Tangy, sweet and spicy honey gold wing sauce is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser! This easy recipe makes your grilled, baked, or fried chicken wings really pop with bold finger-licking good flavor.
More wings recipes you may like: Alfredo chicken wings, Cajun ranch wings or Crockpot turkey wings recipe.
Whether you’re hosting a casual get together or craving a fun appetizer, chicken wings are a classic snack that everyone loves. And this super flavorful honey gold wings sauce recipe is sure to be a new favorite!
It is exciting and impressive, but very easy to make with a handful of pantry ingredients. Use whatever hot sauce you prefer plus kitchen staples like honey, ketchup, and brown sugar.
We also add a generous pinch of turmeric for an earthy and deliciously unique taste! Together they create a flavor that is sweet and tangy, with just the right amount of spice you crave in a wing sauce.
Best of all, there is no prep work here. Simply combine everything in one sauce pot on the stove and briefly simmer. In mere minutes you have a smooth and delightfully sticky sauce for tossing with grilled, air fried, oven baked, or deep fried chicken wings – and much more!
However you choose to use the sauce it is perfect to serve at all your game days and tailgating gatherings, bring to potlucks and parties, and enjoy for a jazzy appetizer or anytime snack.
How to make honey gold wings sauce
Start by preparing your ingredients. For the honey, ensure you have a clean measuring cup and measure it out precisely to the half-cup mark. For the ketchup, use a separate measuring cup. Set aside the vinegar, brown sugar, salt, turmeric powder, and garlic powder in small bowls or ramekins.
To make the sauce, take a small to medium-sized saucepan and begin by pouring in the measured honey. Follow this with the ketchup, scraping out any residual with a spatula for a full measure.
Gradually add the vinegar into the mixture, then add the brown sugar, breaking apart any clumps with a spoon or whisk. Sprinkle in the salt, turmeric powder, and garlic powder, continuously mixing for a uniform distribution of ingredients. Finish by pouring in the hot sauce, stirring well to integrate all the flavors.
Now, place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat. It’s important to constantly stir the mixture with a whisk or wooden spoon to avoid any ingredient from settling at the bottom, preventing any burns.
Once you notice small bubbles forming around the edges of the sauce, lower the heat, letting the sauce simmer gently. Allow this to continue for about 5 minutes, giving an occasional stir to maintain an even consistency and melding of flavors.
For serving, move the coated chicken wings to a plate or serving dish. If there’s any sauce left, drizzle it over the wings or keep it aside as an additional dip. Your honey gold wing sauce-covered chicken wings are now ready to be enjoyed, either with a side of your choice or as a standalone treat.
Ways to use wing sauce
This mouthwatering honey gold wing sauce is great to use on classic chicken wings. But that is just the beginning! Here are a few more ideas for what you can put the sauce on:
- Turkey wings. These are larger and meatier than traditional chicken wings. I love how satisfying they are as a main dish!
- Pulled pork or chicken. Add the sauce after cooking and shredding the meat. And don’t forget to serve some on the side for extra sauciness!
- Cauliflower florets. Cauliflower is an excellent choice for meatless “wings.” They still are hearty with a good bit of bite, and are are delicious vegetarian substitute. But note that this wings sauce is not considered vegan because of the honey.
- Dipping sauce. Serve in a ramekin on the side with grilled, fried, or baked chicken tenders, french fries or sweet potato fries, onion rings, or other finger foods.
In fact, you can use the sauce in nearly any recipe that calls for traditional hot sauce or barbecue sauce!
Recipe ingredients
Honey. Mellows the heat from the hot sauce and adds that iconic finger-licking good stickiness you want in a honey gold wings sauce.
Ketchup. Vibrant with a bit of acidity to balance the sweetness.
Vinegar. Apple cider vinegar adds even more mouth-puckering acidic goodness.
Brown sugar. For a warm and sweet flavor that isn’t as overwhelming as granulated white sugar.
Salt. Common (and basically essential) cooking spice.
Hot sauce. Choose your favorite brand and level of heat. I like a wing sauce that is quite hot, but a more mild sauce will still be delicious here.
Turmeric. The earthiness of this spice brings together all of the other flavors.
Garlic powder. Classic savory cooking spice.
Frequently asked questions
Expert tips
- If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the hot sauce quantity. Conversely, for more kick, increase the amount or opt for a spicier hot sauce variant.
- A splash of fresh lemon or lime juice can elevate the tangy notes of the sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out. If too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.
- Beyond wings, try this sauce on grilled chicken breasts, drumsticks, or even as a zesty dip for veggies.
- Consider adding freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for an added layer of flavor and a splash of color.
Storage suggestions
This sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If it thickens after refrigeration, gently reheat before using.
You may also like…
- Chicken marinade with dill
- Turkey liver pate
- Air fryer turkey cutlets
- Air fryer pork chop bites
- Cornish hens recipe
- Air fryer pheasant
- Salsa quemada
Hope you will like this honey gold wings sauce recipe as much as we do. Please rate the recipe if you made it and leave a comment below if you have any questions or suggestions.