Best Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Wings

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Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and smothered in a finger-licking barbecue sauce, these oven-baked BBQ chicken wings are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a game night, a summer cookout, or just craving a comforting meal, this recipe delivers all the smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors of classic BBQ wings—without the hassle of deep frying.

Baking these wings in the oven gives them a perfectly crispy texture while keeping them tender and full of flavor. The secret lies in the seasoning blend that enhances the taste even before they’re coated in a rich, sticky barbecue sauce. Get ready to enjoy some of the best homemade wings with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction!

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Ingredients for Best Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Wings

• 2 lbs chicken wings
• 1 tbsp baking powder (for extra crispiness)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
• 1 tbsp honey (for extra caramelization)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

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Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet for even air circulation. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this helps achieve maximum crispiness.

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Step 2: Season the Wings

In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Drizzle the olive oil over the wings and mix well to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning.

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Step 3: Bake the Wings

Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack. Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the wings are golden brown and crispy.

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Step 4: Coat with BBQ Sauce

While the wings are baking, mix the BBQ sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar in a bowl. Once the wings are fully cooked, remove them from the oven and toss them in the sauce until they are well coated.

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Step 5: Final Bake for Extra Flavor

Return the sauced wings to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes at 425°F (220°C) to caramelize the BBQ sauce, making them extra sticky and flavorful.

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Storage Instructions

To store leftover BBQ chicken wings, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Sugar: 10g

(These values may vary depending on the brand of BBQ sauce used.)

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen wings for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning to achieve crispy skin.

2. What’s the purpose of baking powder in this recipe?

Baking powder helps draw moisture out of the skin, making the wings extra crispy without deep frying.

3. Can I make these wings without a wire rack?

Yes, but placing the wings directly on parchment paper may result in slightly less crispy skin. Flipping them halfway through helps.

4. How do I make the wings spicier?

Add more cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix or mix a little hot sauce into the BBQ sauce.

5. What type of BBQ sauce works best?

Any BBQ sauce works, but a smoky or honey-based sauce adds extra depth to the flavor. You can also mix in a little apple cider vinegar for tang.

6. Can I air-fry these wings instead of baking?

Yes! Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, then toss in sauce and air-fry for another 5 minutes.

7. How do I prevent the wings from getting soggy?

Make sure to pat them dry before seasoning and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet so they crisp up properly.

8. Can I prepare these wings in advance?

Yes! Bake the wings ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and reheat them in the oven with BBQ sauce before serving.

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