Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe: Sweet, Smoky, and Irresistibly Delicious

There's something special about biting into a crispy, saucy BBQ chicken wing that hits all the right notes—sweet, smoky, savory, and a little tangy. These oven-baked BBQ chicken wings are everything you could want in a wing: tender on the inside, crispy on the outside, and generously coated in a rich homemade BBQ sauce. Whether you're prepping for a big game day, a casual get-together, or just craving something irresistible for dinner, these wings are sure to be a hit!

Photo byInsanelyGoodRecipes

I first came across this amazing recipe from Insanely Good Recipes, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Today, I’m sharing my version with you. Trust me, these wings will have you and your guests reaching for more.

Why You’ll Love These Wings

These BBQ chicken wings are baked, not fried, making them a healthier option that still packs that crispy texture we all crave. The secret lies in using baking powder (aluminum-free) to create that perfect crunch without the extra oil. And the sauce? It’s a mouthwatering blend of ketchup, brown sugar, honey, and spices that coat each wing in a sticky, flavorful glaze.

I encourage you to follow along, try this recipe, and let me know how it turns out by dropping a comment below. Don’t forget to hit that follow button for more delicious recipes like this one!

A Quick Dive into BBQ Wing History

Chicken wings, especially BBQ-style, have become a staple of American comfort food, but did you know they didn’t gain popularity until the 1960s? The famous Buffalo wing was born in New York, and since then, variations like these BBQ wings have exploded in popularity across the U.S., becoming a must-have at parties, picnics, and of course, barbecues. What makes this version so special is the homemade BBQ sauce—a perfect balance of sweet and smoky, with a touch of tang from white wine vinegar.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Wings

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Wings:

• 2 pounds chicken wings
• 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup tomato ketchup
• ¼ cup white wine vinegar
• 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. This step ensures the wings bake up crispy!
3. Bake the wings: Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 45-50 minutes, turning them halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
4. Make the BBQ sauce: While the wings bake, combine all the BBQ sauce ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Coat the wings: Once the wings are done, remove them from the oven and transfer to a large bowl. Pour the BBQ sauce over the wings and toss until they’re evenly coated.
6. Final bake: Return the sauced wings to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 6-8 minutes, until the sauce is sticky and caramelized.
7. Serve your BBQ chicken wings hot, with extra sauce on the side for dipping if desired. Enjoy!

Pro Tips:

• Make it spicy: For those who love a kick, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce.
• Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, or substitute it with tamari sauce.
• Pairing Suggestions: Serve these wings with a side of coleslaw or cornbread for a full BBQ experience, or pair with an ice-cold beer to complete the meal.

Whether you're feeding a crowd or indulging on your own, these BBQ wings are sure to satisfy every craving. The crispy skin combined with the rich, sticky sauce makes these a standout dish.

Did You Enjoy This Recipe?

Let me know if you tried these BBQ chicken wings! Share your thoughts in the comments, or post a picture and tag me so I can see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to follow for more crowd-pleasing recipes like this one. Happy cooking!