BBQ Chicken Wings

Name: BBQ Chicken Wings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken wings (wingettes and drummettes); ¾ cup barbecue sauce; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; Vegetable oil (for greasing)

Published: May 28, 2025

by Amelia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare – With just a few simple steps, you can whip up delicious BBQ chicken wings without fuss.
Crispy Texture – Baking them on a wire rack ensures that every wing comes out perfectly crispy.
Flavorful Coating – The homemade barbecue sauce adds a delightful tanginess that elevates the dish.
Versatile Dish – Enjoy these wings as an appetizer at gatherings or as a tasty meal any night of the week.
Crowd-Pleaser – They are always a hit with friends and family, making them perfect for celebrations.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools to make the process smoother. Having everything ready will keep your kitchen organized and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Wire rack
Large baking sheet
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

Wire rack – Allows air circulation around the wings, leading to a crispier skin.
Large baking sheet – Provides ample space for the wings while catching any drippings during baking.
Mixing bowl – Ideal for combining ingredients and tossing the wings in sauce.

Ingredients

Get ready for a finger-licking good time with these BBQ chicken wings! Perfectly baked and smothered in barbecue sauce.

For the Chicken Wings

vegetable oil (as needed for oiling wire rack)
2 pounds chicken wings (wingettes and drummettes)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper (coarsely ground)
¾ cup barbecue sauce

For Garnish

1 tablespoon chopped chives (or green onions, optional)

How to Make BBQ Chicken Wings

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Adjust the oven rack to the middle position. Heat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil. Use vegetable oil on a folded paper towel to grease both sides of a wire rack, or use cooking spray. Set this rack inside the lined baking sheet.

Step 2: Dry the Meat

Line another baking sheet or plate with paper towels. Place the chicken wings and drumettes on top. Thoroughly pat them dry with additional paper towels to ensure they get crispy during baking.

Step 3: Season the Pieces

In a large bowl, whisk together baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken wings to this mixture and mix well to coat each piece evenly.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

Space out the chicken wings evenly on the wire rack. Bake them for 20 minutes. After that time, flip each wing over and continue baking until they turn golden brown and crisp—this should take another 10 to 15 minutes. Ensure that their internal temperature reaches 165ºF (74ºC). Once done, transfer the wings into a large bowl but keep that baking sheet reserved.

Step 5: Add the Sauce

Pour barbecue sauce over the cooked chicken wings in the bowl. Toss thoroughly until each piece is evenly coated in that delicious sauce.

Step 6: Continue Baking

Return sauced wings back to the reserved baking sheet and bake for an additional 5 minutes if you prefer a thicker coating of sauce. You can skip this step if you want them saucier.

Step 7: To Serve

Transfer your beautifully baked BBQ chicken wings onto a serving platter. Garnish with chopped chives if desired before serving!

Enjoy your fantastic BBQ chicken wings!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Wings

Serving BBQ chicken wings is all about enhancing their flavor and making them an exciting part of your meal. Whether it’s a game day gathering or a casual dinner, these wings can be paired with various sides and dips to elevate the experience.

With Dipping Sauces

Ranch Dressing – A classic creamy option that complements the smoky flavor of the wings.
Blue Cheese Dressing – Perfect for those who love a rich, tangy taste alongside their BBQ chicken wings.
Honey Mustard – Adds a sweet and zesty kick that pairs well with barbecue flavors.

With Fresh Vegetables

Carrot Sticks – Crisp and refreshing, they provide a nice crunch to balance the richness of the wings.
Celery Sticks – A traditional side that adds a cool element to the spicy BBQ sauce.
Cucumber Slices – Light and hydrating, they make for an excellent palate cleanser.

On a Platter

Garnished with Chives – Sprinkle chopped chives on top for a pop of color and mild onion flavor.
Serve with Lemon Wedges – A squeeze of lemon can brighten the dish and enhance the flavors.

How to Perfect BBQ Chicken Wings

Perfecting BBQ chicken wings involves attention to detail in preparation and cooking. Follow these tips for crispy, flavorful results.

Use Baking Powder – This helps achieve that perfect crispy skin by creating bubbles during baking.
Pat Dry Thoroughly – Removing moisture ensures that the wings get crispy instead of steaming in the oven.
Don’t Overcrowd the Rack – Space out the wings on the wire rack for even cooking and browning.
Check Internal Temperature – Ensure your wings reach at least 165ºF (74ºC) for safe consumption while remaining juicy.
Coat Generously with Sauce – Tossing them in barbecue sauce right after baking enhances flavor absorption.

Best Side Dishes for BBQ Chicken Wings

Pairing side dishes with BBQ chicken wings can create a delicious spread. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

Coleslaw – This crunchy salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the wings.
Cornbread – Soft, slightly sweet cornbread complements BBQ dishes beautifully.
Potato Salad – Creamy potato salad is hearty enough to balance out spicy flavors.
Macaroni and Cheese – A comfort food favorite that kids and adults alike will love alongside BBQ chicken wings.
Baked Beans – Sweet and smoky baked beans add depth to your meal alongside savory wings.
French Fries – Classic fries offer a satisfying crunch that pairs well with any wing sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your BBQ chicken wings from good to great. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Not Patting the Wings Dry: Failing to dry your chicken wings can lead to soggy skin. Always use paper towels to remove excess moisture before seasoning.
Skipping the Baking Powder: Baking powder is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Don’t omit it! It helps to draw moisture out and creates that delightful crunch.
Overcrowding the Baking Sheet: Placing too many wings close together can result in uneven cooking. Space them out on the wire rack for optimal crispiness.
Not Checking Internal Temperature: Relying solely on cooking time can be risky. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your wings reach an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC) for safe consumption.
Ignoring Sauce Timing: Adding sauce too early can lead to a soggy coating. Wait until the wings are baked and crispy before tossing them in BBQ sauce for the best flavor and texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover BBQ chicken wings in an airtight container.
They will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Ensure they are completely cooled before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing BBQ Chicken Wings

Place cooked wings in a freezer-safe bag or container.
They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating BBQ Chicken Wings

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place wings on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate and cover the wings with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until hot, but this may result in softer skin.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a little oil, and cook wings, turning occasionally until heated through, which helps retain crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make BBQ chicken wings crispy?

Make sure to dry the wings thoroughly before seasoning them. Use baking powder as it helps achieve that desired crunch while baking.

Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?

Yes! Store-bought sauces work perfectly fine. You can also customize them by adding spices or honey for extra flavor.

What sides go well with BBQ chicken wings?

Consider pairing your BBQ chicken wings with coleslaw, potato wedges, or corn on the cob for a complete meal experience.

Can I grill these BBQ chicken wings instead?

Absolutely! You can grill them after baking for added smoky flavor. Just cook them over medium heat until crispy and fully cooked through.

Final Thoughts

These BBQ chicken wings are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting game day or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, they promise to impress everyone at the table. Feel free to customize with different sauces or spices for unique flavors that suit your taste!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card