Making BBQ wings at home is one of those things that always feels a little celebratory, no matter the occasion. The seasoned flour coating gives every wing a satisfying crunch, and the barbecue sauce bakes down into a deep, sticky, caramelized glaze that looks great all the way around. With juicy meat, a crunchy coating, and a sticky glaze, these wings have everything going for them.
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I make these for game days, backyard cookouts, potlucks, and just about any gathering where people want something they’ll keep reaching for until the plate is empty. They stay good in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months, and if you have leftovers, they reheat really well in the oven, bringing that crispiness back and still tasting just as delicious as the day you made them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make BBQ Wings with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
Here’s exactly how I make the best BBQ wings every time, and the steps are easier than you’d think.
Preheat and Prep the Pan
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and have a parchment or foil-lined sheet pan ready before anything else so the BBQ chicken wings don’t stick, and cleanup stays easy. A rimmed baking sheet is ideal here since it keeps any drippings contained.
Mix the Flour Coating
While the oven preheats, combine the flour, onion powder, garlic powder, regular or smoked paprika, chili powder, sea salt, and black pepper in a large bowl.
Give it a good stir, so all spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour. A large and deep mixing bowl with a wide mouth makes tossing the wings much easier in the next step and helps keep your counters clean.
Coat the Wings
Pat the whole chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and help the chicken skin crisp up properly, then add them to the flour mixture and toss to coat every piece evenly.
Place wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they aren’t overlapping so the heat can circulate around each wing.
Bake Until Crispy
Bake for 40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden brown, fully cooked, and crisp. Flipping at the halfway mark is what gets you that even, golden, crispy skin on all sides, rather than just the top. Use a pair of heat-resistant kitchen tongs when it’s time to flip so you don’t knock off the coating.
Add the Sauce and Bake Again
Remove the baked chicken wings from the oven and brush them generously with the barbecue sauce using a silicone basting brush. Transfer them to a clean, lined baking sheet before returning them to the oven.
That fresh sheet keeps the caramelized sauce from burning on any residue left behind. Bake for another 8 to 10 minutes, until the sauce is sticky and caramelized.
Let Them Rest Before Serving
Pull the crispy wings out of the oven and let them rest on a serving platter for a few minutes rather than serving immediately. The BBQ sauce sets slightly as they cool, making it even stickier and easier to eat without everything sliding off. Enjoy them on their own or with your favorite sauce!
This baked BBQ chicken Wing recipe is a popular pick for potlucks and tailgates, and it travels well as long as you keep them warm. After that final bake, let the wings rest just for a few minutes, then wrap the baking sheet tightly with foil before placing it in a thermal bag.
If you’re going somewhere with oven access, you can also finish that final 8 to 10-minute sauced bake on-site so the glaze is fresh and caramelized right before serving.
BBQ Wings
Add Preferred SourceIngredients
- 2.5 pounds chicken wings around 20 pieces
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the flour, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.1 cup flour, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Toss the chicken wings in the flour mixture until evenly coated. Arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.2.5 pounds chicken wings
- Bake for 40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden and crisp.
- Remove from the oven and brush the wings in barbecue sauce. Place them back on a clean, lined baking sheet.½ cup barbecue sauce
- Return to the oven and bake for another 8–10 minutes, until the sauce is sticky and caramelized.
Notes
Nutrition
How to Store Leftovers
If you’re making these BBQ wings ahead of time or saving any leftovers, let them cool completely on a wire rack before storing them. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days.
To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes so they crisp back up instead of turning soggy the way they would in the microwave.
For longer storage, flash-freeze the wings in a single layer on a freezer-safe sheet pan first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven to bring the texture back.
What to Serve With BBQ Wings
Classic sides work really well alongside these wings. Creamy coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, and baked beans are all natural pairings that balance out the smoky, sticky sauce without competing with it. A simple green salad or roasted veggies also works if you want something a little lighter on the side.
For dipping, ranch and blue cheese dressing are the obvious go-tos, and you could also add hot sauce if you like a spicy kick. Celery and carrot sticks, along with a bowl of either dressing, make for that classic wings-and-dippers setup that people always gravitate toward.
More Easy Recipes for You to Try at Home
If you love this barbecue chicken wings recipe, you’ll also love these easy chicken dishes that are perfect for game day and parties.
