Description
These irresistibly crispy chicken wings are oven-baked to perfection and coated with a homemade, tangy barbecue sauce. Crisped to golden brown through a two-step baking process using baking powder for enhanced crunch, these wings are perfect for game days, parties, or a tasty snack. The homemade BBQ sauce combines sweetness, tanginess, and a hint of spice, making every bite flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds Chicken Wings (tips removed and halved at the joint)
- 1 tablespoon Baking Powder (do not substitute with baking soda)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
For the Homemade Barbeque Sauce
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
- 1 cup Tomato Ketchup
- 1/2 cup Water or Chicken Broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Red or White Wine Vinegar (or Apple Cider Vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (optional but recommended)
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder or Cayenne Pepper (adjust to spice preference)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Wings: Cut off the tips and halve each wing at the joint for even cooking. Pat the wings dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove moisture, which helps achieve crispiness.
- Coat the Wings: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken wings with baking powder and salt. Toss them well until each wing is evenly coated. The baking powder is key to creating a crispy skin during baking.
- Bake (Part 1): Arrange the coated wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced out and not touching. Place in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) and bake for 30 minutes. This slow bake starts the rendering of fat and dries the skin.
- Bake (Part 2): Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and continue baking the wings on the same rack for another 30 minutes or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Make the Barbeque Sauce: While the wings bake, combine the brown sugar, ketchup, water or chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, Dijon mustard, paprika, and chili powder in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors and thicken slightly.
- Coat the Wings: Once baked, transfer the wings to a mixing bowl and toss with half of the homemade barbecue sauce until well coated and glossy.
- Serve: Arrange the sauced wings on a serving plate, drizzle with remaining barbecue sauce, and serve extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Optional: Sprinkle chopped green onions over the wings before serving for a fresh and colorful garnish.
- Make sure to use baking powder, not baking soda, to avoid any off flavors and to achieve crispiness.
- Patting the wings dry is essential for the skin to crisp properly.
- Adjust the level of chili powder or cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
