Sticky BBQ Chicken Wings | Sweet, Smoky & Delicious


There’s just something about a plate full of grilled chicken wings that brings people together, whether it is a game-day tailgate or a backyard barbecue. These wings are everything you want in a party snack: crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with bold, smoky flavor. The whole family is going to devour these wings, and they’re so simple to prepare, you’ll love making them too.

Plate of crispy BBQ chicken wings garnished with parsley

BBQ chicken is a classic favorite that brings the perfect combination of smoky flavor, tender meat, and savory sauces. Whether you’re hosting a backyard party, preparing a weekend family dinner, or craving a simple but delicious meal, homemade BBQ chicken is always a winner. The beauty of BBQ chicken lies in its versatility. You can grill it outdoors for that authentic smoky taste, bake it in the oven for convenience, or even cook it on a stovetop skillet when weather or time is limited. The key to perfect BBQ chicken is in the marinade and cooking method the meat to soak up spices and sauce before cooking, ensuring juicy, flavorful results.

From preparing a simple homemade sauce to choosing the right cuts of chicken and cooking them to perfection, you’ll learn how to achieve that restaurant-style taste in your own kitchen. This recipe is beginner friendly but flavorful enough to impress family and friends, making it a must-have for your recipe collection.


Ingredients (For 4 Servings)

For the Chicken Wings:

✅ 2 pounds of chicken wings

✅ 1⁄2 teaspoon salt

✅ 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper

✅ 1 tablespoon baking powder

For the BBQ Sauce:

✅ 1 cup tomato ketchup

✅ 2 tablespoons honey

✅ 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

✅ 1⁄4 cup white wine vinegar

✅ 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder

✅ 1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder

✅ 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar

✅ 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

✅ 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper

Close-up of juicy chicken wings fresh off the barbecue

Instructions

🔖 First of all, preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with foil.

🔖 Now, Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss the wings with the baking powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

🔖 Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for around 50 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and crispy.

🔖 While the wings are baking, make the BBQ sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine all the sauce ingredients. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

🔖 Remove wings from the oven and transfer to a large bowl. Pour the BBQ sauce over the wings and toss them until they are evenly coated.

🔖 Return the sauced wings to the baking sheet. Bake for an additional 8 minutes, until the sauce is sticky and caramelized.

🔖 Serve the BBQ chicken wings hot, with extra sauce on the side for dipping if desired, and enjoy.


Spicy BBQ grilled chicken wings with smoky glaze

What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Wings

🔰 French fries

🔰 Cornbread

🔰 Onion rings

🔰 Mac and cheese


FAQs 

Q1: Can I make BBQ chicken in the oven if I don’t have a grill?

Yes! Oven-baked BBQ chicken can be just as delicious as grilled. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F), bake the chicken on a tray lined with parchment paper or foil, and brush with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 10–15 minutes of cooking for a caramelized finish.

Q2: How can I make my BBQ chicken extra juicy?

To keep chicken juicy, marinate it for at least 2–3 hours (or overnight) and avoid overcooking. Using bone-in chicken pieces also helps retain moisture. Brushing the sauce gradually while cooking adds flavor without drying out the meat.

Q3: Can I make homemade BBQ sauce for this recipe?

Absolutely! A simple BBQ sauce can be made using ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic, and spices. Homemade sauces allow you to adjust sweetness and heat according to your taste and are far fresher than store-bought versions.

Q4: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs or drumsticks?

Yes, but chicken breasts cook faster and can dry out if overcooked. For best results, bake or grill them slightly shorter than thighs or drumsticks and brush frequently with sauce to keep them moist.

BBQ chicken is a crowd pleasing dish that brings bold flavors, tender meat, and that irresistible smoky aroma straight to your table. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right at home, perfect for family dinners, parties, or special occasions. The best part is how versatile this recipe is. You can adjust the spice, sweetness, and cooking method to suit your taste and schedule.

Leftovers make excellent sandwiches, wraps, or salads, so nothing goes to waste. Pair your BBQ chicken with fresh coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home cooking rotation. 

Try this crispy, juicy, and smoky BBQ Chicken Wings recipe, and please leave me a comment and let me know! I always love to hear your thoughts.



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