These Baked Chicken Wings are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a crispy exterior and a juicy interior, these wings are seasoned to perfection and finished off with a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce for a deliciously satisfying meal or appetizer.

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken wings
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1/2 cup barbecue sauce

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the wings in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, turning halfway through for even cooking.
After 25 minutes, remove the wings from the oven and brush them with barbecue sauce.
Return the wings to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the wings are fully cooked and the sauce has caramelized.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Spicy Wings: Add hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix or brush the wings with a spicy barbecue sauce for an extra kick.
Garlic Parmesan Wings: After baking, toss the wings in melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese, and sprinkle with additional garlic powder.
Honey Mustard Wings: Brush the wings with a honey mustard sauce instead of barbecue sauce for a tangy-sweet flavor profile.
Lemon Pepper Wings: Add lemon zest and lemon pepper seasoning to the wings before baking for a refreshing citrus twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the wings in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to ensure they stay crispy. You can also microwave them, but they may lose some crispiness.

10 FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken wings? Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings. Just make sure to thaw them completely before seasoning and baking.
Can I make these wings in advance? Yes, you can season the wings ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake them when ready to serve.
Can I use a different sauce instead of barbecue? Absolutely! Feel free to use any sauce you prefer, such as buffalo sauce, honey mustard, or teriyaki sauce.
How do I make the wings extra crispy? For crispier wings, you can bake them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, allowing air to circulate around the wings for even crisping.
How do I know when the wings are done? The wings are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and the skin is golden and crispy.
Can I grill the wings instead of baking them? Yes, you can grill the wings over medium heat for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, and then brush with barbecue sauce in the final few minutes of grilling.
Can I use wingettes or drumettes for this recipe? Yes, you can use wingettes (the flat part of the wing) or drumettes (the meaty part of the wing) for this recipe. Adjust the cooking time if needed.
How can I make the wings healthier? You can reduce the amount of oil used or bake the wings without any oil for a lighter version. You can also opt for a sugar-free barbecue sauce.
What can I serve with these wings? These wings pair well with a variety of sides such as coleslaw, fries, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables.
Can I make these wings in an air fryer? Yes, you can air fry the wings at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, then brush with barbecue sauce and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Conclusion

These Baked Chicken Wings are the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and ease. With minimal prep and cook time, they are an ideal choice for busy weeknights, game days, or any time you’re craving a delicious, comforting snack. Try them with your favorite sauce and enjoy a crispy, savory treat everyone will love!