These BBQ chicken wings are finger-licking good! Coated in sticky, sweet barbecue sauce, they are baked until crispy and irresistible. Perfect for game day or a backyard party!
I can’t resist munching on these crunchy bites while watching my favorite show. Plus, they’re super easy to make—just toss, bake, and enjoy! Yum! 
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: Fresh chicken wings are ideal, but frozen ones work, too. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can also use drumsticks or thighs if you prefer dark meat.
BBQ Sauce: Choose a sauce that matches your taste. Homemade sauce adds a personal touch, but store-bought is perfectly fine. For a little kick, add some hot sauce or a touch of honey for sweetness.
Spices: Smoky paprika gives wings a great flavor. If you don’t have it, try regular paprika or chili powder. You can skip onion or garlic powder if you’re short on ingredients, but they do enhance the taste a lot!
Olive Oil: This helps crisp the wings, but any oil you have on hand—like canola or vegetable oil—will work. Just avoid strong-flavored oils like extra virgin olive oil, as they can overpower the wings.
How Do I Get Crispy Chicken Wings?
Getting your wings crispy is key to a delicious bite! Start by making sure they’re dry. Pat them with paper towels after rinsing to remove excess moisture. This helps them crisp up nicely.
- Set your grill or oven to medium heat, around 375°F (190°C). A too-hot grill can burn the sauce before the chicken cooks through.
- Cook for about 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally. This ensures even cooking and browning on all sides.
- Brush on the BBQ sauce in the last 5 minutes of cooking. This prevents the sauce from burning and allows it to caramelize nicely on the wings!
- Let them rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps juices redistribute, keeping the meat juicy.
The Best BBQ Chicken Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice of flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep the wings and about 25-30 minutes to cook. So, you’ll be enjoying your tasty BBQ chicken wings in around 40 minutes total. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Grill or Oven:
Start by preheating your grill or oven to medium heat, which is about 375°F (190°C). This ensures your wings cook evenly and get that nice crispy texture.
2. Prepare the Chicken Wings:
Rinse the chicken wings and then pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings stick better and gives you a crispier skin.
3. Season the Wings:
In a large bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Take this spice mixture and rub it all over the chicken wings, making sure they are evenly coated. This step adds lots of flavor!
4. Coat with Olive Oil:
Drizzle the olive oil over the seasoned wings, then toss everything together to ensure that each wing is well coated with oil. This will also help them crisp up nicely when cooking.
5. Cook the Wings:
Place the wings on the grill or on a baking sheet if you’re using the oven. Cook for about 25-30 minutes, turning them occasionally. You want them to get crispy and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Add the BBQ Sauce:
In the last 5 minutes of cooking, take your BBQ sauce and brush it over the wings, coating them thoroughly. This will give them that delicious sticky glaze!
7. Let Them Rest:
Once the wings are cooked, remove them from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy and delicious.
8. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a touch of color. Serve the wings warm with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your tasty BBQ chicken wings!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings! Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating and cooking. For best results, thaw wings in the refrigerator overnight, or you can use the cold water method by placing the sealed wings in a bowl of cold water for about an hour.
What BBQ Sauce Should I Use?
You can use any BBQ sauce you prefer! For a classic flavor, look for a smoky or sweet BBQ sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a spicy or mustard-based sauce for a different twist. Just make sure it’s something you enjoy, as it will impact the final flavor of the wings!
How Do I Store Leftover BBQ Chicken Wings?
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy again. Microwaving can make them a bit soggy, so the oven is a better option!
Can I Bake These Chicken Wings Instead of Grilling Them?
Absolutely! If you prefer baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until crispy and cooked through. Don’t forget to brush on the BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of baking!
