Introduction
BBQ chicken wings are a delicious and popular appetizer that can be made easily at home. With just a few simple ingredients and by following some easy steps, you can bake crispy, saucy, and flavorful chicken wings right in your oven.
Making BBQ wings in the oven helps create a crispy skin without needing to deep fry. It also allows the sauce to bake into the wings for finger-licking, sticky goodness. Oven-baked wings also tend to have a bit less fat than deep-fried versions. With the right seasoning, sauce, and baking technique, oven-baked BBQ chicken wings can be just as flavorful and irresistible as the deep-fried version.
Below we will go through the simple process of how to make BBQ chicken wings in the oven, from preparing the wings to baking and saucing. With this guide, you will be able to make tasty chicken wings at home to enjoy for game days, parties, or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients Needed
- 3 pounds chicken wings, tips removed, wings separated into drumettes and flats
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce or more to taste, store bought or homemade
Step-by-Step Guide
Prep the Chicken Wings
- Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. Make sure they are dried thoroughly so the baking powder will adhere.
- In a large bowl, mix together the baking powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken wings and toss until fully coated in the baking powder mixture. The baking powder helps the skin get crispy.
- Arrange the coated wings in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet.
Bake the Wings
- Bake the wings on the middle rack of a 425°F oven for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, flip the wings over and bake for another 15-20 minutes until crispy and golden brown with an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
Sauce the Wings
- In a large bowl, add the crispy baked wings and toss with the desired amount of BBQ sauce until fully coated. For saucier wings, use more BBQ sauce such as up to 3/4 cup.
- Place the sauced wings back on the baking sheet and bake for 8-10 more minutes. This helps the sauce caramelize and adhere to the wings.
- Take them out of the oven, toss again in any remaining sauce on the tray, and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Tips
- For added flavor, sprinkle some garlic powder or onion powder onto the wings along with the salt and pepper before baking.
- Make your own homemade BBQ sauce or use your favorite store-bought brand. Sweet and smoky BBQ sauces pair especially well.
- The baking times may vary based on your oven and size of wings. Check for doneness and adjust bake times accordingly.
- Be careful not to overbake or they will get dried out. The wings should be crispy but still juicy inside.
- Serve oven-baked BBQ wings as an appetizer or main dish with sides like ranch dressing, celery sticks, and creamy coleslaw.
FAQs
What is the best temperature to bake chicken wings?
Between 425°F and 450°F works best. This high heat helps render the fat and crisp the skin.
How can you get crispy oven wings without frying?
Baking powder is the secret ingredient that helps the wings get extra crispy in the oven. Simply coating the raw wings in baking powder before baking them does the trick.
How do you know when oven-baked wings are done?
The wings are fully cooked once they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and the inside reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The juices should run clear.
Can you put raw chicken wings straight into the oven?
It is not recommended. Raw chicken wings should be seasoned and arranged in a single layer on a baking sheet first before going into the oven. Starting with room temperature or slightly chilled wings also prevents overcooking.
What is the best way to bake chicken wings for a crowd?
Use two baking sheets so you can fit more wings in the oven at once. Rotate the pans and flip the wings halfway through for even cooking. It’s also easy to double or triple the recipe.
Conclusion
Making crispy, saucy oven-baked BBQ chicken wings is easy with just a few ingredients and simple steps. Properly seasoning, arranging in a single layer, and using high heat will result in perfectly cooked wings with a crunchy exterior and juicy interior. Toss the baked wings in BBQ sauce for added flavor and stickiness. Adjust cook times as needed based on the size of wings. Serve these easy homemade BBQ chicken wings as a go-to party appetizer everyone will love. Enjoy your tasty oven-baked wings!