Get ready for finger-licking fun with these BBQ chicken wings! They’re juicy, crispy, and covered with a tasty sweet and tangy sauce that everyone loves.
Cooking these wings is a breeze! I just toss them in the oven or grill them. Perfect for parties or game days—just make sure to have plenty of napkins handy! 🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: Fresh or frozen wings work here. If you can’t find whole wings, some stores sell drumettes and flats separately. You can also use turkey wings for a twist, but they take longer to cook!
BBQ Sauce: Choose any sauce you love! I’m a fan of sweet and smoky BBQ sauce. If you’re looking for a healthier option, go for a sugar-free alternative or make your own with tomato sauce, vinegar, and spices.
Smoked Paprika: This adds a nice smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika works, but you might miss that smoky essence. I sometimes use a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat, depending on my mood!
Olive Oil: Any oil can do the job here. Avocado oil or canola oil are good choices too. They help make the wings crispy. I never skip this step!
How Do You Get the Wings Crispy Without Frying?
Achieving that crispy texture is key! Here’s how you can ensure perfect wings every time:
- Before baking or grilling, make sure to pat the wings dry with paper towels—they’ll crisp up better without excess moisture.
- Using olive oil and seasoning helps promote crispiness. Don’t skip the oil!
- Cooking at a high temperature (400°F) is essential to getting them golden brown.
- If baking, flipping the wings halfway through helps ensure even cooking and crispness on both sides.
Remember, patience is key—don’t rush the cooking time! You want that perfect crunch before diving in.
Easy Best BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and then 25-40 minutes of cooking time. So, in total, you’re looking at around 35-50 minutes until you can dig into those delicious wings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Grill or Oven:
Start by preheating your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your wings will cook evenly and get that perfect crispy texture.
2. Prepare the Wings:
In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure every wing is nicely coated with the oil and spices for maximum flavor.
3. Cook the Wings:
If you’re grilling, place the wings on the grill grates for about 20-25 minutes. Turn them occasionally to get lovely char marks. If you’re baking, arrange the wings on a lined baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes. Flip them halfway through to get that crispy finish on both sides.
4. Brush on the BBQ Sauce:
In the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush the wings generously with your BBQ sauce. Don’t forget to turn them and apply sauce on both sides to make sure they are nicely glazed!
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Once done, remove the wings from the heat and transfer them to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color, and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
Enjoy your juicy, flavorful BBQ chicken wings with the perfect balance of smoky and sweet sauce! They’re perfect for any gathering or just a cozy night in!
FAQ About Easy Best BBQ Chicken Wings
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings?
Yes, you can use frozen wings! Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. The best way to do this is to leave them in the refrigerator overnight or place them in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for a quicker thaw.
Can I Make These Wings in the Air Fryer?
Absolutely! To make BBQ chicken wings in the air fryer, preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Cook the wings in a single layer for about 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Brush with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes for that delicious glaze!
What Should I Serve with BBQ Chicken Wings?
BBQ wings are delicious on their own, but they pair wonderfully with sides like coleslaw, potato wedges, or a fresh garden salad. Don’t forget the dipping sauces—ranch and blue cheese are classic choices!
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Wings?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This will help restore some of the crispiness!
