Oven-Baked Bbq Chicken Wings: A Tasty, Easy Treat

Chicken wings are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetiser, finger food, or even a main course. They are a great snack for game day or a party and can be made in the oven all year round. In this article, we will teach you how to cook BBQ chicken wings in the oven, so you can enjoy delicious, crispy, and tender wings anytime you want.

How to get the chicken wings extra crispy

There are a few tricks to get your chicken wings extra crispy when cooking them in the oven. Here are the key steps to follow:

Dry the Wings

Use paper towels to blot away any moisture from the chicken wings. The less moisture left on the skin, the crispier your wings will be. You can also leave the wings uncovered in the refrigerator for a few hours to dry them out further.

Use Baking Powder

Coating the wings in baking powder is a genius trick! It may sound strange, but baking powder helps draw moisture to the surface of the skin so it can evaporate, making the skin crispier. Make sure to use aluminium-free baking powder, as some people are sensitive to the taste of aluminium. You only need a light coating of baking powder, so be sure to discard any excess.

Bake at the Right Temperature

Baking the wings at the right temperature is crucial for achieving that extra crispiness. Preheat your oven to around 250°F (120°C) and bake the wings for about 30 minutes. Then, increase the temperature to 425°F (220°C) and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes until the wings are golden brown and crispy.

Use a Rack

Using a rack to elevate the wings off the baking tray allows the chicken fat to drip down, resulting in crispier wings. If you don't have a rack, you can bake the wings directly on a lined baking sheet, but they may be a bit greasier on the bottom.

Don't Overcrowd the Wings

Make sure to space out the wings on the baking tray. They should be in a single layer and not touching too much. This helps ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Sauce Them Right

If you want to add sauce to your wings, it's best to do so after baking. Adding sauce before baking can make the wings soggy. You can also serve the sauce on the side for dipping to preserve the crispiness.

How to make the BBQ sauce

Ingredients

You can make a simple BBQ sauce with a few basic ingredients. The exact measurements may vary depending on your taste preferences and the number of wings you are preparing. Here is a list of common ingredients used in BBQ sauce:

• Tomato ketchup
• Vinegar (white wine, cider, or a variety of your choice)
• Sweetener (honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, or molasses)
• Seasoning (Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic)

Instructions

• Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan: Start by adding the tomato ketchup, your choice of vinegar, sweetener, and seasoning to a saucepan.
• Heat and simmer: Place the saucepan on medium-high heat and heat the mixture until it reaches a boil. Then, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes.
• Toss with the wings: Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and toss the baked chicken wings in the saucepan to coat them evenly. You can also use two spoons to combine the wings and sauce.
• Return to the oven: After coating the wings with the sauce, place them back on the baking tray and return them to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes. This step will allow the sauce to thicken and caramelize, creating a sticky and glossy coating on the wings.

Feel free to adjust the measurements and add or remove ingredients to suit your taste preferences. You can also experiment with different types of vinegar and sweeteners to create unique flavor profiles.

Oven temperature and cooking time

Firstly, preheat your oven to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend an oven temperature between 220°C/425°F and 250°F. However, one recipe suggests starting at a lower temperature of 120°C/250°F and then increasing it to 220°C/425°F halfway through the cooking process.

The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken wings and your oven's performance. On average, it takes around 45 minutes to an hour to bake BBQ chicken wings. However, it's important to monitor the wings closely to avoid overcooking or undercooking.

When baking the wings, it's best to place them in a single layer on a baking tray or roasting pan. This ensures even cooking and browning. If you're using a baking rack, place it above a tray to catch any drippings.

For the first half of the cooking time, bake the wings without the BBQ sauce. This helps to achieve a crispy texture. Then, remove the wings from the oven and generously coat them with your favourite BBQ sauce. Return the sauced wings to the oven and continue cooking for the remaining time.

Keep in mind that the BBQ sauce may burn if cooked for too long or at too high a temperature. So, it's best to add the sauce towards the end of the cooking process. You can also broil the wings for a few minutes after saucing to achieve extra crispiness.

Always use an instant-read thermometer to check that the wings have reached a safe internal temperature of at least 165°F before serving. This ensures that the wings are fully cooked and safe to eat.

By following these instructions and paying close attention to oven temperature and cooking time, you'll be well on your way to making delicious, crispy, and safely cooked BBQ chicken wings.

How to plate and serve

When it comes to plating and serving BBQ chicken wings, there are a few simple steps to ensure a delicious and visually appealing dish. First, consider the presentation. Aim for a balanced and colorful plate by arranging the wings in a way that showcases their crispy, saucy glory. You can place them in a single layer, fanning them out slightly to create a sense of abundance. If you have a particularly thick or generous coating of sauce, you might want to prop the wings up against something to keep the sauce from pooling on the plate.

Garnishes are key to adding a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or scallions can be sprinkled over the wings, or you could add a small bunch of herb sprigs to the side of the plate for a more rustic look. Sliced scallions or chopped cilantro are also great options, providing a bright contrast to the rich, sticky wings. A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice just before serving will also add a vibrant touch and enhance the flavors.

Don't forget to include a side dish or two to round out the meal. Classic choices include crispy, golden fries or a creamy, cooling coleslaw to balance the spicy, sticky wings. You could also offer a refreshing salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or perhaps some grilled vegetables to complement the BBQ flavors. For a heartier meal, add some crusty bread or fluffy rice to mop up any extra sauce.

Finally, provide your guests with some extra napkins and even a finger bowl filled with warm water and a slice of lemon to refresh their fingers after all that sticky, saucy goodness. This adds a thoughtful touch and ensures your guests can fully relax and enjoy the finger-licking experience of your delicious, homemade BBQ chicken wings.

How to store and reheat

Once you've cooked your BBQ chicken wings, you can store them in the fridge for up to four days. If you don't plan on eating them within that time frame, it's best to freeze them.

When you're ready to reheat your wings, there are several methods you can use, each with its own pros and cons:

Oven:

This is the best method for reheating chicken wings as it helps maintain crispness and ensures even heating. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the wings from the fridge and let them come to room temperature for about 15 minutes. Spray a sheet pan with cooking spray and arrange the wings in a single layer, leaving some space between each wing. Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 5-10 minutes on each side, or until they're warmed through and crispy.

Air Fryer:

The air fryer is a good alternative to the oven as it can also produce crispy wings. Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F. Spritz the wings with cooking spray and place them in the air fryer basket, leaving some space for the hot air to circulate. Reheat for up to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they're crispy and warmed through.

Stove:

Using a skillet on the stove is a faster method than the oven, and you can get a nice char on the wings if you use a cast-iron pan. However, it's harder to achieve even heating and there's a greater risk of overcooking the wings. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a couple of tablespoons of oil. Add the wings, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, and heat for 2-3 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they're warmed through and crispy.

Microwave:

The microwave is a quick option if you're in a hurry, but it's the worst method for maintaining the integrity of your wings. They will likely lose their crispness and become rubbery. Place the wings on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, being careful not to overheat, as they will dry out.

Tips for Reheating Sauced Wings:

If your wings are already coated in sauce, they may come out soggy, dry, or chewy. The oven and air fryer methods can still work, but you may need to add extra sauce halfway through reheating to prevent them from drying out. Pan-frying can also work for sauced wings, but it's important to use cooking spray and add a little oil to the pan to prevent sticking and burning.

Frequently asked questions