Craving that irresistible Wingstop Hot Honey Rub flavor, but don’t want to leave the house? I get it—there’s something magical about that sweet and spicy kick that keeps you reaching for more. As someone who’s experimented with countless copycat recipes.
I can confirm this hot honey rub recipe nails the perfect balance of sticky honey, smoky paprika, and fiery cayenne pepper. In just minutes, you’ll whip up a dry rub that transforms basic chicken wings into a crave-worthy masterpiece. Ready to bring the Wingstop experience to your kitchen? Let’s dive in!
What is Wingstop Hot Honey Rub?
The Wingstop Hot Honey Rub is a dry rub seasoning that delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and heat. It’s a popular choice for chicken wings, known for its distinctive sweet honey taste and spicy flavor that leaves you wanting more. The rub offers a unique experience because it is used before cooking, adding a deeper flavor to the chicken. It’s a must-try for fans of bold, sticky-sweet flavors. If you’re into creative spins on hot honey, you’ll love our Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe—a unique take that blends the same flavor profile with a Mediterranean twist.
Ingredients for Wingstop Hot Honey Rub Recipe
- Chicken Wings
- Oil for Frying (1 gallon)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- One qt buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (for brine)
- All Purpose Seasoning (or salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder)
- Cayenne Pepper
- Cajun Seasoning
- One packet season
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup hot sauce
- 2 tbsps butter
Equipment and Tools
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Small bowl
- Airtight container
- Baking sheet
- Air fryer
Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 5 people
How to Make Wingstop Hot Honey Rub Recipe
Step 1: Clean and Prep the Chicken Wings: Start by cutting the chicken wings into drumettes and flats if they aren’t pre-cut. Please place them in a bowl, rinse thoroughly with clean water, and pat dry using a paper towel. This helps the seasoning and coating stick better during marination and frying.
Step 2: Marinate the Wings for Flavor: In a large mixing bowl, add hot sauce, buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Combine well to make a flavorful marinade. Add the chicken wings and mix using clean hands to ensure each wing is evenly coated. Let the wings marinate for at least 30 minutes or, for deeper flavor, cover and refrigerate them overnight.
Step 3: Prepare the Dry Seasoned Coating: In another bowl, prepare the dry coating by mixing all-purpose flour, cayenne pepper, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and Creole seasoning. Stir everything together with a fork or whisk to evenly distribute the spices.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken in Spiced Flour: Take the marinated wings one by one and coat them generously in the seasoned flour mixture. Press gently so the flour sticks well. Place the coated wings on a wire rack or aluminum tray and let them rest for about 10 minutes to help the coating adhere properly and ensure extra crunch after frying.
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt unsalted butter and add hot sauce and honey. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. This hot honey sauce will give your wings that iconic sweet and spicy glaze.
Step 6: Deep-Fry the Chicken Wings: Heat cooking oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Gently add the flour-coated wings into the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each batch for about 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the wings to a wire rack or paper towel to drain any excess oil.
Step 7: Coat the Fried Wings in Hot Honey Sauce: Place the hot fried wings into a large bowl. Drizzle the prepared hot honey butter sauce over them and toss gently until each piece is evenly coated with the sticky, flavorful glaze.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy: Your homemade Wingstop Hot Honey Rub Wings are now ready to serve! Enjoy them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, ranch, or blue cheese. They pair perfectly with crispy fries, coleslaw, or a cold drink.
Watch How to Make
Some Tips for the Best Hot Honey Wings
Store your rub in an airtight container
This keeps all those spices fresh and vibrant—no stale flavors sneaking in. I always make a big batch and seal it tightly. It lasts longer and tastes just as amazing every time you use it.
Adjust the cayenne pepper to match your heat tolerance
Love a spicy kick? Add a little extra cayenne. Want it mild but flavorful? Use less. The great thing about this Wingstop hot honey rub recipe is that you control the heat, so it’s perfect for every palate.
Don’t skip the marinating step
Let your chicken wings or tenderloins soak up the rub for at least 30 minutes, or better yet, overnight. This is where the magic happens—the flavors dive deep, making every bite burst with that signature sweet and spicy vibe.
Use fresh spices for the best flavor
Old garlic powder or paprika won’t pack the same punch. Fresh, high-quality spices take your homemade wingstop hot honey rub to the next level. It’s a simple trick that makes a difference.
Balance sweetness and heat carefully
If you want a sweeter honey rub, add more brown sugar or a dash of honey powder. For more smoky depth, a little smoked paprika can elevate the rub. Play with the balance to find your perfect blend!
Serving Idea for Wingstop Hot Honey Rub Recipe
Hot Honey Wings with Classic Celery and Carrot Sticks
Serve your wings with crunchy celery and carrot sticks and a ranch or blue cheese dressing. The fresh veggies add a crisp contrast that cools the heat and adds color.
Hot Honey Wings and Sweet Cornbread Muffins
Pair the spicy-sweet wings with warm, buttery cornbread muffins. The soft, slightly sweet cornbread helps mellow the spice and adds a comforting Southern vibe.
Hot Honey Wings over Garlic Parmesan Fries
Lay your wings atop crispy garlic parmesan fries. The savory, cheesy fries blend perfectly with the hot honey flavor for an indulgent treat.
Hot Honey Wings Salad Bowl
Serve wings over a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion, drizzled with a light vinaigrette. This lighter option balances richness with freshness and crunch.
Hot Honey Wings Tacos
Stuff wings into warm flour tortillas with shredded cabbage, pickled red onions, and a drizzle of creamy ranch or lime crema. It’s a fun, handheld way to enjoy those bold flavors.
If you’re interested in more bold-flavored chicken, don’t forget to check out our Moe’s Adobo Chicken Recipe for a savory, smoky option that’s just as crave-worthy.
FAQs about Wingstop Rub Recipes
What is the Wingstop hot honey rub recipe?
The Wingstop hot honey rub recipe is a dry seasoning mix with sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors, perfect for wings and tenders at home.
How spicy is the Wingstop hot honey rub?
The hot honey rub has a balanced heat—spicy enough to feel the kick but mild enough to enjoy the sweet honey notes.
Can I buy the Wingstop hot honey rub seasoning?
Wingstop does not currently sell the honey hot rub seasoning separately, but you can easily make this copycat recipe at home.
What’s the difference between Wingstop hot honey rub and sauce?
The hot honey rub is a dry seasoning, while the hot honey sauce is sticky and liquid. Both are used to coat wings after cooking.
Does the Wingstop hot honey rub taste like Wingstop Hawaiian wings?
The hot honey rub has a sweet and spicy profile but differs from the sweeter, tropical flavor of Wingstop Hawaiian wings.
Can I use the honey hot rub on Wingstop chicken tenders?
Yes! The hot honey rub works great on Wingstop chicken tenders and adds bold flavor without extra sauce.
How do I store leftover hot honey rub seasoning?
Store the honey hot rub in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to keep the spices fresh and flavorful.
Are Wingstop hot honey tenders spicy?
They have a mild to medium heat level with a sweet honey glaze, making them tasty but not overly spicy.
What sides go well with hot honey wings?
Pair hot honey wings with Wingstop fries, coleslaw, or cornbread to balance the sweet and spicy flavors.
Is the hot honey rub high in calories?
The dry rub is low in calories; however, wings cooked with honey or hot honey sauce add more calories.
Final Thoughts on Homemade Honey Rub
Making your own homemade hot honey rub not only saves money, but it also ensures you’re using the freshest ingredients. Plus, you get the satisfaction of knowing you created something delicious from scratch. So go ahead, whip up a batch of this Wingstop hot honey rub, and get ready to enjoy some incredible sweet and spicy flavor! The combination of honey and hot will make this rub a must-try!
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