BBQ Chicken Wings

BBQ Chicken Wings are a classic finger food that never goes out of style—crispy, juicy wings coated in a sticky, smoky-sweet barbecue sauce. Perfect for game day, parties, or casual dinners, these wings are easy to prepare and packed with bold, crowd-pleasing flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy wings without deep frying
• Smoky, sweet, and tangy BBQ flavor
• Bakes or grills easily with minimal mess
• Perfect for entertaining or weeknight meals
• Great with homemade or store-bought BBQ sauce

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Your favorite BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
2. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels.
3. In a large bowl, toss wings with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
4. Arrange wings on the wire rack in a single layer.
5. Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.
6. Remove wings from oven and toss in warm BBQ sauce until fully coated.
7. Return wings to the oven for an additional 5–10 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
8. Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50–55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Grill the wings instead of baking for smoky flavor
• Add cayenne or chili powder for spicy BBQ wings
• Use honey BBQ, bourbon BBQ, or chipotle BBQ sauces for flavor variety
• Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks
• Try air-frying for a faster, crispier version

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
• Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or until warmed through
• Not ideal for freezing due to sauce texture changes
• Reheat in an air fryer for extra crispiness

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken wings?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before seasoning.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

Any favorite will work—smoky, sweet, spicy, or tangy depending on your preference.

How do I get crispy wings in the oven?

Dry the wings well and bake them on a wire rack for even airflow.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Bake and store the wings, then reheat and toss with sauce before serving.

Are these spicy?

Not unless you add heat—feel free to mix in hot sauce or chili flakes.

Can I make them in an air fryer?

Yes, cook at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Should I sauce the wings before or after baking?

Sauce them after the initial bake to avoid burning and then finish baking to caramelize.

Can I grill these instead?

Yes, grill over medium heat for 20–25 minutes, turning often and basting with sauce in the final minutes.

What should I serve with BBQ wings?

Try coleslaw, cornbread, fries, or a crisp salad.

How do I know the wings are done?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F, and the skin should be golden and crisp.

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Wings are the ultimate combination of crispy, tender meat and sticky, smoky flavor. Whether baked, grilled, or air-fried, they’re guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering or as a satisfying comfort food anytime.

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