Barbecue chicken wings, also known as BBQ wings, are a delicious appetizer or main course that are always a hit at parties and gatherings. Making great barbecue wings at home is easy if you follow a few simple steps. This guide will walk you through choosing wings, preparing them, making a barbecue wing sauce, and cooking processes to end up with mouthwatering BBQ wings every time.
Ingredients Needed
To make barbecue wings at home you will need:
- Chicken wings – you can buy whole wings or separate drummettes and flats. Allow 1 1/2 to 2 pounds of wings per person if serving as a main dish.
- BBQ wing sauce – make your own or use a store-bought sauce. See BBQ wing sauce recipes below.
- Spices and seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, etc.
- Oil for frying or baking, such as vegetable, canola, peanut, or olive oil.
- Equipment including pots, pans, baking sheets, wire racks, tongs, etc.
Choosing and Preparing Wings
When choosing wings, look for ones that are plump and meaty. Free range and organic wings tend to have more flavor. You can use either whole wings, drummettes, flats, or a mix.
Whole Wings
These include the meaty drumette attached to the flat. They are versatile for frying or baking.
Drummettes
The larger, meatier upper section of the wing. They stay juicier when cooking.
Flats
The smaller, slightly less meaty lower wing section. They get crisper when cooking.
Mixed Pieces
Choose a mix of drummettes and flats for variety. Allow 2-3 pieces per serving.
For the best results:
- Trim excess skin and fat: Use kitchen shears or a sharp knife to remove any loose skin or fat, especially on the underside of the flat. This allows the wings to get crispier.
- Separate into sections (optional): If using whole wings, you can separate them into drummettes and flats by cutting through the center joint.
- Clean and pat dry: Rinse the wings under cold water and pat very dry with paper towels. Let them air dry for 15 minutes before seasoning or cooking. Moisture will make breading soggy.
- Season: Season wings all over with salt, pepper and other spices like garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, etc. This adds lots of flavor.
BBQ Wing Sauce Recipes
Barbecue wing sauce adds bold, sticky, sweet and tangy flavor to wings. You can make your own or use a good store-bought brand. Here are some tasty BBQ wing sauce ideas:
Classic BBQ Wing Sauce
The classic sauce flavor with ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and spices.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon each salt, pepper and paprika
Instructions:
- Whisk together all ingredients in a medium bowl.
- Bring to a simmer in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring often, until thickened slightly.
- Allow to cool completely before using on wings.
Spicy Sriracha BBQ Wings
These wings have a nice kick from the addition of Sriracha.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons Sriracha
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk together.
- Transfer to a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened slightly.
- Allow to cool before using on wings.
Honey BBQ Wing Sauce
Sweet and sticky sauce with the mild flavor of honey.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Allow to cool completely before using.
Cooking Methods for Crispy BBQ Wings
You can cook wings by baking, frying, air frying or grilling. Here are some methods and tips:
Oven Baked BBQ Wings
Baking wings in the oven lets you cook up multiple batches easily.
Instructions:
- Pre-heat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with foil and lightly grease.
- Arrange wings on the sheet without overcrowding. Bake 25-30 minutes until browned and cooked through, flipping once midway.
- Brush generously with barbecue sauce during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
- Serve immediately or keep warm in a 175°F oven if needed for up to 1 hour.
Tips for Crispy Baked Wings:
- Elevate wings on a wire rack over the baking sheet for even crisping.
- For extra crispy skin, coat with baking powder or cornstarch before cooking.
- Do not overcrowd wings or they will steam vs crisp up.
Fried BBQ Wings
Frying makes wings extra crispy on the outside while sealing in juiciness.
Instructions:
- Heat 1-2 inches of oil to 350°F in a heavy pot or Dutch oven. Vegetable, peanut or canola oil work well.
- Fry wings in batches for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain fried wings on a paper towel lined tray.
- Toss hot fried wings with barbecue sauce to coat. Serve immediately.
Tips for Perfectly Fried Wings:
- Use a deep fry thermometer and adjust heat to maintain oil temperature between 325°-375°F.
- Let oil return to temperature between batches. Overcrowding lowers oil temp.
- Fry drummettes and flats separately since flats cook quicker.
- Allow wings to drain 1-2 minutes after frying before sauce coating.
Air Fryer BBQ Wings
The air fryer makes wings crispy outside and tender inside with less oil.
Instructions:
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F. Spray or brush basket lightly with oil.
- Arrange wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overlap.
- Cook for 18-22 minutes, shaking basket halfway, until browned and crispy.
- Brush wings with barbecue sauce, return to air fryer and cook 2-3 more minutes.
Air Fryer Wing Tips:
- Use basket inserts designed for air fryers if needed to fit all wings.
- Spritz wings with a little oil halfway through cooking for extra crisping.
- Check often to avoid overbrowning. Adjust time if needed.
Grilled BBQ Wings
Grilling imparts delicious smoky barbecue flavor.
Instructions:
- Preheat grill to medium heat, about 375°F. Oil grates well.
- Cook wings over direct heat for 20-25 minutes total, flipping often.
- During last 5 minutes of grilling, brush wings with barbecue sauce to glaze.
- Serve wings hot off the grill.
Grilling Tips:
- Avoid flare-ups from barbecue sauce by glazing at the end.
- Use tongs instead of a fork to turn wings and avoid losing juice.
- If grilling over indirect heat, allow 40-50 minutes total cooking time.
Serving Ideas for BBQ Wings
Barbecue wings make great appetizers, game day food, or full meals. Here are some serving ideas:
- Offer an array of dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese and honey mustard.
- Make a wing bar with different flavors of barbecue sauce for dipping.
- Pair wings with crunchy celery and carrot sticks and creamy dip.
- Serve wings over a bed of crisp lettuce for a main dish salad.
- Stuff wings, fries and ranch into wraps or sandwiches.
- Pile wings on top of mac and cheese or baked potatoes.
- Keep warm in a slow cooker set on low if serving for a buffet.
- For parties, provide plenty of napkins and wet wipes!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Properly stored, leftover barbecue wings can be kept for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
To store wings:
- Let cool completely first. Do not cover hot wings.
- Place in a sealed container or resealable plastic bag.
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To reheat wings:
- Arrange wings on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil.
- Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until hot, flipping once.
- Microwave in 30 second bursts, stirring between.
- Sauté wings over medium heat in a skillet for about 5 minutes per side.
Now that you’re armed with all the information, it’s time to get cooking! Follow the detailed steps and recipe ideas above to make your best ever homemade barbecue wings. After lots of practice you’ll be able to whip up a batch of finger lickin’ good BBQ wings in no time. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Making BBQ Wings
What is the best barbecue sauce for chicken wings?
The best barbecue wing sauce is thick and sticky to really coat and glaze the wings. Thicker tomato or ketchup-based sauces work better than thin, vinegar-based sauces. Sauces with some sweetness from sugar, honey or molasses also pair great with wings.
Should I cook wings from raw or defrost frozen wings?
It is best to cook wings from raw, not frozen. Thaw frozen wings completely in the refrigerator before marinating, breading or cooking. Starting with raw wings allows better control over cooking time for juicy results.
How can I make oven baked wings crispy?
To maximize crispness for oven-baked wings: Pat wings very dry before cooking, elevate wings on a rack over the sheet pan, coat lightly in starch, and spread in a single layer without crowding or overlapping.
How long should I cook wings in an air fryer?
Most boneless wings take about 15 minutes at 380°F in an air fryer. Bone-in wings take 18-22 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking. Always check for doneness and adjust time if needed.
What is the best way to reheat leftover BBQ wings?
The best ways to reheat leftover barbecue wings are in the oven on a baking sheet at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or sautéed in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side.
Can I grill frozen chicken wings?
It is best not to grill frozen chicken wings. Always thaw wings in the refrigerator completely before applying rubs or barbecue sauce and grilling. Grilling from frozen can result in uneven cooking.
How can I avoid burning my barbecue wings on the grill?
To avoid burning barbecue wings on the grill, cook over indirect medium heat, flip frequently, and wait until the end to glaze wings with barbecue sauce. Avoid flare-ups from sauce drippings by using a foil packet.
Conclusion
With the right ingredients, preparation, cooking techniques and serving style, it’s easy to make insanely delicious barbecue chicken wings at home. Fried, baked, grilled or air fried, homemade BBQ wings beat takeout any day of the week. Experiment with different barbecue sauces from classic sticky-sweet to spicy flavors. After lots of practice, you will master how to make barbecue wings that are perfectly crispy, saucy, juicy and full of smoky flavor.