BBQ Chicken Wings: Sticky, Smoky Perfection

BBQ Chicken Wings are the quintessential party food, perfect for game days, backyard barbecues, or cozy family dinners. Tender and juicy, these wings are coated in a rich and tangy barbecue sauce that delivers a delightful balance of sweetness and smokiness. The crispy skin adds an irresistible texture, making every bite a savory delight. This BBQ chicken wings recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen, bringing everyone together around the table.

bbq chicken wings recipe

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You will love this BBQ chicken wings recipe for its incredible flavor and simplicity. The marinade infuses the wings with a smoky sweetness, while the cooking method ensures they’re juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. This recipe is also incredibly versatile; you can easily adjust the heat level or experiment with different sauces. Perfect for those following a casual, indulgent lifestyle, these wings pair wonderfully with a variety of sides, making them a go-to option for gatherings.

Tips and Tricks

  • For extra flavor, marinate the wings overnight in the sauce for at least 4 hours.
  • Use a mix of fresh and dried spices to enhance the flavor profile.
  • If you’re using a grill, make sure it’s preheated to achieve that perfect char.
  • Baste the wings with extra sauce during the last few minutes of cooking for a sticky glaze.
  • A meat thermometer can help ensure your wings are cooked to the perfect temperature of 165°F.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prep the wings in advance by marinating them overnight, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. If you’re short on time, a quick 30-minute marinade will still impart great flavor. Cooked wings can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for 2-3 months. Just reheat in the oven or air fryer for crispy results.

bbq chicken wings recipe

Recipe Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your palate! For spicier wings, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade. If you prefer Asian flavors, try a teriyaki or soy sauce glaze. For a healthier twist, bake the wings instead of frying or grilling. You can also experiment with different wood chips for smoking if you’re using a smoker.

How to Serve

Serve your BBQ chicken wings hot from the grill or oven, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color. Pair them with classic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or corn on the cob. For an extra touch, offer a selection of dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or additional barbecue sauce.

bbq chicken wings recipe

Pairing Suggestions

Complement your BBQ chicken wings with a cold beer, such as a pale ale or lager, which pairs perfectly with the smoky flavors. For a non-alcoholic option, try iced tea or lemonade. On the side, consider serving crispy fries, a fresh garden salad, or even baked beans for a hearty meal. Finish off with a light dessert, such as fruit salad or a lemon sorbet.

How to Store

Leftover BBQ chicken wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the oven at 375°F until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes, for best results.

Equipment Needed

To make this BBQ chicken wings recipe, you will need a grill or an oven, a baking tray or grill rack, and a mixing bowl for the marinade. If you’re using the oven method, a wire rack is recommended to allow for air circulation around the wings. If you prefer to fry, a deep fryer or large heavy pot will work as well.

bbq chicken wings recipe

Dietary Adaptations

For a vegan version, replace chicken wings with cauliflower or tofu, and use a plant-based barbecue sauce. To make this recipe gluten-free, choose a gluten-free barbecue sauce and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. For those with nut allergies, check ingredients like sauces for nut traces.

Seasonal Adaptations

In summer, fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can be added to the marinade for a refreshing twist. In winter, consider adding warming spices like paprika or smoked paprika to enhance the BBQ flavor. You could also serve the wings with seasonal sides, such as roasted vegetables in the fall or a fresh cucumber salad in the summer.

Recipe FAQs

  • Can I use frozen wings? Yes, just be sure to thaw them completely before marinating and cooking.
  • What can I substitute for barbecue sauce? You can use hot sauce, teriyaki sauce, or a homemade marinade based on your flavor preferences.
  • How long do I cook wings in the oven? Typically, they will take about 40-45 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through for even cooking.

BBQ Chicken Wings

BBQ Chicken Wings

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Additional Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes

BBQ Chicken Wings are the quintessential party food, perfect for game days, backyard barbecues, or cozy family dinners. 

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds chicken wings
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the barbecue sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper together until well combined.
  2. Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss to coat them thoroughly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
  3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (or oven to 400°F if baking).
  4. If grilling, place the wings on the grill and cook for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are charred and cooked through.
  5. If baking, arrange the wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  6. Brush the wings with additional barbecue sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  7. Once cooked, remove from heat and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
  8. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and serve hot.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 932Total Fat: 62gSaturated Fat: 21gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 37gCholesterol: 186mgSodium: 2148mgCarbohydrates: 53gFiber: 2gSugar: 24gProtein: 39g

Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

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Final Thoughts

There you have it – a foolproof BBQ chicken wings recipe that is sure to impress your friends and family. With the tips and variations provided, you can easily personalize this dish to suit your taste. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, these wings will undoubtedly become a beloved staple in your culinary repertoire. Happy cooking!

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