BBQ Chicken Wings

Our irresistible BBQ Chicken Wings recipe is the perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. Coated in a secret sauce, these wings are baked to perfection, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy and tender. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or simply craving a mouthwatering snack, these BBQ Chicken Wings are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready for a flavor-packed experience that will leave everyone wanting more.

BBQ wings are a beloved appetizer, and they’re even better when they’re part of a spread. To make your appetizer table even more irresistible, serve them along with my biscuit pretzel bites (SO easy!) and a bowl of homemade zucchini chips with hummus and salsa for dipping.

Chicken Wings – The Perfect Party Food

These chicken wings with BBQ sauce are easy to make, and are so, so much better than the frozen wings from the grocery store. You can serve them as an appetizer or as a main course alongside carrot and celery sticks, just like you’d get in a restaurant.

Here are a few other great ways to serve them:

As an appetizer, serve with dipping sauces, try:

• Blue cheese dressing (always a classic that balances out the heat of the sauce)
• Ranch dressing
• Garlic parmesan sauce or Vidalia onion dressing
• Buffalo sauce or hot sauce can add even more heat – serve on the side (or make these super yummy buffalo wings in the air fryer)
• Honey mustard for a tangy, mouth-watering flavor

If you’re serving your wings as the main course, our wedge salad recipe is a great choice for a side. It’s bright and fresh, so it nicely balances the bold flavor of the wings.

Or, make life really easy and whip up some french fries, Tater Tots, or onion rings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe for BBQ Chicken Wings

Simple and Easy: This recipe only uses a few ingredients and I’ve included straightforward steps so it’s easy to whip up on a weeknight or when you’ve having a casual night in with guests.
Crispy Perfection: This recipe shows you how to make wings that are that perfect balance of crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Awesome Homemade Flavor: The buttery, restaurant-style BBQ sauce is smoky and sweet with just a touch of heat, and it only takes a couple of minutes to whisk together.

Ingredients for Homemade BBQ Wings

• Chicken wings – This recipe makes 1 pound of wings, which is usually around 8-10 good-sized wings. You can double or triple the recipe if you want!
• All-purpose flour – You can use gluten-free flour if needed. The flour helps give these wings a nice crispy texture without needing a breading.
• Cornstarch – This also contributes to the crispy exterior of the wings.
• Kosher salt
• BBQ sauce – Begin with your favorite smoky sauce. I like Sweet Baby Ray’s Original for this recipe.
• Soy sauce – Soy sauce adds a rich, irresistibly salty flavor to the sauce.
• Butter – Used in the sauce, it adds flavor, gives the sauce a smooth consistency, and helps ensure they brown up beautifully in the oven.
• Sriracha – This is optional, but gives your sauce just a bit of heat. Omit if you prefer a sweeter sauce.

How to Make Chicken Wings with BBQ

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven and prep the pan. Preheat the oven and place a baking rack over a rimmed sheet pan. Make sure it’s oven-proof (some cooling racks shouldn’t go in the oven, so it’s best to verify).

STEP TWO: Prep the chicken wings. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Then, pat the chicken wing portions dry with paper towels. Remove as much moisture as possible. Place them in the large bowl with the flour mixture and toss to combine. Shake off any excess flour and place the chicken wings on the baking rack.

STEP THREE: Bake. Bake the wings for 15 minutes, then flip the chicken wings and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, and turn on the broiler so it heats up while you make the sauce.

STEP FOUR: Prep the BBQ sauce. In a large bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, soy sauce, butter, and sriracha. Add the cooked wings to the bowl and toss to combine, making sure all the wings get nice and saucy. Return the wings to the pan and place them under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until crisp and caramelized. Just make sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!

STEP FIVE: Serve. Serve the chicken wings hot and fresh with veggies and dips.

Tips for Making Perfect Wings

• If you like your wings extra saucy, you can double the sauce recipe and serve half on the side. Warm it slightly in the microwave if you want.
• It’s important to dry your wings well before you bake them. If there’s water on the surface of the wings, it tends to ‘steam’ your wings, and they don’t cook up as crispy.

Can I make this sauce spicier?

Absolutely! If you like heat, add more sriracha to the sauce mixture. You can start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to your desired level of spiciness. You can also use hot sauce, tabasco sauce, cayenne pepper, or your favorite hot peppers chopped up fine to make the sauce spicier.

Can I make this sauce sweeter?

For a sweeter sauce, add some brown sugar or real maple syrup to the sauce mixture. Start with a tablespoon and taste it. Add more, little by little, until it’s sweet enough for your liking.

How can I make wings crispy in the oven?

You don’t have to deep fry wings to make them crispy. This recipe works great for baking crispy BBQ wings. But, there are a few key steps you need to follow.

1. Pat the wings dry: Make sure the chicken wings are completely dry before you coat them in the flour mixture.
2. Don’t overcrowd the pan: Leave an inch or so between each wing so the heat circulates better in the oven. This helps make sure the entire wing is exposed to the same temperature.
3. Broil for a final crisp: The final broiling step helps caramelize the sauce and really gives the wings the last crispy texture you’ve been looking for.

How to Store Leftover BBQ Chicken Wings

In the fridge: While leftover chicken wings are best enjoyed fresh, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or a Ziploc bag so they don’t dry out.

In the freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze your leftover wings for up to 3 months. Once they’ve cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.

Can I make these wings gluten-free? Dairy-free?

Yes! You can make these wings gluten-free. Replace the flour and cornstarch with gluten-free varieties and you’re all set. You should also verify the soy sauce has no gluten in it. Some brands are gluten-free. To make a dairy-free version, replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative. Always double check all of your ingredients for hidden dairy or gluten.

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