Preheat the oven to 425 F.

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with nonstick cooking spray.

Add chicken wings to the baking sheet in a single layer, not touching or overcrowding. Season wings with salt and pepper, then place in the oven.

Bake until the skin is crispy, approximately 45 - 50 minutes.

About 20 minutes before the wings are done, add garlic and butter to a saucepan and heat over medium high heat until garlic becomes translucent.

Reduce heat to low and add honey and Dijon mustard. Stir to combine. Simmer for a few minutes, until the honey dissolves completely.

Remove from heat and stir in hot sauce, if using.

Add the cooked wings to a glass bowl and pour honey-mustard mixture over them. Toss until coated and either serve immediately, or place on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper (or sprayed with non-stick cooking spray) and place under broiler for a couple minutes, until brown and bubbly.

Serve with creamy red potato salad or your favorite side dishes.