BBQ Chicken Wings with Smoky Sauce

Juicy, flavorful, and packed with smoky goodness, BBQ Chicken Wings with Smoky Sauce are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish. These wings are perfectly cooked to achieve a tender interior while the skin becomes beautifully caramelized and slightly crispy. Tossed in a rich, smoky barbecue sauce that balances sweetness, tanginess, and heat, these wings are irresistible for game days, family dinners, or backyard gatherings.

What makes this recipe special is its deep smoky flavor without needing a smoker. By using smoked paprika, a touch of liquid smoke, and a perfectly balanced homemade sauce, you get the flavor of slow-cooked wings in a fraction of the time. The result is finger-licking goodness that everyone will love.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s full of flavor, easy to make, and endlessly satisfying. The wings stay tender, the sauce clings perfectly, and the smoky flavor makes them taste like they came from a barbecue joint. It’s a recipe that never fails to impress guests or make weeknight dinners feel special.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try dish because it transforms simple chicken wings into a restaurant-quality BBQ experience at home. The combination of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors hits all the right notes, while the crispy, caramelized skin adds texture. Perfect for parties, game days, or casual family meals, these wings are guaranteed to be a favorite.

Preparation Time, Cooking Time & Servings

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35–40 minutes
• Total Time: 50–55 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings (about 12 wings)
• Calories: ~350 calories per serving (approximate)
• Course: Appetizer / Main Course
• Cuisine: American / BBQ

Ingredients

For the Chicken Wings:

• 12 chicken wings, tips removed and separated
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Smoky BBQ Sauce:

• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon liquid smoke (optional for extra smokiness)
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Salt to taste

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toss chicken wings with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Spread them evenly on the baking sheet.
3. Bake wings for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. While wings are baking, prepare the smoky BBQ sauce. Combine all sauce ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat and simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
5. Toss baked wings in the smoky BBQ sauce until well coated.
6. Return wings to the oven for an additional 5–7 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
7. Serve hot with extra sauce on the side.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, toss chicken wings with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Step 3: Spread wings on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
Step 4: Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
Step 5: Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, liquid smoke, cayenne pepper, and salt. Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Remove wings from oven and toss them in the smoky BBQ sauce.
Step 7: Return wings to the oven for 5–7 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
Step 8: Serve immediately with extra sauce if desired.

How to Serve

• Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
• Pair with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or coleslaw for a complete meal.
• Great for game-day platters or casual family dinners.

Recipe Tips

• Pat wings dry before seasoning to get crispier skin.
• Use a wire rack over a baking sheet for extra crispiness.
• Adjust cayenne pepper for mild or spicy wings.
• Brush wings with extra sauce before the last 5 minutes for a thicker glaze.
• Rest wings for 5 minutes after baking to let juices redistribute.

Recipe Variations

• Grilled BBQ Wings: Cook wings on a grill for extra smoky flavor.
• Honey BBQ Wings: Add 2 tablespoons honey to the sauce for a sweet variation.
• Spicy Buffalo BBQ Wings: Mix buffalo sauce with BBQ sauce for extra heat.
• Smoky Chipotle Wings: Replace smoked paprika with chipotle powder for smoky heat.
• Asian BBQ Wings: Substitute half the ketchup with hoisin sauce and add soy sauce for an Asian twist.

Freezing and Storage Time

• Refrigerator: Store cooked wings in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze baked wings (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Defrost and reheat before adding sauce.
• Sauce: Store extra BBQ sauce in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil
• Wire rack (optional for crispier wings)
• Saucepan
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs or spatula

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Wings with Smoky Sauce are tender, flavorful, and full of irresistible smoky barbecue goodness. Easy to make at home, they bring restaurant-quality flavor to your table without complicated equipment. Perfect for game days, family dinners, or casual gatherings, these wings are sure to become a go-to recipe for anyone who loves bold, smoky, and saucy chicken.