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Crispy Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Wings - Simple, Sticky, and Delicious

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 to 3 pounds chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
  • 1 to 1 1/4 cups BBQ sauce (your favorite)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional, for extra glaze)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, to brighten the sauce)
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons neutral oil (optional, light coating for extra crisp)
  • Cooking spray
  • Optional garnishes: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, ranch or blue cheese dressing

Method
 

  1. Prep the oven and pan: Preheat to 425°F (220°C). Line a sheet pan with foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top and spray with cooking spray.
  2. Dry the wings well: Pat wings thoroughly with paper towels. The drier they are, the crispier they’ll get.
  3. Mix the dry coating: In a bowl, combine baking powder, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
  4. Coat the wings: Toss wings with the dry mixture until evenly coated. Add a teaspoon or two of oil if you like a slightly richer crust.
  5. Arrange and bake: Place wings on the wire rack in a single layer with space between them. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, flipping halfway, until deeply golden and crisp.
  6. Make the sauce: Warm BBQ sauce in a small saucepan. Stir in honey (or brown sugar) and apple cider vinegar if using. Adjust sweetness and tang to taste.
  7. Toss to coat: Transfer hot wings to a large bowl, add the sauce, and toss until every piece is glossy.
  8. Broil to finish: Return sauced wings to the rack and broil on high for 2 to 4 minutes, watching closely, until the sauce bubbles and caramelizes.
  9. Rest and serve: Let wings sit 3 to 5 minutes to set the glaze. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds. Serve with ranch or blue cheese if you like.