Ever found yourself craving those sticky, sweet and tangy BBQ wings but don’t wanna deal with the hassle of firing up the grill? I’ve been there too! Today I’m gonna share my absolute favorite method for making oven BBQ chicken wings that are JUST as delicious as anything you’d get at a restaurant or cookout
These wings are perfect for game day, family dinners, or just because you’re in the mood for something finger-lickin’ good. The best part? They’re super easy to make in your oven year-round!
What You’ll Need
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather our ingredients:
- 3 pounds chicken wings
- Salt and fresh ground pepper
- 2 cups tangy barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, onion powder
Equipment:
- Large baking or roasting pan (you might need two)
- Paper towels
- Mixing bowl (if adding extra seasonings)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Work
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Preheat your oven to 375°F. This temperature is perfect for getting wings that are crispy on the outside but still juicy inside
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Prepare the wings by bending them and tucking the tips under the large joint to form a triangle shape. This helps them cook evenly and makes them easier to eat later!
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Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add garlic powder, paprika, or your favorite wing seasoning too.
The First Bake
The secret to amazing oven BBQ wings is actually a two-step baking process:
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Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer in your baking pan. Don’t crowd them! If needed, use two pans to give them enough space.
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Bake for about 45 minutes, turning once halfway through. The wings should be nicely browned and crisp.
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This is SUPER important: Remove the wings from the oven and pour off all the fat from the pan. You might also want to blot the wings with paper towels to remove excess grease.
The BBQ Magic
Now comes the fun part – adding that sticky, delicious BBQ sauce:
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Return the wings to the pan and pour the barbecue sauce over them, making sure they’re well coated.
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Place them back in the oven and bake for 10 minutes.
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Then, flip the wings over and bake for another 10 minutes. This allows the sauce to caramelize and get all sticky and amazing on both sides.
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The total cooking time should be around 1 hour and 5 minutes (45 minutes for the first bake + 20 minutes for the sauce bake).
Pro Tips for Wing Perfection
After making these wings about a zillion times, I’ve picked up some tricks that’ll take your oven BBQ wings to the next level:
Choose the Right Sauce
The barbecue sauce you use makes a HUGE difference! Some of my faves include:
- Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ for a sweeter flavor
- Sweet Baby Ray’s Sweet and Spicy for a bit of kick
- Or make your own by combining ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices
I’ve found that slightly sweet BBQ sauces tend to caramelize better in the oven than super tangy ones, but experiment to find your favorite!
Don’t Skip the Fat-Draining Step
This might seem like an extra hassle, but trust me – pouring off the fat before adding the sauce is what prevents soggy wings and helps the sauce stick properly.
Perfect Pairing Ideas
These wings go great with:
- Classic celery sticks and blue cheese dressing
- Ranch dressing for dipping
- Mac and cheese
- Coleslaw
- Potato salad
- French fries or potato wedges
Variations to Try
Want to switch things up? Here are some tasty variations:
Spicy BBQ Wings
Add 1-2 tablespoons of hot sauce to your barbecue sauce, or sprinkle with red pepper flakes before serving.
Sweet and Sticky Wings
Mix honey or brown sugar into your BBQ sauce for an extra sticky, sweet coating.
Asian-Inspired BBQ Wings
Add some soy sauce, ginger, and a splash of sesame oil to your barbecue sauce for an Asian twist.
Garlic Parmesan BBQ Wings
After baking with BBQ sauce, sprinkle with grated parmesan and garlic powder for the last 5 minutes of baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
I get a ton of questions about these wings, so let me answer some common ones:
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, but thaw them completely first for best results. Pat them dry before seasoning to help them crisp up better.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Can I prep these in advance?
Absolutely! You can season the wings and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also do the first bake ahead of time, then add the sauce and do the final bake right before serving.
Should I cover the wings while baking?
Nope! Bake them uncovered so they can get nice and crispy. The barbecue sauce will prevent them from drying out during the final baking stage.
What if I’m only making a small batch?
If you’re making less than 3 pounds of wings, keep the same temperature but reduce the cooking time slightly. For example, 7 wings might only need about 30-35 minutes for the first bake instead of 45.
Why These Wings Are Better Than Fried
I used to think nothing could beat deep-fried wings until I perfected this oven method. Here’s why I actually prefer these now:
- Healthier – Baking uses less oil than frying
- Less mess – No splattered oil all over your kitchen
- Easier – No need to monitor oil temperature
- Juicier – The two-step baking process keeps the meat tender
- Better sauce adhesion – The sauce really sticks to the wings rather than sliding off
The Secret to Crispy Skin
If you’re like me and absolutely LOVE crispy chicken skin, here’s my secret trick: after patting the wings dry but before seasoning, sprinkle them very lightly with baking powder (not baking soda!). This helps draw moisture out of the skin and makes it extra crispy during baking.
Just about 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder per pound of wings is enough – you don’t want to taste it.
Serving Suggestions
These wings are versatile enough to be served:
- Hot right out of the oven
- At room temperature (perfect for parties)
- Cold from the fridge (yep, they’re good this way too!)
For a complete meal, I like to serve them with a fresh green salad and some roasted potatoes or corn on the cob.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about making really good chicken wings at home. Once you’ve mastered this basic oven BBQ wing recipe, you’ll never need to order takeout wings again!
The beauty of this recipe is that it’s both simple enough for beginners but delicious enough to impress guests. The two-stage baking process might seem a bit extra, but it’s what gives these wings their perfect texture – crispy outside, juicy inside, with that amazing caramelized BBQ coating.
I’ve been making these wings for years now, and they’re always a hit whether it’s for a casual family dinner or a big game day party. Give them a try, and I bet they’ll become one of your go-to recipes too!
What’s your favorite BBQ sauce to use on wings? Drop a comment below – I’m always looking for new flavors to try!
Quick Recipe Summary
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Serves: 4-6 people
Remember, the keys to success are: not crowding the pan, pouring off the fat before adding sauce, and giving the sauce time to caramelize in the oven. Follow these steps, and you’ll have wings that are absolutely irresistible!
Happy cooking!