BBQ Chicken Wings
- Chef Mike
- Nov 11, 2024
- 4 min read
BBQ Chicken Wings
As the fall weather gets cooler many football fans are finding their way inside. The grills and smokers are still a great option for hosting a party, but there's nothing wrong with trusting your own convection oven. Below is a recipe for delicious baked BBQ chicken wings. It’s a simple but tasty treat when sitting down to watch a football game. The key here is to choose your favorite seasoning and sauce. Being from Kansas City I have plenty of options, but go for a mild flavor with hints of smoke and spice.
Let’s dive right into how to create BBQ chicken wings that are juicy, flavorful, and crispy on the outside, while still tender on the inside. Ready to fire up the grill or preheat your oven? Let’s go!
The Secret to Perfect BBQ Chicken Wings
Achieving the perfect BBQ chicken wing involves three key elements: the right seasoning, the perfect cook, and the ultimate BBQ sauce. Here’s how I do it:
Choosing the Right Chicken Wings Start with good quality chicken wings. You can buy pre-separated drumettes. Fresh is best but If you're using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
Seasoning The best BBQ wings are packed with flavor, so go crazy with the seasoning. A simple dry rub can work wonders. Here’s a basic dry rub recipe:
2 tbsp paprika (smoked or regular)
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tsp chili powder (or more for extra heat)
1 tsp brown sugar (for a little caramelization)
Salt and pepper to taste
Toss the wings in the dry rub and let them sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) in the fridge. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat and helps develop a deeper flavor.
Cooking: Grill vs. Oven Whether you’re grilling your wings or baking them in the oven, the goal is crispy skin and juicy meat. Here are the two methods:Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F). Place the wings over direct heat to get a nice sear, then move them to indirect heat to cook through. Grill the wings for about 20-25 minutes, turning every 5-7 minutes to prevent burning. Keep the lid closed as much as possible for even cooking.Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F . Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack. Arrange the wings in a single layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. If you want extra crispy wings, you can broil them for the last 3-5 minutes.
The BBQ Sauce BBQ sauce is the star of the show! Here’s a simple and delicious homemade BBQ sauce recipe, but feel free to use your favorite store-bought version if you're in a rush!Ingredients:
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for some heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a saucepan, combine all the ingredients.
Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Let the sauce cook for 15-20 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—more vinegar for tang, more sugar for sweetness, or more cayenne for heat.
Once your wings are cooked, toss them in the BBQ sauce and give them a final minute or two on the grill or in the oven to caramelize the sauce.
Tips for the Best BBQ Wings:
Don’t Overcrowd the Wings: Whether you’re grilling or baking, ensure there’s enough space between the wings to allow air circulation. This helps them cook evenly and become crispy.
Rest After Cooking: Let the wings rest for 5 minutes after they come off the grill or out of the oven. This helps redistribute the juices and keeps them tender.
Double-Dip for Extra Flavor: If you love saucy wings, feel free to coat your wings in BBQ sauce, bake or grill them for a few extra minutes, then dip them again in a fresh layer of sauce before serving.
Serving Suggestions
BBQ wings are delicious on their own, but they can also be paired with a variety of sides for a complete meal. Here are some great sides to serve alongside your wings:
Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy slaw is the perfect contrast to the richness of BBQ wings.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled, corn on the cob is a classic BBQ side.
French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: Because who doesn’t love fries with wings?
Grilled Vegetables: Try grilled asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers for a healthy side.
Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy, cheesy, and indulgent—perfect for a BBQ spread!
The Verdict
These BBQ chicken wings are tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these wings will hit the spot. The smoky, sweet, and tangy BBQ sauce coats every inch of crispy wing, and the dry rub gives them a boost of flavor that’s impossible to resist.
So, fire up that grill, heat up the oven, or just grab a batch of wings from your favorite butcher, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate finger-licking BBQ chicken wings!
Check out the Cooking Video Below!
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