Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Wings

Section: Perfect Appetizers and Side Dishes

These oven-baked chicken wings come out crispy on the outside and tender inside without the need for deep-frying. They’re coated in a sticky honey barbecue glaze that balances sweetness and smoky flavors, making them perfect for finger-licking enjoyment. Serve with crunchy celery and carrot sticks for a wholesome, satisfying dish that works well for casual gatherings or a comforting weeknight meal.

A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Brought to You By iman
Last updated on Wed, 28 Jan 2026 07:26:11 GMT
A plate of BBQ chicken wings with carrots and a dipping sauce. Bookmark
A plate of BBQ chicken wings with carrots and a dipping sauce. | imaninthekitchen.com

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.
A plate of BBQ chicken wings with carrots and celery.
A plate of BBQ chicken wings with carrots and celery. | imaninthekitchen.com

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.

A plate of BBQ chicken wings with carrots and a dipping sauce.
A plate of BBQ chicken wings with carrots and a dipping sauce. | imaninthekitchen.com

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.

Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Wings

Juicy, crispy chicken wings baked with a sticky honey barbecue glaze, ideal for easy entertaining or weeknight meals.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
45 minutes
Total Time
60 minutes
Brought to You By: iman

Recipe Category: Appetizers & Sides

Skill Level: Great for Beginners

Cuisine Origin: Mediterranean

Portions: 4 Serves

Diet Preferences: Low-Carbohydrate, No Dairy

What You'll Need

→ Chicken

01 1 kg chicken wings

→ Glaze

02 120 ml barbecue sauce
03 60 ml honey
04 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
05 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 Salt to taste
07 Freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Accompaniments

08 100 g celery sticks
09 100 g carrot sticks

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Set the oven to 200°C (392°F) and allow it to reach temperature.

Step 02

In a bowl, mix barbecue sauce, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until combined.

Step 03

Toss chicken wings thoroughly with half of the glaze mixture, ensuring even coverage.

Step 04

Place the wings in a single layer on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or foil.

Step 05

Bake wings in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Step 06

Remove wings from oven; brush with the remaining glaze and return to oven to bake an additional 15 minutes until crispy and charred in spots.

Step 07

While wings bake, arrange celery and carrot sticks on a serving platter.

Step 08

Serve wings hot with celery and carrot sticks alongside barbecue dipping sauce.

Additional Notes

  1. For extra crispiness, broil wings for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Must-Have Tools

  • Oven
  • Baking tray
  • Mixing bowl
  • Basting brush

Allergy Details

Always inspect ingredient packaging for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains honey and barbecue sauce ingredients which may include soy and sulfites; check individual product labels.

Nutritional Details (Per Portion)

Nutritional info is purely informational and not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Proteins: 28 g