KFC Honey BBQ Wings

KFC Honey BBQ Wings Price, Calories & Availability in 2026

If you ever tasted KFC honey BBQ wings, you already know why people still talk about them. The smoky-sweet glaze, sticky texture, and bold flavor created a taste many feel KFC has never matched again.

KFC Honey BBQ Wings & KFC BBQ Wings are not the same and they are limited time item as well that was discontinued after 90s and it made comeback recently in October 2025 after huge customer demand.

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The Rise — Why KFC Honey BBQ Wings Were Beloved?


These wings stood out because of their unique sauce profile. The honey blended with spices and molasses created a deep, sticky glaze that coated every inch of the wing.

The KFC honey BBQ wings gained a cult following because the sauce clung tightly to the fried skin. Unlike lighter barbecue sauces, this one was heavier and almost caramel-like when it warmed.

Are the Wings Still Available?


The short answer is: No. This is a limited time item that was available in October 2025.

Keep in mind, KFC Honey BBQ Wings and KFC BBQ Wings are not same. Many customers make a mistake there.

KFC Honey BBQ Wings were first introduced in U.S. in 90s. Later, company reduced SKU count by almost 30%, which helped stores operate faster but resulted in losing several fan favorites — including these wings. But fortunately KFC has pay heed to customer calls and bring back KFC Honey BBQ Wings on October 6, 2025 with Honey BBQ Sauce as permanent menu item but not BBQ Wings. These are still limited menu items but one thing is for sure, they will now frequently be at the KFC menu.

Today, some customers confuse the old wings with KFC BBQ wings, a newer product that appears in certain regions. These versions have a lighter glaze, thinner consistency, and a stronger vinegar tone. They are not the same as the thick, sticky Honey BBQ style that fans remember.

Also read: KFC Chicken Sandwich

Taste and Texture Breakdown


As KFC Honey BBQ Wings were limited time menu items but still you can taste Honey BBQ Wings in combos. Each combo contain Honey BBQ Wings that you can customize by your choice by asking the staff.

$9.89

Original Honey BBQ 2 pc. Chicken Combo

Original Honey BBQ 2 pc. Chicken Combo

Includes 2 pc fried chicken in Honey BBQ Sauce + Side + Buttery Biscuit + 1 Drink.
Cal: 70-170

$12.79

Original Honey BBQ 3 pc. Chicken Combo

Original Honey BBQ 3 pc. Chicken Combo

Includes 3 pc fried chicken in Honey BBQ Sauce + Side + Buttery Biscuit + 1 Drink.
Cal: 1380-2320

$0.25

Original Honey BBQ 3 pc. Chicken Combo

Honey BBQ Sauce

Cal: 1380-2320

The taste of KFC honey BBQ wings came from the specific balance of sweetness and smoke. The glaze had sugar, honey, molasses, and spices that created a bold profile.

The wings were fried first, then coated fully in the thick sauce. This helped keep the skin crispy underneath while the outside stayed glossy and sticky. A major reason these wings stand out in memory is the caramelization that happened when the sauce warmed. This gave each bite a slightly chewy, candied finish.

Nutritional Information and Calories


KFC’s original Honey BBQ Wings were not a low-calorie option. A single Honey BBQ Wing contains 105 calories, depending on coating thickness. Most of these calories came from the sugary glaze, which had more sugar than KFC’s regular BBQ sauce.

NutrientAmount
Calories105
Total Fat6 g
• Saturated Fat1 g
• Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol20 mg
Sodium210 mg
Total Carbohydrate8 g
• Dietary Fiber0 g
• Sugars4 g
Protein5 g

Pricing and Portion Sizes


Today, in markets where KFC BBQ wings are available, prices are different. An 8-piece often sells for $10-$12. While in 2 pc combos the price is $9.89 and 3 pc costs $12.79.

When KFC sold these wings nationwide, the pricing was considered competitive. A 6-piece order usually cost $3.99 to $4.49, while a 24-piece bucket ranged from $12.99 to $14.99. That made the price-per-wing between $0.55 and $0.70, cheaper than Pizza Hut or Wingstop at the time.

Read also: KFC Specials Today Price | Delicious Deals 2026

Allergen Information


AllergenPresence
Wheat / GlutenYes
SoyYes
MSGYes
MilkNo
EggsNo
NutsNo

KFC Honey BBQ Wings Copycat Recipe


KFC honey bbq wings recipe

Sweet. Smoky. Sticky. Crunchy. These wings recreate the exact bite you get from the legendary KFC honey BBQ wings. This refined version elevates the original technique by optimizing breading adhesion, moisture retention, and sauce caramelization.

Why These Wings Work?

This recipe delivers three essential elements:

  1. Double-breading + resting
    Creates the signature KFC crust that stays crisp even after saucing.
  2. Two-stage cooking
    Frying locks in moisture; baking caramelizes the BBQ glaze so it adheres without sliding off.
  3. Balanced honey-smoke BBQ profile
    The sauce blends sweet, smoky, tangy, and aromatic notes for an unmistakable finish.

Ingredients

Wings & Coating

  • 2 lbs chicken wings, separated (drumettes + flats)
  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup buttermilk (tenderizes + binds breading)
  • Vegetable oil (frying; must tolerate high heat)

Honey BBQ Sauce

  • 1 cup hickory-smoke BBQ sauce (Heinz recommended for closest flavor match)
  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tsp liquid smoke

Also check: KFC Tuesday Special

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Prep the Wings

  1. Use a heavy chef’s knife or poultry shears to separate drumettes and flats.
  2. Pat wings completely dry. Moisture ≠ crispiness.
  3. Set up a breading station with:
    • Bowl 1: flour + salt + pepper
    • Bowl 2: buttermilk
    • Rack: placed over a tray for resting

2. Bread the Wings

  1. Coat wings in the seasoned flour.
  2. Dip into buttermilk.
  3. Coat again in flour—press gently so the breading bonds.
  4. Place breaded wings on the rack.
  5. Refrigerate for 45–60 minutes.
    This step is non-negotiable. The cold rest dehydrates the coating slightly, which helps it grip during frying.

3. Make the Honey BBQ Sauce

  1. Combine BBQ sauce, water, honey, ketchup, and liquid smoke in a saucepan.
  2. Heat over medium until it just begins to simmer.
  3. Reduce to low and cook 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Sauce should thicken slightly and develop a glossy sheen.
  5. Remove from heat and keep covered.

Tip:
Letting it rest for 5 minutes after cooking allows flavors to round out and mellows the smoke.

4. Fry the Wings

  1. Heat oil to 375°F in a heavy pot or deep fryer.
  2. Add wings in small batches to avoid temperature drop.
  3. Fry 12–15 minutes until deep golden brown.
  4. Drain on a wire rack (not paper towels—rack prevents soggy bottoms).
  5. Repeat until all wings are fried.

Optional but recommended:
Store fried wings and sauce separately in the fridge up to 3 days if not finishing immediately.

5. Caramelize in the Oven

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Lightly grease a baking tray.
  3. Toss wings in warm honey BBQ sauce until fully coated.
  4. Spread out on tray—no overlapping.
  5. Bake 10 minutes or until the glaze thickens, sticks, and lightly browns.

You now have restaurant-quality KFC honey BBQ wings with the signature texture and flavor profile.

Serving Recommendations

  • Best dips: ranch, blue cheese
  • Sides: fries, pickles, onion rings
  • Occasions: game night, tailgate parties, family platters

Storage & Reheating

Storage

  • Keep leftover wings in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating (Crisp Method)

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Spread wings on tray.
  3. Drizzle a teaspoon of water over wings (prevents dryness).
  4. Bake 6 minutes.
  5. Flip and bake 5–6 minutes more.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Approximate values based on 4 servings:

  • Calories: 875
  • Carbs: 108g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Fat: 33g
  • Sodium: 1510mg
  • Sugar: 36g

Read also: KFC Famous Bowl

FAQs


KFC no longer sells Honey BBQ Wings as a permanent menu item. They return occasionally as a limited-time promotion, but they are not part of the core national menu. Availability varies by location, and some stores may offer regional versions during special promotions. If you want the exact flavor year-round, a copycat recipe is the most reliable option.

No, KFC Honey BBQ Wings are not spicy. They have a sweet, smoky flavor profile with zero heat. The sauce focuses on honey, hickory smoke, and mild tomato notes, making them ideal for people who prefer sweet wings rather than spicy ones.

Pricing for KFC wings varies by location, but on average:

  • A 6-piece wings order typically ranges from $7.49–$9.99
  • A 12-piece wings order ranges from $13.99–$17.99
  • A 24-piece order can cost $24.99–$32.99

Prices can shift depending on promotions, city, and whether they’re limited-time offerings.

KFC removed wings from the permanent menu due to inconsistent demand, rising poultry costs, and a strategic shift toward core items like chicken sandwiches, tenders, and buckets. Wings require extra prep, frying capacity, and storage, which many stores could not maintain efficiently. As a result, wings now appear mostly as limited-time items rather than everyday offerings.

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