wire rack on top of a baking sheet and arrange the wings in a single layer with space in between. This setup lets hot air circulate around the wings, ensuring they bake crisp on all sides without sitting in their own juices.

Step 3: Bake the Wings

Place the wings in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through. You want them golden and crisp, with the internal temperature reaching 165°F (74°C). If you prefer extra crispy wings, broil them for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end—just watch closely to avoid burning.

Step 4: Make the Honey Mustard Sauce

While the wings bake, whisk together whole grain mustard, honey, and hot sauce in a bowl until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the heat level by adding more hot sauce if desired.

Step 5: Toss Wings in Sauce

Once the wings are out of the oven, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the honey mustard sauce over the wings and toss thoroughly to coat each piece in the sticky glaze.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Arrange the sauced wings on a serving platter and sprinkle freshly chopped chives over the top for a burst of color and mild onion flavor. Serve immediately with celery sticks, ranch, or blue cheese dressing on the side.

If you’re looking for a seafood twist with a similar flavor profile, consider trying the Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Salmon Veggies—a healthy and fuss-free dinner option.

Nutrition-Minded Tweaks

• Use olive oil instead of canola oil for a richer flavor and heart-healthy fats.
• Swap honey with pure maple syrup for a different natural sweetness with antioxidants.
• Reduce the honey amount slightly to lower sugar content without sacrificing too much sweetness.
• Choose a hot sauce with no added sugars or artificial ingredients to keep it clean.
• Serve with a side of fresh veggies or a crisp salad to balance the meal with fiber.

Behind the Recipe

This Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Wings recipe was inspired by the desire to create a healthier wing option that does not skimp on flavor. Baking wings instead of frying cuts down on oil absorption, making them lighter but still crispy and satisfying.

The whole grain mustard is a key ingredient here, lending a texture and depth that smooth mustards can’t match. Combined with honey, it creates a perfect harmony of tangy and sweet that complements the savory wings beautifully. The addition of hot sauce is just enough to awaken the taste buds without overpowering the other flavors.

Chives add a fresh, vibrant touch to finish the dish, but they’re entirely optional if you want to keep things simple.

Meal Prep & Storage Notes

These wings are fantastic for meal prep and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, place them on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain some of that crispiness.

You can also freeze leftover cooked wings by wrapping them tightly or placing them in freezer-safe containers. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then follow the reheating instructions above.

Handy Q&A

Can I use skinless chicken wings for this recipe?

Skinless wings won’t crisp up as well because the skin is what gets crispy during baking. For best results, use wings with the skin on.

What if I don’t have whole grain mustard? Can I use Dijon?

Yes, Dijon mustard is a good substitute. It will give a smoother texture and a slightly different flavor, but the wings will still be delicious.

How spicy are these wings? Can I make them milder?

The heat level is mild to moderate, thanks to the hot sauce. You can reduce or omit the hot sauce if you prefer a sweeter, less spicy wing.

Is there a way to make these wings extra crispy without frying?

Absolutely. Using a wire rack on the baking sheet helps air circulate around the wings, increasing crispiness. You can also broil them for a few minutes at the end of baking for a crispy finish.

You Might Also Like

• Honey Sriracha Chicken Thighs – A sweet and spicy chicken thigh recipe that’s quick and flavorful.
• Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Salmon Veggies – A complete, wholesome meal with a similar honey mustard glaze.

Ready to Cook?

With just a handful of pantry staples and minimal prep, Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Wings are an effortless way to bring big flavor to your table. Whether you’re serving them at a casual gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe delivers crispy, saucy wings that everyone will love. Grab your wings, whisk up that honey mustard glaze, and get baking for a deliciously satisfying meal that’s sure to become a favorite.

These wings are a testament to how simple ingredients and baking techniques can transform a classic into something extraordinary. So, roll up your sleeves and dive into this flavor-packed recipe—you won’t regret it!

Share on Pinterest