Introduction
Get ready to discover your new favorite way to make BBQ chicken wings! I’ve perfected this recipe through countless game days and family gatherings, and I’m excited to share these crowd-pleasing wings that strike the perfect balance between smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors. What makes these BBQ chicken wings special is their crispy skin and juicy interior, achieved through a simple yet effective cooking method. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving some seriously good wings, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right from your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds chicken wings, split at joints, tips removed
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Pro tip: Choose a BBQ sauce that’s not too sweet, as it can burn easily. If you’re using a sweet sauce, apply it only in the final 5-10 minutes of cooking.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels – this is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne (if using).
- Add the wings to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Arrange wings on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
- Bake for 45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Remove from oven, brush with BBQ sauce on both sides.
- Return to oven for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce is caramelized and wings are crispy.
Cook Time and Serving Size
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6-8 people (about 24-30 wing pieces)
Recipe Notes
For extra crispy wings, here are some game-changing tips:
- Don’t skip patting the wings dry – moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
- For even crispier results, let the seasoned wings rest uncovered in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before baking.
- If your wings aren’t as crispy as you’d like after the initial baking, broil them for 2-3 minutes before adding the sauce. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- These wings can be made ahead and reheated in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a quicker version, you can air fry the wings at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
BBQ Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 3 pounds chicken wings split at joints, tips removed
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne (if using).
- Add the wings to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Arrange wings on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
- Bake for 45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Remove from oven, brush with BBQ sauce on both sides.
- Return to oven for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce is caramelized and wings are crispy.