Looking for a finger-licking good meal that’s full of flavor and easy to make? These Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken Wings are exactly what you need.
Crispy, juicy wings coated in a tangy, sweet, and spicy BBQ sauce – this dish will be the star of your next game night, BBQ, or casual dinner. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just enjoying a treat on a weeknight, these wings are sure to hit the spot.
Let’s dive into how to make these delicious chicken wings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you get started, gather these simple ingredients. Feel free to adjust them based on your preferences.
- Chicken Wings: Fresh or frozen – just make sure they’re thawed if using frozen.
- BBQ Sauce: A classic sweet and tangy BBQ sauce works best. You can also add your favorite spicy sauce to kick it up a notch.
- Honey: For that sweet, sticky finish.
- Hot Sauce: For the spicy kick. Adjust the amount to your heat preference.
- Garlic Powder: Adds flavor and depth to the wings.
- Onion Powder: Another flavor booster that complements the BBQ sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the wings.
- Olive Oil: For baking the wings to crispy perfection.
How to Make Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken Wings (Step-by-Step)
Making these wings is simple, and they’re sure to be a hit. Here’s how to make them:
Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Wings:
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This helps them get crispy in the oven. Season the wings with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat.
Bake the Wings:
Place the wings on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are spread out evenly to ensure they cook properly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
Make the Sweet and Spicy Sauce:
While the wings are baking, mix together BBQ sauce, honey, and hot sauce in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the level of sweetness or heat to your liking.
Coat the Wings:
Once the wings are done, remove them from the oven. Place the crispy wings into a large bowl and pour the sweet and spicy sauce over them. Toss the wings until they’re evenly coated in the sauce.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your sweet and spicy BBQ chicken wings hot, with your favorite sides. You can garnish them with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flair.
Tips for Perfect Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken Wings
- Crispy Wings: Patting the wings dry and baking them on a wire rack will help them get extra crispy.
- Adjust Heat: If you like your wings spicier, add more hot sauce or use a hotter variety.
- Sauce Variations: You can experiment with different BBQ sauces – smoky, sweet, or spicy – to make the wings your own.
- Make It Saucy: If you love extra sauce, feel free to double the recipe for the sauce and have some on the side for dipping.
- What to Serve with Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken Wings
- While these wings are perfect on their own, here are a few easy sides to serve with them:
- Coleslaw: A cool, crunchy side that balances the heat of the wings.
- Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy fries pair perfectly with saucy wings.
- Garlic Bread: A warm, toasty side to soak up any extra sauce.
- Veggies and Ranch: Crisp veggies with a creamy ranch dip help balance the flavor.
Make Ahead, Storage, and Meal Prep Tips
These wings are perfect for meal prep and storing. Here’s how to make them ahead of time:
Storage: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through. To maintain crispiness, place them in the oven for a few minutes at 375°F (190°C).
Freezing: If you want to freeze them, let the wings cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven when ready to eat.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, you can use frozen wings. Just be sure to thaw them before baking.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the sweet and spicy sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
Can I make these wings on the grill?
Absolutely! You can grill the wings instead of baking them. Just cook over medium heat for about 20–25 minutes, flipping them occasionally.
Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken Wings
Ingredients
For the wings:
- 12 chicken wings, thawed if frozen
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For the BBQ sauce:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a crispy texture. Season the wings with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss to coat evenly.
- Bake the Wings: Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden and crispy.
- Make the Sweet and Spicy Sauce: While the wings are baking, combine the BBQ sauce, honey, and hot sauce in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed and well combined. Taste and adjust the spice level as needed.
- Coat the Wings: Once the wings are baked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the sweet and spicy BBQ sauce over the wings and toss until they are evenly coated.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your sweet and spicy BBQ chicken wings hot. Pair with your favorite dipping sauces, sides, or enjoy them just as they are!
