Sticky BBQ Chicken Wings are the ultimate finger food—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a rich, smoky barbecue glaze. Made with simple pantry spices and your favorite BBQ sauce, these wings are easy to prepare and packed with bold flavor. Whether baked or air-fried, they deliver that irresistible balance of sweet, savory, and smoky goodness in every bite.
Perfect for game days, family dinners, or casual gatherings, these BBQ wings are guaranteed to disappear fast.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is ideal for:
- Wing lovers craving restaurant-style flavor at home
- Busy cooks who want an easy, no-fuss recipe
- Game-day hosts and party planners
- Families looking for a kid-approved meal
- Anyone who loves sticky, saucy comfort food
Why It’s Great
- Uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients
- Crispy texture without deep frying
- Bold BBQ flavor that everyone loves
- Can be baked or air-fried
- Ready in under 1 hour
- Perfect for sharing
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet or air fryer basket
- Parchment paper or foil
- Tongs
- Small saucepan (optional, for warming sauce)
How to Make BBQ Chicken Wings
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. - Season the Wings
In a large bowl, toss chicken wings with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. - Bake Until Crispy
Arrange wings in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. - Add the BBQ Sauce
Remove wings from the oven and toss them with BBQ sauce until fully coated. - Caramelize the Sauce
Return wings to the oven for an additional 8–10 minutes until the sauce becomes sticky and glossy. - Serve Hot
Serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce, ranch, or blue cheese dressing if desired.
👉 Air Fryer Option:
Cook wings at 380°F (193°C) for 22–25 minutes, shaking halfway. Toss with BBQ sauce and air fry 3–5 minutes more.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze cooked wings for up to 2 months
- Reheating: Reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning.
How do I make them extra crispy?
Pat wings dry and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Can I use spicy BBQ sauce?
Absolutely—spicy or honey BBQ both work great.
Can I grill these wings?
Yes. Grill over medium heat, turning often, then toss with BBQ sauce at the end.
Conclusion
These Sticky BBQ Chicken Wings are everything you want in a wing recipe—crispy, juicy, saucy, and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for parties, game nights, or a comforting dinner, they deliver big flavor with minimal effort. Once you try them, they’ll become a regular favorite in your kitchen.
