Bookmark
These oven-baked BBQ chicken wings have become my go-to recipe whenever I need a crowd-pleaser that’s both delicious and simple to prepare. They achieve that perfect balance of crispy outside with juicy, tender meat inside without any of the oily mess from deep frying. The sticky honey barbecue glaze brings a sweet smoky flavor that’s irresistible and perfect for casual dinners, parties, or game day snacks.
I first made these wings for a family gathering, and now they are the highlight of every get-together.
Ingredients
- Chicken wings (whole): choose fresh or fully thawed for best texture
- Honey: naturally sweetens and helps the glaze caramelize beautifully
- Barbecue sauce: opt for your favorite brand or homemade for control over sweetness and tang
- Smoked paprika: adds a subtle smoky depth, choose Spanish smoked paprika if you can find it
- Garlic powder: for a mellow garlicky hint without overwhelming the meat
- Salt and pepper: to enhance all the flavors
- Olive oil: ensures crispy skin and helps the seasoning stick
Instructions
- Sear the chicken wings:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Toss the wings with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Coat them evenly. Arrange the wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and make sure they have space between each wing so moisture can escape and they get crispy.
- Bake wings until almost cooked through:
- Place the wings in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, flipping halfway. This method partially cooks the wings and begins crisping the skin while locking in juiciness.
- Apply the honey barbecue glaze:
- After 35 minutes, take the wings out and brush generously with a mixture of honey and barbecue sauce. Make sure each wing is well coated to achieve that sticky glossy finish.
- Finish baking to caramelize glaze:
- Return the wings to the oven for an additional 10 minutes. This caramelizes the glaze and crisps the skin further. Keep an eye on them so the sugars don’t burn.
- Rest and serve:
- Remove the wings and let them rest for 5 minutes to help the juices redistribute. Cut fresh celery and carrot sticks to serve on the side for a crunchy contrast. Enjoy the wings while warm for best texture and flavor.
One of my most memorable meals with these wings was serving them during a family football game day where everyone kept reaching for more despite the competition from other dishes.
Storage tips
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, spread wings on a baking sheet and warm in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for about 10 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving as it makes the skin soggy.
Ingredient substitutions
Swap chicken wings for drumettes if preferred or use skin-on chicken thighs cut into smaller pieces for a meatier option. Replace smoked paprika with regular paprika and a dash of liquid smoke if you cannot find smoked paprika. Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey for a different but equally delicious sweetness.
Serving suggestions
Serve alongside crunchy celery and carrot sticks for freshness and crunch. Offer a blue cheese or ranch dip for a cooling contrast to the sticky glaze. Pair with cornbread or a simple green salad for a complete casual meal.
These oven-baked BBQ chicken wings are simple to make and always a crowd pleaser. Serve warm and enjoy crisp, sticky glazed skin.
Common Questions About the Recipe
- → How do I get crispy skin without deep-frying?
Baking the wings at a high temperature and using a light coating of oil helps achieve a crispy exterior without frying.
- → Can I use a different glaze besides honey barbecue?
Absolutely, try tossing the wings in sauces like teriyaki, buffalo, or a spicy chili glaze for variety.
- → What side dishes pair well with these wings?
Crunchy celery and carrot sticks complement the rich wings and add a fresh, crisp contrast.
- → How long should the wings be baked?
Bake wings for approximately 45 minutes to ensure they are cooked through and the skin is crispy.
- → Is marinating the wings necessary before baking?
Marinating enhances flavor but is optional; coating the wings with the glaze before baking still imparts great taste.