How to Make Baked BBQ Chicken Wings - Outdoor Cabinets

Baked bbq chicken wings are a delicious appetizer or main course that combines crispy baked chicken wings with a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce glaze. This recipe yields juicy chicken wings with a caramelized barbecue flavor that are easier and healthier to make than fried wings. Learning how to properly bake and glaze chicken wings results in a crowd-pleasing snack or meal that can be customized with your favorite barbecue sauce.

Ingredients Needed for Baked BBQ Chicken Wings

Baked bbq chicken wings have a short ingredient list of pantry staples and barbecue sauce. Below are the ingredients needed:

Chicken wings – about 2 1/2 to 3 pounds of chicken wings, separated into drummettes and flats. Leave the tips on for extra crispy edges.
Baking powder – 1 to 2 Tablespoons of baking powder helps draw moisture out of the wings for a crispy skin.
Salt and pepper – 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper seasons the wings.
Oil – 2 Tablespoons of olive oil or avocado oil to coat the wings.
Barbecue sauce – 1/2 to 1 cup of your favorite bbq sauce, divided.
Honey (optional) – 1 to 2 Tablespoons of honey can be whisked into the barbecue sauce for extra sweetness and glaze.

Why These Baked BBQ Wing Ingredients Produce Crispy, Saucy Wings

The key to crispy baked wings is drying out the exterior skin before cooking it in the oven. A coating of baking powder accomplishes this, while salt and pepper add flavor. Oil helps the skin get extra crispy.

Barbecue sauce flavors and glazes the wings. Whisking in honey makes the glaze a bit thicker and sweeter for excellent bbq baked wings. Customize the sauce to your preferences.

Equipment Needed for Baked Chicken Wings

You likely have everything needed to make baked bbq wings in your kitchen already. Equipment includes:

Baking sheets – Line with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Cooling racks – Let wings cool slightly before saucing.
Mixing bowls – Toss the wings in seasoning and sauce.
Whisk – Optional for mixing sauce and honey.
Basting brush – For brushing sauce onto the wings.
Tongs or oven mitts – For handling hot wings out of the oven.

Having the necessary equipment ready helps streamline the cooking process for hassle-free baked bbq chicken wings every time.

Step-by-Step Guide for How to Make Baked BBQ Chicken Wings

Follow these simple steps for perfect baked bbq chicken wings.

Step 1: Heat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat oven to 400°F.
Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or foil. Lightly grease if needed.

Step 2: Pat Chicken Wings Dry and Cut Tips Off

Pat chicken wings completely dry with paper towels.
Cut off any wing tips and discard or save for stock.

Step 3: Season Wings with Baking Powder, Salt, and Pepper

In a large bowl, mix together baking powder, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken wings and toss to completely coat all over.

Step 4: Arrange Wings on Baking Sheets and Bake

Arrange wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 20 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy, flipping once.

Step 5: Coat Baked Wings in Barbecue Sauce

Remove wings from oven and let cool slightly.
In a bowl, mix together barbecue sauce and honey if using.
Add wings to sauce and gently toss to coat.

Step 6: Return Wings to Oven to Caramelize Sauce

Place sauced wings back onto baking sheets.
Bake for 8-10 more minutes until barbecue sauce caramelizes.

Step 7: Cool and Serve Baked BBQ Wings

Remove from oven and let cool 5 minutes.
Transfer baked bbq wings to a platter and serve hot.

Get ready for rave reviews when you make irresistibly crispy and saucy baked bbq chicken wings! Adjust cook times as needed for extra crispy or saucy results.

Tips for the Best Baked BBQ Chicken Wings

Here are some helpful tips for baked bbq chicken wings that get perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy inside:

Let wings air dry in the fridge overnight – This helps draw out moisture for maximum crispiness. Pat very dry before baking.
Cut wings into drummettes and flats – The fattier drummettes stay juicier than skinny flats.
Use metal cooling racks – Elevating wings allows air circulation for crisper skin.
Bake at a high temp first – Start at 400°F to get the skin browned and crispy.
Sauce the wings after baking – Baking plain lets wings get crispy before saucing.
Brine for extra juicy wings – Soak in saltwater for 30 mins before baking for added moisture.
Toss in cornstarch before baking – This gives the baked wings an extra crunchy coating.
Serve with dipping sauces – Offer fun dippers like ranch, blue cheese, etc. for more flavor.

Get the best baked bbq wings by following these useful tips. Adjust the method to your preferences for the perfect crispy, saucy baked chicken wings.

How to Choose the Best Barbecue Sauce for Baked Wings

Homemade or store-bought barbecue sauce can be used to make savory baked bbq wings. Consider the following when selecting barbecue sauce:

Flavors – Choose flavors you enjoy like mesquite, hickory smoke, honey, bourbon, etc. Sweet and tangy is classic.
Consistency – Thicker bbq sauces adhere best to baked wings. Thin sauces can be reduced on the stovetop first.
Sugar content – More sugar equals a thicker glaze after baking. Add honey to thin sauces.
Spices – Barbecue sauces may contain peppers, garlic, mustard, chili powder, etc. Pick your preferred level of spice.
Regional styles – Try Texas-style, Carolina-style, Kansas City-style for flavored by location.

Test out a variety of store-bought or homemade barbecue sauces to find your favorites to use on perfectly baked bbq chicken wings. The sauce possibilities are truly endless.

How to Make Your Own Barbecue Wing Sauce

It’s easy and fun to whip up a custom barbecue wing sauce at home. Here are two options:

Sweet and Tangy Barbecue Wing Sauce

1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
3 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 Tablespoon molasses
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Whisk together all ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes until thickened slightly.

Smoky Spicy Barbecue Wing Sauce

1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup honey
3 Tablespoons tomato paste
2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 Tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Combine ingredients in a bowl. Microwave 30 seconds to 1 minute until warmed through and blended.

Make a big batch of homemade barbecue wing sauce to have on hand whenever a bbq chicken wing craving strikes.

How Long to Bake Chicken Wings for Perfectly Cooked Wings

Baking times can vary based on the size of chicken wings and desired level of crispiness. Use these baking guidelines:

Bake chicken wings at 400°F for best results.
Large wings may need 25-30 minutes per side.
Standard wings take 20-25 minutes per side.
Small wings may only need 15-18 minutes per side.
For extra crispy wings, extend time to 25-35 minutes per side.
Brushed with sauce, bake for an additional 8-12 minutes.

Checking wings and baking in increments allows for more control over doneness. Adjust bake times as you test for your ideal crispness.

How to Tell When Chicken Wings are Done Baking

It’s important to fully bake chicken wings to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety. Check for doneness by:

Meat pulling back from the bones slightly
Clear or yellow juices (not pink)
Skin is deep golden brown and crispy
Meat is fork-tender and opaque throughout when cut into
Inner temperature reaches 165°F on a meat thermometer

The skin will harden and become less crispy as it cools after baking, so err on the side of extra crispy when hot out of the oven. Letting wings rest 5-10 minutes allows juices to redistribute too.

Flavor Variations for Baked BBQ Chicken Wings

Barbecue sauce is just the beginning for flavoring baked chicken wings. Consider these tasty variations:

Teriyaki – Toss baked wings in a teriyaki glaze. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Buffalo – After baking, toss wings in Buffalo sauce. Serve with blue cheese dressing.
Jerk – Season wings with jerk seasoning before baking for a Caribbean twist.
Garlic Parmesan – Toss crispy baked wings in a garlic butter and parmesan coating.
Honey Sriracha – Brush wings with a sweet and spicy honey sriracha glaze.
Lemon Pepper – Season wings with lemon pepper before and after baking.

Flavors like ranch, cajun, tangy mustard, and more also pair well with baked wings straight out of the oven. Get creative with wing flavors!

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Baked BBQ Chicken Wings

Loaded up on baked bbq wings? Here’s how to store and reheat them:

Let wings cool completely before storing.
Place wings in an airtight container or zip-top bag.
Refrigerate for 3-5 days.
Reheat in a 400° oven for 10-15 minutes until hot.
Or microwave in 30 second increments, taking care not to overcook.
Crisp up reheated wings under the broiler for 2-3 minutes.

Storing baked wings properly prevents them from getting soggy. Reheating gently keeps them from drying out. Enjoy leftover wings for lunches and snacks throughout the week.

Common Questions about Making Baked BBQ Chicken Wings

From baking tips to sauce recommendations, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Should the wings be baked plain first, or with sauce?

It’s best to bake the wings plain at a high temp first to fully crisp the skin. Brush with sauce for the last few minutes only.

What’s the ideal oven temp for crispy baked wings?

Bake at 400-425°F to maximize crispiness on the outside while keeping the inside fully cooked and juicy.

How long does it take to bake wings for chicken wings?

In a 400°F oven, bake large wings for 25-30 minutes per side, 20-25 for smaller wings. Extend time for extra crispy wings.

Can the wings be baked on a rack instead of a pan?

Yes, placing wings on a rack over a baking sheet allows for 360 degree air circulation and even crispier skin.

What are good dips to serve with baked bbq wings?

Popular dipping sauces include ranch, blue cheese, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, buffalo sauce and celery sticks.

Can the wings be grilled instead of baked?

Absolutely! Follow a similar Dry rub, sauce, and grill until crispy, basting with sauce at the end.

Tips for Making the Best Baked BBQ Chicken Wings

Here’s a quick recap of tips for flawlessly baked bbq chicken wings every time:

Pat wings very dry before baking
Separate into drummettes and flats
Coat with baking powder, salt and pepper before baking
Bake at 400°F on wire racks for crispiest skin
Allow to rest before saucing
Toss wings in your favorite bbq sauce to coat
Return to oven to caramelize sauce slightly
Let cool 5 minutes before serving
Offer fun dipping sauces on the side

With this easy method, you’ll have rave-worthy baked bbq chicken wings for game day or anytime. Adjust cook times and flavors to your preferences for the perfect appetizer or main dish.

Conclusion

Baked bbq chicken wings are a crowd-pleasing alternative to fried wings, with a crispy baked exterior and zesty barbecue flavor. Use baking powder, salt, and pepper to achieve ultracrispy skin before tossing the wings in homemade or store-bought barbecue sauce. Bake until the sauce caramelizes for finger-licking results. Follow the step-by-step instructions and baking tips for juicy, saucy baked bbq chicken wings that disappear plate after plate. Once you master the method, get creative with different seasoning and sauce variations. Baked bbq wings are sure to become a go-to appetizer for family dinners, parties and potlucks.