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There is something utterly irresistible about perfectly crispy, smoky, and sticky chicken pieces that just scream comfort food and party vibes all at once. This BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe delivers that exact experience with a golden, seasoned crust and a luscious coat of tangy barbecue sauce that will have you reaching for one more wing long after your plate is empty. Whether you’re gearing up for a game day, a family dinner, or just an indulgent weekend treat, these wings hit every note of flavor and texture that make chicken wings so beloved everywhere.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe is easier than you might think, and each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of crunch, spice, and saucy goodness. These pantry-friendly staples come together to transform everyday chicken wings into an extraordinary appetizer or main dish.
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour: Helps create a crispy coating that locks in juicy flavor.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: The secret behind that irresistible crispiness on the skin.
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika: Adds a deep smoky hue and mild earthy spice.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings savory warmth that complements the BBQ sauce perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Lends a gentle heat that brightens the overall flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
- 2 pounds chicken drumettes and wingettes* (about 20 pieces): The star of the show, ready to soak up all those spices and sauce.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce: The tangy, sweet, and smoky glaze that brings everything together beautifully.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Set Up Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F, which is just the right temperature to give your wings that perfect crispy skin without drying them out. To ensure the wings cook evenly, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. This lets the heat circulate all around the wings and keeps them from sitting in their own juices. Don’t forget to lightly spray the rack and foil with nonstick cooking spray so nothing sticks!
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine all the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and kosher salt—and stir them together. This blend is what gives your wings that irresistible golden color and depth of flavor, so make sure it’s well mixed for an even coating.
Step 3: Season the Wings
Place the chicken drumettes and wingettes in a large bowl and toss them with half of the seasoning mix first, making sure every piece gets a dusting of that flavorful magic. Then sprinkle the rest of the seasoning over and toss again to cover every inch. This two-step approach ensures your wings get the perfect seasoning balance.
Step 4: Bake Those Wings
Lay your wings out in a single, even layer on the wire rack so they cook uniformly. Bake them for 30 minutes, then flip each wing carefully to the other side and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes. This baking method ensures a crispy exterior and juicy, tender meat inside.
Step 5: Increase Heat for the Final Touch
Once your wings have baked thoroughly, take them out and crank up the oven to 500°F. This higher temperature is key for caramelizing the BBQ sauce later, giving it that sticky, glossy finish everyone craves.
Step 6: Sauce and Broil
Transfer the wings to a large bowl and toss them with your BBQ sauce until each wing is lovingly coated. Place the wings back onto the baking sheet and pop them into the oven for 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll want to watch carefully as the sauce thickens and browns to a beautiful glaze. That’s your cue to take them out and get ready to dig in!
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like chopped green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or even a handful of fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro can add a pop of color and a fresh bite that beautifully cuts through the richness of the BBQ sauce. A few lemon wedges on the side can also brighten everything up when squeezed over the wings just before eating.
Side Dishes
These wings pair wonderfully with classic sides like crispy French fries, a crisp coleslaw, or a simple mixed green salad to balance the meal. For something with a little more substance, creamy mac and cheese or grilled corn on the cob adds a delightful complement to your BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving your wings can be as fun as making them! For a party, arrange the wings on a large platter surrounded by small bowls of extra BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, and celery sticks. If you’re feeling extra festive, line your platter with colorful lettuce leaves or kale for a vibrant background that makes your wings pop. Or, try skewering clusters of wings for a playful presentation that’s perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover BBQ chicken wings keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain maximum crispiness, separate the wings from any excess sauce before storing—they can be re-coated when reheating.
Freezing
If you want to save some wings for later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first so they don’t stick together. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep their best quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
The best way to bring your wings back to life is to reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This method crisps up the coating while warming the meat evenly. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that coveted crispy texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh wings instead of drumettes and wingettes?
Absolutely! Fresh whole wings can be used, but for even cooking and easier eating, it’s best to separate them into drumettes and wingettes before seasoning and baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and make sure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-conscious version of this BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe.
How spicy is this BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe?
The chili powder adds a mild kick, but overall the wings are balanced with smoky and savory flavors rather than intense heat. You can adjust the chili powder amount or add cayenne if you want to turn up the heat.
Can I make these wings on a grill instead of the oven?
Definitely! You can cook the wings on a medium-hot grill using indirect heat, flipping often. Apply the BBQ sauce towards the end and grill a few minutes to caramelize the sauce for that charred flavor.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
This recipe shines with a thick, flavorful BBQ sauce—whether it’s a classic smoky sauce, a sweeter Kansas City style, or even a tangier vinegar-based sauce. Just make sure it’s thick enough to cling nicely to the wings during the final bake.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into wings that are crisp on the outside, tender inside, and drenched in a perfectly balanced BBQ sauce. This BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. So next time you want to bring a little extra flavor and excitement to your table, give these wings a whirl and watch them disappear faster than you can say “more, please!”
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BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings (about 20 wings)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BBQ Chicken Wings recipe delivers crispy, flavorful wings baked to perfection and coated in a rich, smoky BBQ sauce. Using a simple yet flavorful dry rub and a two-step baking process ensures juicy meat with a deliciously caramelized finish that’s perfect for gatherings or game day.
Ingredients
Dry Rub
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 pounds chicken drumettes and wingettes (approx. 20 pieces)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly spray the foil and rack with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and kosher salt. Stir well to evenly distribute all spices and leavening agent.
- Season the Wings: In a large bowl, add the chicken wings and toss them with half of the dry seasoning mixture, ensuring they are coated evenly. Sprinkle the remaining seasoning over the wings and toss again to achieve complete coverage.
- Bake the Wings: Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on the prepared wire rack. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, flip the wings to the other side and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, allowing them to crisp up and cook through.
- Increase Oven Temperature: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 500°F (260°C) to prepare for the final saucing step.
- Apply BBQ Sauce and Finish Baking: Transfer the wings to a large bowl and toss thoroughly with 1 cup of BBQ sauce until fully coated. Place the sauced wings back onto the wire rack on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes at 500°F, or until the sauce is thickened, caramelized, and browned slightly. Serve hot and enjoy your perfectly baked BBQ chicken wings.
Notes
- For extra crispy wings, pat the chicken dry before applying the seasoning mix.
- Use a wire rack for baking to allow air circulation and prevent soggy bottoms.
- Adjust the BBQ sauce amount according to your preference for sauciness.
- Flip wings carefully halfway through baking to ensure uniform crispness.
- Serve with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing for a classic pairing.
