BBQ wing sauce is a key component of delicious chicken wings. With the right sauce, wings can go from basic to extraordinary. There are many ways to make bbq wing sauce, ranging from quick and simple to complex gourmet recipes. This guide will explore multiple techniques for crafting the perfect bbq wing sauce for your next party or meal.
Ingredients for BBQ Wing Sauce
The basic ingredients for most bbq wing sauces include:
- Tomato sauce or ketchup – This provides a thick, tomatoey base as well as sweetness.
- Apple cider vinegar – Adds a tangy flair. Helps balance out sweetness.
- Brown sugar – Enhances sweetness and caramelized flavors.
- Worcestershire sauce – Provides depth of flavor along with umami.
- Hot sauce – Brings heat and spice to the party. Tapatio, Frank’s RedHot or Tabasco work well.
- Butter or oil – Helps bring everything together smoothly with fat/richness.
- Seasonings – Black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne, etc.
Beyond the core ingredients above, there is a lot of room for customization and experimentation based on preferences. Some other possible additions include honey, molasses, mustard, soy sauce, lemon juice, barbecue seasoning or liquid smoke. The ratios of ingredients can also vary dramatically, leading to sauces that are tangier, sweeter, spicier or thicker.
Easy Homemade BBQ Wing Sauce
This straightforward bbq wing sauce recipe comes together quickly with pantry staples:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (e.g. Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce and butter.
- Whisk together over medium heat until combined and warm throughout.
- Remove from heat and stir in the chili powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
- Let cool slightly before tossing with cooked chicken wings.
- For best results, refrigerate leftover sauce in an airtight container up to 1 week.
This quick bbq wing sauce balances sweet, tangy and spicy flavors. Feel free to tweak ingredients to suit your tastes. The sauce easily coats wings but remains thick rather than runny. For extra spice, use a hotter hot sauce or increase the amounts of chili powder and hot sauce.
Gourmet Smoky BBQ Wing Sauce
For a more complex, smoke-infused bbq wing sauce, consider this recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients except salt and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to medium-low.
- Simmer sauce lightly for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
- Remove pan from heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let sauce cool for 5-10 minutes before tossing with chicken wings.
The molasses, honey and bourbon provide a deeper, richer sweetness in this recipe. Meanwhile, the liquid smoke amplifies the smoky barbecue essence. Reducing the sauce slightly gives it a clingier consistency for better wing coating. This is a good bbq wing sauce for those who want more complexity than a basic version.
Asian BBQ Wing Sauce
Barbecue sauce doesn’t have to be all American flavors – this recipe draws inspiration from Asian cuisines:
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha sauce
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
Instructions:
- In a bowl, stir together ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, Sriracha and ginger powder until combined.
- Add minced garlic and green onion. Mix again.
- Transfer sauce to a saucepan over medium heat.
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing sauce to thicken up slightly.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 5-10 minutes before using.
The combination of rice vinegar, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil and Sriracha give this bbq wing sauce an Asian twist. Rice vinegar contributes a mild acidity similar to apple cider vinegar. Garlic and green onion enhance the aromatic qualities. This is a nice change of pace from typical American-style bbq wing recipes.
Spicy Buffalo Wing Sauce
For those who like things fiery, whip up a classic Buffalo wing sauce:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is traditional)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1-2 teaspoons white vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Mix in the hot sauce, vinegar, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer for 2-3 minutes while stirring.
- Remove pan from heat and allow sauce to cool and thicken slightly before using.
Keep the ingredients simple for an authentic Buffalo wing experience. Franks RedHot sauce is the signature choice, but other vinegary hot sauces like Crystal or Texas Pete also work well. The butter mingles with the hot sauce to create a rich, creamy and spicy coating for wings. Start with 1 teaspoon of vinegar first, adding more to bump up tanginess if desired.
BBQ Wing Sauce from Scratch
For complete control over ingredients and flavors, make bbq wing sauce entirely from scratch:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds longer.
- Add tomato sauce, vinegar, molasses, brown sugar, tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, oregano and cayenne.
- Whisk together and allow to come to a simmer. Then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring periodically.
- Remove pan from heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let sauce cool slightly before using on wings.
Building bbq wing sauce from the ground up allows for total personalization. Sauteing the onions and garlic boosts overall flavor. Simmering blends ingredients while reducing to a nice consistency. Feel free to tweak spices, sweeteners and acidity levels until you discover your perfect signature sauce.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings
Once you’ve whipped up bbq wing sauce, here is a simple recipe for crispy air fryer wings:
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds chicken wings, tips removed, drumettes and flats separated
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for misting or cooking spray
- 1/2 cup bbq wing sauce (warmed)
Instructions:
- Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels. Transfer to a large bowl.
- Sprinkle wings with baking powder, salt and pepper and toss to coat evenly.
- Allow wings to sit for 15-30 minutes. This helps render fat and achieve crispiness.
- Mist the wings lightly with oil. Air fry wings in batches at 400°F for 18-22 minutes, flipping midway, until browned and crispy.
- Coat cooked wings in warmed-up bbq wing sauce. Serve immediately.
The baking powder forms a thin crust on the wings as they cook, leading to remarkably crispy skin. Air frying saves time and messy oil compared to deep frying. Tossing the wings in bbq sauce right before serving prevents sogginess. Customize the recipe with your favorite wing sauce creation.
Oven Baked BBQ Wings
For those without an air fryer, bake wings in the oven:
Ingredients:
- 5 pounds chicken wings, separated and tips removed
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons seasoning salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup bbq wing sauce, warmed
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with foil and grease with cooking spray or oil.
- Pat wings dry with paper towels. Transfer to a extra large bowl along with oil, seasoning salt and pepper. Toss to coat wings evenly.
- Arrange wings on prepared baking sheet without overcrowding. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove pan from oven. Flip wings and bake 25-30 minutes longer until crisped and browned.
- Transfer cooked wings to a clean bowl. Toss with desired amount of warmed bbq wing sauce until fully coated.
- Serve wings immediately while hot and saucy.
The relatively low and slow heat in the oven delivers tender, fall-off-the-bone wings beneath the crispy exterior. Rotate pans and flip wings midway to promote even browning. Adjust bake times slightly shorter or longer based on wing size.
BBQ Wing Sauce Grilling Tips
Grilling is a popular way to prepare wings. Here are some bbq wing sauce tips:
- Grill wings over direct medium heat, flipping occasionally until nearly cooked through. Avoid flare-ups.
- Near the end, move wings to cooler side of grill and brush with sauce. Grill just until sauce caramelizes.
- Be careful not to burn the sugars in sauce. Temperature control is key.
- Consider glazing wings with sauce only during final 2-3 minutes of grilling time.
- Use reserved sauce after cooking for dipping or extra sauce coverage.
- Opt for thicker, clingier sauce. Watery sauces will drip off wings on grill grates.
- Oil grates before grilling to prevent sticking. Use tongs rather than forks.
- For charcoal grills, wings fare best over dying coals vs direct high heat.
- If sauce ignites flare-ups, move to indirect heat. Mist with water if needed.
The goal is crispy, charred wings with a sweet-savory glazed coating. Balance saucing with grilling over direct heat for the ideal bbq wings.
How Long Does Homemade BBQ Wing Sauce Last?
- Refrigerated: 5-7 days
- Frozen: 4-6 months
- Shelf life after opening: 1 week
Store bbq wing sauce covered in the refrigerator. Letting it sit overnight helps develop bold flavors. The vinegar, tomato and fat content make most bbq wing sauces highly perishable.
Freezing is great for long term storage. Leave sauce in original cooking container vs transferring to a plastic storage bag or container which can crack.
Once opened, sauce should be used within a week for food safety. Keep refrigerated and be diligent about discarding any with mold or off smells.
Tips for Better Homemade BBQ Wing Sauce
- Simmer sauce lightly to meld flavors and thicken consistency.
- Rest overnight in fridge for fuller flavor development before using.
- Garnish with chopped scallions, cilantro or sesame seeds.
- Whisk in melted butter once sauce cools for extra richness.
- Mix and match different vinegars (cider, white, rice wine, etc.)
- Add a dash of fish sauce for extra umami/savory quality.
- Use molasses or brown sugar to make it stickier and glaze wings better.
- Play with different ratios of ketchup, vinegar and sweeteners.
- For spicier sauce, use hotter chile powders or hot sauces.
- Grind and add whole spices like peppercorns, allspice berries, coriander, etc.
Take the recipe foundations here and make each batch of bbq wing sauce your own with personalized tweaks and additions. The possibilities are endless for crafting signature sauces.
FAQs About Making BBQ Wing Sauce
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about creating homemade bbq wing sauces:
What’s the best hot sauce for bbq wing sauce?
Frank’s RedHot is the gold standard, but Crystal, Tabasco, Texas Pete and Cholula also work well. Opt for vinegar-forward sauces over thicker, chili-based hot sauces.
Can I use tomato paste instead of ketchup?
Yes, tomato paste can substitute for ketchup. Use about 1/4 cup paste per 1 cup ketchup called for. Thin out the sauce with additional vinegar as needed.
How spicy should bbq wing sauce be?
Spiciness is a matter of personal taste. For medium heat, start with around 1 tablespoon hot sauce per cup of sauce. For mild, use less; for extra spicy, increase to 1-2 tablespoons or add cayenne.
Should bbq wing sauce be thick or thin?
The ideal consistency is thick enough to coat the wings but not overly gloopy or runny. Thin with more vinegar and thicken with tomato paste, molasses or light simmering as needed.
Can I use bbq sauce instead of making wing sauce?
You can, but true barbecue sauce has a thicker, sweeter profile compared to hot-and-tangy wing sauce. Thin bbq sauce with vinegar and hot sauce for better wing coating.
How long to bake bbq wings in the oven?
Plan on baking wings for 45-60 minutes total at 400°F, flipping halfway. Time varies based on oven and wing sizes. Bake until crispy and browned.
Is bbq wing sauce gluten free?
Most basic homemade bbq wing sauce recipes are gluten free, but always check your ingredients. Some bottled sauces contain gluten while others are gluten free.
Can I grill wings with sauce or will it burn?
Glazing wings with sauce too early in grilling may burn the sugars. Grill almost done then lightly brush with sauce at very end for caramelized glaze.
Creative Flavor Ideas for BBQ Wing Sauce
The possibilities are endless when crafting homemade bbq wing sauce. Consider these creative flavor ideas:
- Bourbon – Adds sweetness and oak/smoky flavor
- Coffee – Enhances richness and depth of flavor
- Chipotles in adobo – Smoky, savory heat
- Curry powder – Interesting complexity, pairs well with some fruit
- Orange juice/zest – Bright, citrusy contrast to savory
- Pineapple juice – Fruity twist
- Maple syrup – Unique sweetness compared to plain sugar
- Honey – Floral notes
- Gochujang (Korean chile paste) – Savory and a touch sweet
- Tamarind – Fruity, slight sourness
- Peanut butter – Rich, nutty element
- Bacon fat – Umami, smoky appeal
Do not limit yourself to the “classic” bbq wing sauce ingredients and profiles. Branch out with new flavors to discover unexpectedly delicious sauces.
Conclusion
Creating your own bbq wing sauce at home opens up many possibilities for customizing flavors. Follow basic recipes like those here, then tweak and experiment to make each batch uniquely your own. The process is easy, allowing even novice cooks to whip up crave-worthy sauces. Consider trying an Asian-inspired recipe, smoky and complex gourmet sauce or spicy Buffalo version. Properly stored bbq wing sauce keeps for up to a week refrigerated, letting you make one batch to slather on wings all week long. With the right homemade sauce, chicken wings go from ordinary to extraordinary.