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Sticky BBQ Chicken Wings Crispy Oven Style

A pile of glistening, crispy oven Sticky BBQ Chicken Wings coated in a dark, rich sauce, served on a white plate.

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A reliable recipe for baking chicken wings in the oven to achieve a crispy texture and a thick, sticky BBQ glaze.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs chicken wings (flats and drumettes)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup your favorite thick BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar (optional, for extra stickiness)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top of the foil.
  2. Pat the chicken wings completely dry using paper towels. This step is crucial for crispiness.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
  4. Toss the dry wings in the spice mixture until they are evenly coated.
  5. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack, ensuring there is space between each piece.
  6. Bake for 25 minutes.
  7. Flip the wings over and bake for another 20 minutes. The skin should look dry and starting to crisp.
  8. While the wings finish baking, mix the BBQ sauce and honey or brown sugar (if using) in a small saucepan over low heat until combined and slightly warmed. Do not boil.
  9. Remove the wings from the oven. Increase the oven temperature to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230 degrees Celsius).
  10. Brush the wings generously with the BBQ sauce mixture.
  11. Return the sauced wings to the oven for 5 to 8 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning, until the sauce is caramelized and sticky.
  12. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Using a wire rack allows air to circulate around the wings, which helps the bottom crisp up.
  • Do not skip drying the wings thoroughly; moisture prevents crisping.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer your BBQ sauce alone for a few minutes before adding the optional sweetener.

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