Introduction
Chicken wings are a beloved appetizer and finger food, perfect for game days, parties, or anytime you need an easy crowd-pleasing snack. While deep frying is the traditional cooking method, baking wings in the oven is a healthier alternative that still yields deliciously crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat when done right. Here we’ll walk through the simple steps to make perfect oven-baked bbq chicken wings at home.
Ingredients
- 2-3 lbs chicken wings, separated into drummettes and flats
- 1/2 cup bbq sauce or rub of choice
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Prepare the Wings
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Make sure they are as dry as possible so the skin gets crispy when cooked.
- Season both sides with salt and pepper. Be generous with the seasoning to add lots of flavor.
- Coat lightly with oil or butter. This helps the seasoning stick and promotes browning.
Bake the Wings
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment.
- Arrange wings in a single layer on the baking sheet without overcrowding.
- Bake 25-30 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip and bake 20-25 minutes more until crisp and cooked through.
Sauce and Finish
- Transfer wings to a bowl and toss with bbq sauce or rub to coat evenly.
- Return to baking sheet and bake 5 more minutes if using bbq sauce.
- Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side!
Baked bbq wings are ready in under an hour with just 10 minutes active prep time. The high oven heat makes the skin crispy outside while keeping the meat moist inside.
Tips for Best Results
- Pat wings very dry before baking for crispiest skin.
- Don’t overcrowd on the baking sheet. Give space for airflow.
- Flip halfway through for even browning.
- Toss in sauce at the end to prevent burning.
- Check for doneness before saucing. Meat should be cooked through.
- Add sauce in batches if needed to evenly coat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you bake chicken wings at 425°F?
Bake chicken wings at 425°F for 25-30 minutes on the first side, then flip and bake 20-25 minutes more until both sides are crispy and the meat reaches 165°F internally.
Should you flip chicken wings when baking?
Yes, flipping the wings halfway through is important for even cooking and browning on both sides. Bake about 25 minutes on the first side, flip, then bake 20-25 minutes more.
What temperature kills bacteria on chicken?
Chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any potentially harmful bacteria like salmonella. Use a food thermometer to verify doneness. The wings should register 165°F at the thickest part.
Can you bake chicken wings from frozen?
Yes, frozen wings can go straight into the preheated 425°F oven, but they will need 5-10 minutes extra baking time. Follow the same instructions, flipping once thawed and browned on the first side.
How can you make baked wings extra crispy?
- Pat the wings very dry before seasoning
- Use baking powder in the seasoning (1 tsp per lb)
- Leave space between wings when baking
- Flip halfway for even browning
- Bake at a high temp (425°F)
- Avoid saucing until fully cooked
What is the best oven temperature for chicken wings?
425°F is ideal for crisping the skin on baked chicken wings. At higher heat, the exterior browns quickly before the interior overcooks. Lower temps won’t get the skin as browned and crispy.
Conclusion
Baking chicken wings in the oven at a high temp delivers crispy browned skin with saucy, juicy meat inside. A simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and oil is all you need for full flavor. Let the oven do most of the work and in under an hour you’ll have delicious bbq chicken wings ready for serving. With a few tips for best results, oven-baked wings can rival fried any day.