Baked BBQ chicken wings are a crowd-pleaser at any gathering, combining the rich flavor of smoky barbecue sauce with the crispiness of oven-baked wings. This Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe is perfect for those looking for a healthier alternative to fried wings without compromising on taste. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of making crispy, juicy BBQ wings, covering tips on baking techniques, marinades, and seasoning, along with answering common questions about baking chicken wings.
Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe Ingredients
To make a batch of delicious baked BBQ chicken wings, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken Wings: 2 lbs of fresh chicken wings, drumettes, and flats separated
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons to help crisp the skin
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon for extra flavor
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon for a hint of smokiness
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce: 1 cup, or your favorite BBQ sauce
- Honey: 2 tablespoons for added sweetness
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon to balance the flavors
- Baking Powder: 1 tablespoon (this helps achieve extra crispiness)
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped Parsley: 2 tablespoons for a fresh garnish
- Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: For dipping
Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C). This temperature is key for ensuring your wings turn out crispy and delicious. For best results, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. The rack allows hot air to circulate around the wings, helping them cook evenly and get crispy.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Wings
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is essential for achieving crispy skin. In a large mixing bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. The baking powder helps to break down the proteins in the skin, leading to a crispier texture once baked.
Step 3: Bake the Wings
Arrange the chicken wings in a single layer on the prepared rack, making sure they aren’t touching. Bake the wings for 40-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure both sides get evenly crispy. The wings should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75°C) when they’re done.
Step 4: Prepare the BBQ Sauce
While the wings are baking, combine the Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until well combined. The honey adds a sticky sweetness to the sauce, while the vinegar gives a slight tang to balance the flavors.
Step 5: Coat the Wings
Once the wings are fully cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Toss the wings in the BBQ sauce, ensuring each wing is evenly coated. You can either serve the wings immediately or place them back in the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Serve your baked BBQ chicken wings hot, garnished with chopped parsley and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Tips and Variations
Baking vs. Frying
You might wonder, “Is it better to fry or bake chicken wings?” Baking is the healthier option because it uses less oil while still achieving a crispy exterior, especially with the baking powder technique. Frying, on the other hand, delivers an even crispier result, but it also adds extra calories and fat.
Adjusting Oven Temperature
A common question is whether you should bake chicken wings at 350 or 400 degrees. For the crispiest results, it’s best to bake them at 400 degrees. Baking at a lower temperature can lead to soggier wings, so stick with the higher heat for a perfect crunch.
Indirect vs. Direct Heat
When it comes to BBQ wings, you might ask, “Do you BBQ chicken wings directly or indirectly?” If you’re grilling your wings instead of baking them, start with indirect heat to cook them through, then finish with direct heat to crisp them up and caramelize the sauce.
Marinades
Marinating your wings for a few hours or overnight in a BBQ sauce-based marinade can infuse them with even more flavor. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to your marinade.
Variations:
- Sweet and Spicy Wings: Add 1-2 tablespoons of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture.
- Herb-Infused BBQ Wings: Toss the wings in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme before baking for an earthy flavor profile.
- Sticky Asian Wings: Swap the BBQ sauce with a mix of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and sesame oil for an Asian twist.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 720mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Should You Bake BBQ Chicken Wings in the Oven?
If you’re wondering, “How long to cook BBQ chicken wings in the oven?”, the standard time is 40-45 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If you prefer to cook at a lower temperature, say 375 degrees Fahrenheit, you may need to bake them for 50-55 minutes to ensure they cook through properly.
Can You Fry Baked BBQ Chicken Wings?
Yes, you can! If you’re looking for the best of both worlds, try baked BBQ chicken wings fried. After baking, quickly fry the wings for a minute or two for an extra crispy exterior before coating them with sauce.
Can You Use Drumsticks Instead of Wings?
Absolutely! If you’re feeding a larger crowd or simply prefer drumsticks, you can follow the same recipe. Adjust the baking time slightly for larger cuts of meat. The cooking time for baked BBQ chicken wings and drumsticks may extend by 10-15 minutes, depending on the size.
These baked BBQ chicken wings are the perfect balance of crispy and saucy, ideal for game days, parties, or a simple family dinner. Baking the wings ensures they are healthier without compromising flavor, and the Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce adds a delicious, tangy finish. Whether you serve them with ranch, blue cheese dressing, or as-is, these wings are sure to be a hit.
We’d love to hear from you! Have you tried this Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to rate the recipe. If you enjoyed these wings, check out our other delicious chicken recipes like Crispy Fried Boiled Eggs and Herb Roasted Pork. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more easy and crispy recipes delivered right to your inbox.