Wingstop Hot Honey Rub Recipe

Once, my colleague treated us to Wingstop to celebrate her promotion. It was my first time trying their famous chicken wings, and I instantly fell in love. But what truly stood out for me was the Hot Honey Rub they used on the wings. The perfect balance of sweet and spicy was unforgettable.

The sweet and spicy mix was unlike anything I’d ever tried before. Intrigued, I couldn’t resist asking one of the staff about it. After some chatting and showing them my food blog (and a little convincing), they let me take a peek inside their kitchen. I even got a chance to watch the process of making this incredible hot honey rub sauce. Ever since then, I’ve been recreating it at home, and Its totally different from other sauces I have made such as Hot Chicken Sauce, Tongue Torch Sauce or Lemon Pepper Sauce.

 

Why This Honey Rub is Best for Wings Only?

The Hot Honey Rub is tailor-made for chicken wings. Its sweet and spicy profile clings perfectly to the crispy skin of wings, creating a flavorful coating that’s satisfying in every bite. The honey adds a luscious sweetness, while the sriracha and chili flakes deliver just the right amount of heat.

Together, they create a balance of flavors that works best on chicken wings. Whether baked, fried, or grilled, this rub brings out the best in every piece, making it hard to imagine using it on anything else.

Wingstop Hot Honey Rub Ingredients

• 1 cup of honey – This is the base ingredient that gives the rub its sweet and sticky texture. Honey also helps the flavors adhere to the chicken.
• 1 cup of sriracha sauce – Adds bold spiciness and a hint of tanginess to the rub.
• ¼ teaspoon of chili flakes – Enhances the heat and gives the rub a slight crunch with its small bits of dried chili.

Tips for Choosing Ingredients

• Honey: Choose a good-quality honey for the best results. Its natural sweetness perfectly balances the heat of the chili and sriracha.
• Sriracha Sauce: This hot sauce is famous for its versatile flavor. It’s spicy, garlicky, and slightly tangy, making it a key component of the recipe.
• Chili Flakes: These little flakes pack a punch! They’re the finishing touch that takes the heat to a whole new level.

Possible Substitutions for This Wingstop Hot Honey Rub

• Honey Substitute: Use maple syrup or agave syrup if honey isn’t available.
• Sriracha Alternative: Swap sriracha with any hot sauce you like, such as Frank’s RedHot or Tabasco.
• Chili Flakes Option: Replace chili flakes with cayenne pepper for a smoother texture or paprika for a smoky flavor.

Kitchen Appliances Needed

To make this recipe, you’ll need:

• A frying pan for heating the sauce.
• A spatula or spoon for stirring.
• A measuring cup and teaspoon for accurate ingredient measurements.

How To Make Wingstop Hot Honey Rub Copycat

Step 1 | Heat the Honey:
Place a frying pan on medium heat. Pour in 1 cup of honey and let it heat for 2-3 minutes until it’s warm and runny.

Step 2 | Add Sriracha and Chili Flakes:
Once the honey is heated, add 1 cup of sriracha sauce and ¼ teaspoon of chili flakes. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

Step 3 | Infuse the Flavors:
Let the sauce warm on medium heat for about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally, but don’t let it boil. The goal is to mix the flavors while keeping the honey’s natural texture.

Step 4 | Turn Off the Heat:
Once everything is blended and heated through, remove the pan from the heat. Allow the rub to cool slightly.

Step 5 | Serve and Enjoy:
Toss your crispy wings in the hot honey rub until they’re evenly coated. Serve immediately with your favorite sides and enjoy.

Tips for Making Perfect Hot Honey Rub

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh honey and sriracha ensure the best flavor.
2. Adjust the Heat: Add more chili flakes if you like it spicier or reduce them for a milder rub.
3. Keep Stirring: This prevents the honey from sticking or burning.
4. Don’t Overcook: Heating too long or at too high a temperature can alter the honey’s taste.
5. Taste as You Go: Adjust sweetness or spiciness to your preference.

Some Good Side Dishes to Pair With Hot Honey Wings

• French Fries: Crispy and golden, these are my go-to when I want something simple yet satisfying alongside hot honey wings. The saltiness of the fries pairs beautifully with the sweet and spicy rub.
• Potato Wedges: Thick, hearty, and perfectly seasoned, potato wedges give you that extra bite. Dip them in some ranch or enjoy them as they are—they’re a match made in heaven with wings.
• Coleslaw: The creaminess and crunch of coleslaw work wonders to balance the heat of the wings. It’s refreshing and adds a cool contrast to the dish.
• Mac and Cheese: Who doesn’t love mac and cheese? The creamy, cheesy goodness is perfect for cutting through the spiciness of the wings. It’s comfort food at its best.
• Cornbread: Sweet and soft, cornbread is a great side that complements the honey in the rub. I love how it adds a southern-style twist to the meal.
• Veggie Sticks with Ranch Dip: Carrot and celery sticks are classic for a reason. They’re crunchy, refreshing, and pair perfectly with the wings—especially when dipped in ranch.
• Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery, and garlicky, this side dish is an absolute treat. It’s great for soaking up any extra sauce from the wings.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate the Rub: Store leftover hot honey rub in an airtight container for up to a week.
• Store Cooked Wings: Place leftover wings in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheat Properly: Reheat wings in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to keep them crispy.
• Freeze for Later: You can freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

Wingstop Hot Honey Rub FAQs

Can I make this rub less spicy?

Yes! Reduce the amount of sriracha or chili flakes to tone down the heat.

Can I use this rub on other meats?

Absolutely! This rub works well on grilled shrimp, pork chops, or even roasted vegetables.

Can I use regular hot sauce instead of sriracha?

Yes, but the flavor will vary slightly. Sriracha provides a unique tangy heat.

Why does my rub taste too sweet?

You may need to add more sriracha or a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

Conclusion

The Wingstop Hot Honey Rub Copycat Recipe for Wings is a must-try for wing lovers everywhere. Its perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors transforms ordinary chicken wings into an extraordinary treat.

The best part? You can easily make it at home with just a few ingredients. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out!

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