If you’re craving finger-licking good BBQ chicken wings, you’re in the right place! Making BBQ chicken wings at home is easier than you think, and with a few simple steps, you can enjoy crispy, juicy wings coated in smoky, tangy barbecue sauce. Whether you’re prepping for a game day, a family dinner, or just a tasty snack, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
What Makes the Perfect BBQ Chicken Wings?
The key to amazing BBQ wings is a combination of crispy skin, tender meat, and a flavorful sauce. Achieving that crispy skin often involves a dry coating with spices and baking powder, which helps the skin crisp up beautifully in the oven. Then, the wings are baked twice – first to cook through and crisp, then tossed in BBQ sauce and baked again to caramelize the sauce for that irresistible glaze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– Chicken wings (about 2 pounds, cut into drumettes and wingettes)
– All-purpose flour (⅓ cup)
– Baking powder (2 teaspoons) – this is essential for crispiness
– Smoked paprika (2 teaspoons) for that smoky flavor
– Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
– Chili powder (1 teaspoon)
– Kosher salt (1 teaspoon)
– Your favorite BBQ sauce (about 1 cup)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make BBQ Chicken Wings
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly spray the rack with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
2. Mix the Dry Coating
In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt. This dry rub will add flavor and help crisp the wings.
3. Coat the Wings
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to help the coating stick better. Toss the wings in half of the seasoning mix, stir well, then sprinkle the remaining seasoning and toss again to fully coat every inch of the wings.
4. Bake the Wings
Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack. Bake for 30 minutes, then flip the wings and bake for another 15 minutes. This double baking step ensures crispy skin and juicy meat.
5. Increase Oven Temperature and Add Sauce
Remove the wings from the oven and increase the temperature to 500°F. Toss the wings in BBQ sauce, then place them back on the baking sheet. Bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce thickens and caramelizes, creating that sticky, flavorful glaze.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your BBQ chicken wings hot, ideally with some napkins handy! They’re perfect as an appetizer or main dish.
Tips for the Best BBQ Wings
– Dry Wings Well: Patting wings dry before seasoning helps the coating stick and skin crisp.
– Use Baking Powder, Not Baking Soda: Baking powder is the secret ingredient for crispy skin without bitterness.
– Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give wings space on the rack so air circulates and skin crisps evenly.
– Choose Your BBQ Sauce Wisely: Whether you like sweet, spicy, or smoky, pick a sauce that suits your taste or try making your own.
– Try Different Seasonings: Smoked paprika pairs well with many BBQ sauces, but feel free to experiment with chili powder, garlic, or even Korean BBQ flavors.
Alternative Cooking Method: Broiling for Extra Crispiness
If you want to skip the double baking, you can bake wings at 350°F until cooked through, then broil them with BBQ sauce for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce and crisp the skin. Just watch closely to avoid burning.
Making BBQ chicken wings at home is a fun and rewarding cooking project. With a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can create wings that rival your favorite restaurant. So next time you’re wondering, “How do I make BBQ chicken wings?” just follow this guide for crispy, saucy perfection!
Ready to impress your friends with your BBQ skills? Let me know if you want recipes for homemade BBQ sauces or side dishes to pair with your wings!