Easy Homemade Baked BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe
Looking for the perfect baked BBQ chicken wings recipe that’s both delicious and simple to make? You’re in the right place! These sweet and savory wings require minimal ingredients but deliver maximum flavor. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or simply craving a finger-licking good dinner, these wings are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes |
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes |
Servings: 10
Why You’ll Love These Oven-Baked BBQ Wings
There’s something irresistible about chicken wings coated in sticky, sweet BBQ sauce. This recipe takes the classic favorite and simplifies it to just three key ingredients while ensuring the wings come out perfectly tender on the inside and caramelized on the outside. The oven-baking method gives you that wonderful BBQ flavor without the need for a grill or smoker!
Ingredients for the Best Baked Chicken Wings
- 5 pounds frozen chicken wings, thawed completely
- 2 cups of your favorite BBQ sauce (sweet and smoky works best)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional seasonings: 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet with rack (for crispier wings)
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer (optional)
- Basting brush
How to Make Perfect Baked BBQ Chicken Wings
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. If you have a baking rack, place it on top of the sheet for crispier results.
- Ensure your chicken wings are completely thawed and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
- Place the wings in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. If using the optional seasonings, sprinkle them over the wings now. Toss until all wings are evenly coated.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, turning halfway through, until the wings are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the wings from the oven and brush generously with about half of your BBQ sauce, making sure to coat all sides.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce begins to caramelize.
- For an extra layer of flavor, remove the wings again, brush with the remaining BBQ sauce, and bake for a final 5-10 minutes until sticky and glossy.
- Allow the wings to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set and the flavors to develop.
Pro Tips for the Ultimate BBQ Wings Experience
- Pat them dry: Don’t skip drying your wings before seasoning! This ensures the skin gets crispy instead of steamy.
- Layer the sauce: The double or even triple application of BBQ sauce creates delicious layers of flavor and the perfect sticky texture.
- Mix your sauces: Feel free to experiment by combining different BBQ sauces or adding a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
- Spice it up: For heat lovers, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce to the BBQ glaze.
- Don’t overcrowd: Give those wings space on the baking sheet so they can crisp up properly.
Serving Suggestions
These sticky, sweet BBQ wings pair perfectly with:
- Classic celery and carrot sticks
- Blue cheese or ranch dipping sauce
- Creamy coleslaw
- Corn on the cob
- Baked beans
- Mac and cheese
- Crispy french fries or sweet potato fries
Storage and Reheating Information
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This method helps maintain their crispy texture better than microwaving.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (approximately 4-5 wings):
- Calories: 173 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 17g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 48mg
- Sodium: 404mg
- Sugar: 10g
Frequently Asked Questions About Baked BBQ Wings
Can I use fresh chicken wings instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh wings work wonderfully in this recipe. Just skip the thawing step and reduce the initial baking time by about 5 minutes.
How do I know when my wings are done cooking?
The most reliable method is using a meat thermometer to ensure they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Visually, the meat should no longer be pink and the juices should run clear.
Can I prepare these wings ahead of time?
Yes! You can season the wings up to 24 hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. You can also fully cook them, refrigerate, and then reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Can I freeze leftover cooked wings?
While possible, freezing and reheating may affect the texture. If you do freeze them, thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven for the best results.
Your Go-To Baked BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe
Whether you’re preparing for game day, a casual gathering, or simply satisfying a wing craving, this baked BBQ chicken wings recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The combination of crispy skin, juicy meat, and that irresistible sweet and tangy BBQ glaze makes these wings impossible to resist. Try this recipe today and watch them disappear before your eyes!
Recipe inspired by AllRecipes 3-Ingredient Baked BBQ Chicken Wings
