Baked Chicken Wings

These Baked Chicken Wings are the perfect combination of crispy, tender chicken and bold, flavorful seasoning. Coated with a simple blend of olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and barbecue sauce, these wings are baked to perfection, offering a healthier alternative to deep-frying without compromising on taste. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, these wings are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken wings
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
3. Place the seasoned wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced out for even cooking.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through to ensure they cook evenly.
5. Remove the wings from the oven and brush with the barbecue sauce, coating them generously.
6. Return the wings to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to set and caramelize.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Different Sauces: Experiment with different sauces such as buffalo sauce, honey mustard, or a combination of soy sauce and ginger for a unique flavor.
• Spicy Wings: Add some cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chili powder to the seasoning mix if you like your wings with a kick.
• Lemon Pepper Wings: Swap the barbecue sauce for a lemon pepper seasoning mix for a zesty alternative.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure the barbecue sauce used is gluten-free to keep the recipe gluten-free.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Leftover baked chicken wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the wings back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, though the texture will be best when reheated in the oven.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken wings? Yes, you can use frozen wings. Just be sure to thaw them before seasoning and baking for best results.
2. How do I make the wings extra crispy? To make the wings extra crispy, you can place them on a wire rack over the baking sheet while baking. This allows air to circulate around them, ensuring crispness on all sides.
3. Can I bake the wings at a lower temperature? While you can bake at a lower temperature (such as 375°F), baking at 400°F ensures the wings crisp up nicely. Just add a few more minutes if you lower the temperature.
4. Can I use a different seasoning? Yes, feel free to experiment with different seasonings, such as Italian seasoning, cumin, or even a ranch seasoning mix.
5. How do I prevent the wings from sticking to the baking sheet? Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or use a non-stick spray to prevent the wings from sticking.
6. How long can I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the wings are in an airtight container.
7. Can I grill these wings instead of baking them? Yes, you can grill the wings over medium heat for 20-25 minutes, flipping them regularly and brushing with barbecue sauce during the last few minutes.
8. Can I make these wings in advance? You can prepare the wings ahead of time, season them, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
9. Can I use chicken drumsticks instead of wings? Yes, you can substitute chicken drumsticks, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Drumsticks may take about 40-45 minutes to bake at 400°F.
10. Can I make these wings without barbecue sauce? Yes, you can skip the barbecue sauce or replace it with your favorite glaze or dipping sauce.

Conclusion

These Baked Chicken Wings are a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family dinner, game day, or a gathering with friends. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can enjoy crispy, tender wings with a savory and smoky barbecue glaze that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you enjoy them as they are or experiment with different seasonings and sauces, this recipe is a must-try for any chicken wing lover.

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