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Sweet & Spicy BBQ Chicken Wings - Crowd-Pleasing Flavor With a Simple Twist

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 to 2.5 pounds chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (smoky or hickory style)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (choose your favorite)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for a silkier sauce)
  • Neutral oil or cooking spray
  • Green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Method
 

  1. Prep the wings: Pat the wings dry with paper towels until very dry. This is key for crisp skin.
  2. Season: In a large bowl, mix baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and cayenne. Toss wings to coat evenly.
  3. Arrange for crisping: Set a wire rack over a foil-lined baking sheet. Lightly oil the rack and space the wings out so they aren’t touching.
  4. Bake: Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. For extra crunch, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  5. Make the sauce: While wings cook, combine BBQ sauce, honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, hot sauce, Worcestershire, and chili flakes in a small saucepan. Simmer on low for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in butter for gloss, if using.
  6. Toss and glaze: Transfer hot wings to a large bowl. Pour half the sauce over and toss to coat. Return to the rack and bake 5 more minutes to set the glaze.
  7. Final coat: Toss with the remaining sauce right before serving for that sticky, shiny finish.
  8. Garnish: Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if you like.