Baking bbq chicken wings makes for a delicious, mess-free alternative to frying. When baked, the wings come out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, with the sticky bbq sauce caramelizing as it cooks. Making baked bbq wings at home is easy to do with just a few simple steps.
Ingredients Needed
- 3-4 pounds chicken wings, tips removed, drums and flats separated
- 1/2 cup bbq sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1-2 teaspoons seasoning blend (like smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Wings
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. Make sure they are dry to the touch so the seasoning and oil adhere properly.
- Place the wings in a large bowl and drizzle the olive oil over top. Toss to coat the wings evenly with the oil. The oil helps the wings get crispy in the oven.
- Add the seasoning blend to the bowl and toss again until the wings are evenly coated with the seasoning.
Bake the Wings
- Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they aren’t crowded together.
- Bake for 30 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through. The wings should start turning golden brown.
- Remove the pan from the oven. Brush or drizzle the bbq sauce evenly over the wings, making sure to coat them all.
- Place the wings back in the oven and bake for 15-20 more minutes until the sauce is sticky and caramelized.
- Remove from oven and let the wings rest for 5 minutes before serving. The wings will continue cooking a bit as they rest.
- Enjoy immediately as-is or with extra sauce for dipping!
Wing Baking Tips
- For extra crispy wings, bake them on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet instead of directly on the pan. This allows air to circulate under them as they cook.
- Make sure not to crowd the wings on the baking sheet. They should have a bit of space between them to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Flipping the wings halfway through is key to get both sides evenly coated and cooked.
- Let the wings rest after baking so the juices can redistribute through the meat. Digging in too quickly can lead to dry wings.
- Brush on a thin layer of sauce towards the end. Too much sauce too early can make the wings soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baking BBQ Wings
What temperature should I bake bbq chicken wings at?
The ideal temperature for baking bbq chicken wings is 400°F. This high heat helps render the fat and crisp up the skin. Baking at a lower temperature may lead to soggy wings.
How long should I bake bbq chicken wings?
Plan on baking bbq wings for around 45 minutes total. Bake for 30 minutes initially, flip, then bake for 15 more minutes after adding sauce. Check for doneness and adjust time if needed.
Should I flip the wings when baking?
Yes, flipping the wings midway through is important to cook both sides evenly. Make sure to coat the underside with sauce after flipping.
Can I use an air fryer to make bbq wings?
Yes, air fryers do an excellent job cooking crispy bbq chicken wings. Cook at 400°F, flipping occasionally, until browned and cooked through, 15-20 minutes.
What’s the best way to sauce bbq wings?
Wait to add sauce until the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. Brush on a thin layer to prevent sogginess. Bake to let the sauce caramelize.
How can I make oven-baked wings extra crispy?
Baking wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet allows air flow for maximum crispiness. Pat wings very dry before cooking as well.
What’s the best bbq sauce for baked wings?
Thicker, sticky bbq sauces like Sweet Baby Ray’s are ideal for baked wings. The sauce caramelizes nicely in the oven.
Is it better to bake wings flat or as drums?
For maximum crispiness and sauce coverage, baking wings separated into flats and drums is best. More surface area = more yumminess.
Can I reheat leftover baked wings?
Yes, leftover baked wings reheat well in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. They won’t get as crispy, so eat them when fresh if possible.
Other Delicious Flavors for Baked Wings
While bbq chicken wings are a classic, there are lots of other delicious flavors you can make for oven-baked wings:
Buffalo Wings
Coat baked wings in a mixture of hot sauce and butter after cooking. Serve with a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing.
Honey Soy Wings
Toss the wings in a sticky glaze of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger before or after baking.
Jerk Wings
Season the wings with a spice blend featuring Jamaican jerk flavors like allspice, thyme, garlic, and cayenne pepper.
Garlic Parmesan Wings
After baking, top crispy wings with a mixture of melted butter, minced garlic, and grated parmesan.
Brown Sugar Bourbon Wings
Brush on a sauce of brown sugar, bourbon, ketchup, and Worcestershire towards the end of baking.
Conclusion
Baking bbq chicken wings in the oven results in wings that are crispy and saucy, without the mess and calories of frying. With just a few pantry staples and these easy steps, you can have tender, juicy wings ready in under an hour. Experiment with different flavors by using various seasonings, glazes, and sauces on your baked wings. Enjoy this tasty appetizer for your next game day party or weeknight dinner.