BBQ Chicken Wings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

BBQ Chicken Wings are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish—crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and coated in a smoky, sweet, and tangy barbecue sauce. Whether baked, grilled, or air-fried, these wings are easy to make and perfect for game days, parties, or casual weeknight dinners. Finger-licking good and packed with flavor, they never disappoint.

ingredients

this Recipe

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

chicken wings (split into flats and drumettes)
olive oil
salt
black pepper
garlic powder
onion powder
paprika
BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
optional: honey or hot sauce for added sweetness or heat

directions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.

Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl.

Toss wings with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until evenly coated.

Arrange wings in a single layer on the wire rack.

Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Remove from oven and transfer to a large bowl. Toss with BBQ sauce until fully coated.

(Optional) Return wings to oven for 5–10 minutes to caramelize the sauce.

Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce or dipping sauces on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 45–50 minutes
Total time: 55–60 minutes

Variations

Use your favorite BBQ sauce—smoky, spicy, or sweet.
Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or Worcestershire to the sauce for extra depth.
Air fry at 400°F for 20–25 minutes for a quicker option.
Grill wings for a smoky, charred flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F until hot and crispy.
Avoid microwaving to preserve crispness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning.

Do I need to boil wings first?
No, baking at high heat renders fat and crisps the skin perfectly.

Can I make them spicier?
Add hot sauce or cayenne to the seasoning or BBQ sauce.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Any kind you love—classic, honey, spicy, or smoky all work well.

Can I grill these wings?
Yes, grill over medium heat for about 20–25 minutes, turning often.

How do I keep wings crispy?
Pat them dry, use a wire rack, and bake at high heat.

Can I use boneless wings?
Yes, follow the same method, adjusting bake time slightly.

Are these gluten-free?
Yes, if using a gluten-free BBQ sauce.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use two baking sheets and rotate them halfway through.

Do I have to use a wire rack?
It helps crisp the wings evenly, but you can bake directly on foil if needed.

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Wings are a surefire hit with their crispy texture and bold, saucy flavor. Whether baked, grilled, or air-fried, they’re easy to prepare and impossible to resist—perfect for parties, family meals, or any occasion that calls for something deliciously messy and satisfying.

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