BBQ Chicken Wings (Easy Prep Ahead Recipe)

These juicy BBQ chicken wings are a real treat. Packed with flavor thanks to a perfectly balanced blend of spices and a delicious tangy BBQ glaze, they're a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering. And the best part? They're easier to make than you might think!

This BBQ chicken wings recipe is perfect for gatherings or a simple family dinner. These wings are a hearty and satisfying meal, with a delicious BBQ flavor and a perfectly crispy texture that will have everyone coming back for more.

If you're a fan of these BBQ chicken wings, you'll also love my teriyaki glazed chicken wings recipe, perfect for a party or a quick snack. Or, for a similar but different flavor, try my BBQ chicken or my marinated BBQ chicken drumsticks. All are sure to be a hit at your next meal or event.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This BBQ chicken wings recipe is straightforward and uncomplicated. With just a few steps, you'll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
• Classic BBQ Flavors: These wings are coated in a tangy BBQ sauce, giving them that classic, irresistible barbecue flavor.
• Crowd Pleaser: Whether you're hosting a party or a family dinner, these wings are guaranteed to please the crowd. They're always a hit!
• Comfort Food: There's something so comforting about a plate of perfectly cooked, flavorful chicken wings. This recipe is the epitome of comfort food.
• Family Favorite: These wings are a family favorite. They're perfect for a casual family meal, and the leftovers (if there are any!) are great for packed lunches.

Key Ingredients

All you need are some simple pantry staple ingredients to make this BBQ chicken wings recipe at home. Let's look at them in more detail:

For a full list of ingredients and quantities, please check the recipe card at the end of this post.

• Chicken Wings: The star of our dish, these will provide juicy, tender meat that's perfect for soaking up our delicious BBQ sauce.

• BBQ Sauce: This is where we get that unmistakably delicious BBQ flavor. You can use a store-bought sauce or make your own.
• Mrs. Dash Seasonings: This blend of spices will add a depth of flavor to our chicken wings, enhancing the natural flavor of the chicken and the BBQ sauce.
• Garlic Salt: A hint of garlic flavor can really take a dish to the next level. This will add a subtle, savory undertone to our chicken wings.
• Black Pepper: This will add a bit of heat to our dish, balancing out the sweetness of the BBQ sauce and the savory flavors of the other ingredients.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Wings

Making these incredible BBQ chicken wings is easier than you think. Here's how to make them at home step by step:

For a full list of ingredients and instructions, see the recipe card below.

Preparation

Thaw the chicken wings if they are frozen. Once thawed, wash the chicken wings and let the water drain.

Season the Chicken Wings

Next, grab a plate and mix together the salt, Mrs Dash seasoning, garlic salt, and black pepper.

Now, place the washed chicken wings into a one-gallon zip lock bag and sprinkle the chicken with the mixed seasonings.

Seal the bag and shake it vigorously until all the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning.

Once done, place the bag in the fridge and let the chicken marinate overnight or for at least 6 hours.

Cook the Chicken Wings

When you're ready to cook, preheat your oven to 425°F. Remove the chicken from the fridge and pour BBQ sauce into the bag.

Next, place the chicken wings onto a baking pan lined with parchment paper.

Now, bake the chicken wings in the preheated oven for 45 minutes at 425°F. Once they're done, remove the chicken wings from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

These delicious BBQ chicken wings can be served with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, making them a versatile and hearty meal.

Tips for Making the Best BBQ Chicken Wings

• Choose the right chicken wings: For this BBQ chicken wings recipe, I recommend using fresh chicken wings. They tend to be more tender and absorb flavors better than frozen ones. However, if you only have frozen wings, make sure to thaw them completely before marinating.
• Marinate for maximum flavor: Don't rush the marinating process. Let the chicken wings sit in the seasoning mix and BBQ sauce for at least 6 hours in the fridge, or ideally, overnight. This will allow the flavors to penetrate deeply, resulting in tastier wings.
• Use parchment paper for easy clean-up: Line your baking pan with parchment paper before placing the chicken wings. This will prevent the wings from sticking to the pan and make the clean-up process much easier.
• Bake for the perfect crisp: Bake your chicken wings at 425 F for 45 minutes. This high heat will help the chicken skin to crisp up beautifully, while the meat remains juicy and tender.
• Let it cool before serving: After removing the chicken wings from the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This will not only prevent burns, but it will also allow the flavors to settle, making the wings even more delicious.

Serving Suggestions 

Looking for the perfect pairings for your BBQ Chicken Wings? Here are a few serving suggestions you can try:

• Coleslaw: The refreshing crunch of coarsely chopped cabbage and carrots in a creamy dressing is the perfect complement to the rich, tangy BBQ flavor of the chicken wings.
• Mac and Cheese: The creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese is a classic favorite that goes amazingly well with the BBQ Chicken Wings. The smooth texture of the mac and cheese balances the bold flavors of the wings.
• Ranch Dressings: The cool and creamy ranch dressing is a great dip for the hot and spicy BBQ Chicken Wings. It helps to cool down the heat and enhances the flavor of the wings.

Recipe Variation Ideas 

This delicious BBQ chicken wings recipe is absolutely perfect as is, but if you're looking to change things up, here are a few variation ideas you can try:

• Spicy: If you're a fan of heat, this variation is perfect for you. Simply add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce before coating the chicken wings. This will give your BBQ chicken wings a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with a cool ranch dressing dip.
• Smoky: For a smoky twist, you can add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the seasoning mix. The smoky flavor will compliment the sweetness of the BBQ sauce and add a depth of flavor to your chicken wings.
• Asian-Style: For those who love Asian flavors, you can replace the BBQ sauce with a sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce. Marinate the chicken wings in the teriyaki sauce for a few hours before baking, and then glaze the wings with the sauce again before serving. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Store Leftovers

• Storage: After enjoying these delicious BBQ chicken wings, you can store any leftovers in the refrigerator. Place the wings in an airtight container and they will keep for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: I do not recommend freezing these BBQ chicken wings, as the texture of the chicken can change significantly upon thaw.
• Reheating Instructions: To reheat your BBQ chicken wings, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350F for about 15 minutes or until they are heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the oven method helps to keep the skin crisp.

Similar Recipes You'll Love

• Teriyaki Glazed Chicken Wings
• Perfectly Marinated BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
• The Tastiest BBQ Chicken Kabobs

See all the chicken recipes.

Recipe Card

BBQ Chicken Wings (Easy Prep Ahead Recipe)

Valya's Taste of Home

These juicy BBQ chicken wings are a real treat. Packed with flavor thanks to a perfectly balanced blend of spices and a delicious tangy BBQ glaze, they're a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 50 minutes mins

Course Chicken

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Ingredients

  

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For the BBQ Chicken Wings

• ▢ 3 lbs. chicken wings
• ▢ 1 ½ cups BBQ Sauce
• ▢ ½ tbsp. salt
• ▢ 1 tsp. Mrs. Dash Seasoning
• ▢ ½ tsp. garlic salt
• ▢ ¼ tsp. black pepper

Read More

Instructions

 

How to BBQ Chicken Wings

• ▢
  Thaw chicken. Wash and let the water drain.
• ▢
  Place salt, Mrs Dash seasoning, garlic salt and black pepper onto a plate and mix it together.
• ▢
  Place washed chicken wings into a one gallon zip lock bag. Sprinkle the chicken with mixed seasoning.
• ▢
  Lock the zip lock bag and shake the chicken in the bag until all coated with seasoning. Place the chicken in the bag into a fridge over night or for at least 6 hrs.
• ▢
  Preheat oven to 425℉. Remove chicken bag from the fridge. Pour BBQ Sauce into a bag, lock zip lock bag again and shake it until all the chicken gets coated with sauce.

How to Bake BBQ Chicken Wings

• ▢
  Place chicken onto a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Bake chicken wings in the oven for 45 min at 425 ℉. Remove from the oven. Let it cool before serving.
• ▢
  Chicken wings can be served with mashed potatoes, rice or pasta. Refrigerate left overs. Chicken can be reheated. Enjoy!

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This recipe was originally posted on January 29, 2015 (original picture below), and updated for a better user experience. The post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure.