If you are searching for a finger-licking favorite that’s perfect for game day, weeknight dinners, or casual gatherings, this Baked Chicken Wings with Barbecue Sauce Recipe is just the ticket. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a luscious barbecue glaze, these wings offer a perfect blend of smoky, tangy, and savory flavors. Plus, baking the wings makes this dish wonderfully easy and less messy, while still delivering that beloved wings experience without the need to deep fry. Once you try this recipe, it will surely become a staple in your kitchen arsenal for quick celebrations or comfort food cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key here, and luckily, this recipe calls for simple essentials that come together beautifully to create amazing texture and bold flavor. Each ingredient plays its part, whether adding crunch, seasoning, or that irresistible barbecue finish.
- 2 lbs chicken wings: The star of the show, providing the perfect size for baking and coating evenly with spices.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and promotes crisping during baking.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the wings.
- 1 tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth of flavor.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Brings a warm, savory undertone that pairs beautifully with chicken.
- 1 tsp paprika: Gives a lovely smoky color and subtle earthiness.
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce: The luscious finish that ties everything together with its sweet, tangy, and smoky notes.
How to Make Baked Chicken Wings with Barbecue Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven for Crisp Perfection
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is just right to ensure your wings develop that crispy skin without drying out the juicy meat inside. It sets the stage for a perfectly baked wing every time.
Step 2: Season the Wings Thoroughly
In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This simple seasoning mix infuses the wings with layers of flavor and ensures that every bite sings with a harmonious balance of savory and smoky tastes.
Step 3: Arrange on a Baking Sheet
Place the seasoned wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spreading them out in a single layer makes sure they bake evenly and get that much-coveted crispy skin all over.
Step 4: Bake the Wings to Golden Crispy Goodness
Pop the wings into your preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. This initial bake seals in juices and starts the browning process for that irresistible crunch.
Step 5: Brush on the Barbecue Sauce
Once the initial baking is done, pull the wings out and generously brush the barbecue sauce over each piece. This coats the wings with sticky, flavorful goodness that will caramelize beautifully in the final bake.
Step 6: Return for a Final Bake
Put the wings back in the oven for another 10 minutes. This step helps the barbecue sauce set and caramelize on the wings, giving them that signature glossy finish and deep flavor.
Step 7: Serve Hot and Savor Every Bite
Take the wings out of the oven and serve them immediately while they are still hot and juicy. This is where all your patience pays off – crispy, tender, and bursting with barbecue flavor in each mouthful!
How to Serve Baked Chicken Wings with Barbecue Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or green onions over the wings for a bright pop of color and fresh flavor contrast. A handful of toasted sesame seeds can add an interesting nutty crunch that complements the barbecue sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
Wings are always better with sides that balance the richness. Try serving with crisp celery sticks and crunchy carrot batons alongside a creamy ranch or blue cheese dip. For a fuller meal, roasted potatoes or a tangy coleslaw create excellent accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, arrange the wings in a circular platter with dipping sauces placed in small bowls at the center to encourage sharing and easy access. Wrapping the ends of each wing in foil also makes for neat fingers and adds a charming touch to your presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover wings store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them covered tightly helps maintain their moisture while preventing any kitchen odors from seeping in.
Freezing
If you want to keep these wings longer, place them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. When freezing, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking and maintain their quality.
Reheating
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spread the wings on a baking sheet. Warm them for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crispy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chicken pieces for this recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe is designed for wings, drumettes or even boneless chicken pieces can be seasoned and baked using the same method for delicious results.
What type of barbecue sauce works best?
Feel free to use your favorite barbecue sauce, whether it’s smoky, sweet, spicy, or tangy. The sauce coats the wings beautifully, so choose one that matches your flavor preferences.
How can I make these wings spicier?
You can add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix before baking, or choose a spicy barbecue sauce to increase the heat without overpowering the natural chicken flavors.
Do I need to flip the wings during baking?
Flipping is not necessary if you space the wings out well, as the hot oven circulates air for even cooking. However, flipping halfway can enhance crispiness if you prefer.
Is it necessary to use oil in the recipe?
The olive oil helps in achieving crispy skin and helps the spices adhere well. You can substitute with another neutral oil if preferred, but skipping it might result in less crispy wings.
Final Thoughts
Once you dive into this Baked Chicken Wings with Barbecue Sauce Recipe, you’ll realize how effortless it is to produce wings that taste just as good as your favorite takeout, if not better. It’s comfort food that’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for sharing. If you love wings as much as I do, you’ve got to give this recipe a try—it’s sure to become a family favorite in no time!
Print
Baked Chicken Wings with Barbecue Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (approximately 6 wings per serving)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and crispy baked chicken wings seasoned with a blend of spices and brushed with tangy barbecue sauce, perfect for a flavorful appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the wings evenly and getting a crispy texture.
- Season Wings: In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika ensuring each wing is well coated with the seasoning.
- Arrange Wings: Place the seasoned wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for crisp baking.
- Bake Wings: Bake the wings in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to cook through and start developing a crispy skin.
- Apply Barbecue Sauce: Remove the wings from the oven and brush them evenly with barbecue sauce to add a flavorful glaze.
- Finish Baking: Return the wings to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes to caramelize the barbecue sauce and finish cooking.
- Serve: Serve the baked chicken wings hot and enjoy their crispy, tangy, and savory flavor.
Notes
- For extra crispy wings, you can broil them for 2-3 minutes after the final bake, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Adjust the amount of barbecue sauce to your liking or substitute with your favorite wing sauce.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- These wings can also be prepared in an air fryer for a quicker cooking time.
