Alright, fellas (and fearless grill gals), let’s talk wings.
I’ve made every cut of meat over the years, but there’s just something about chicken wings—especially spicy BBQ wings—that hits different.
They’re perfect for game days, beer nights, backyard hangs, or, hell, even Tuesdays.
They’re the kind of finger food that turns quiet guests into loyal fans. And with this sweet-heat twist?
You’re about to make legendary wings.
🍗 What Are Chicken Wings, Anyway?
Simple, delicious, and designed for licking your fingers afterward.
Chicken wings are made up of three parts: the drumette, flat, and tip (which we usually ditch or save for stock).
They’re cheap, juicy, and the perfect canvas for bold BBQ flavor. You crisp ’em up, glaze them in sauce, and boom—instant crowd-pleaser.
Why This Recipe Works?
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Sweet Meets Heat: The combo of honey, sriracha, and smoky BBQ sauce makes these wings irresistible.
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Crispy Without Frying: You get the perfect bite using just your oven or grill.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: The sauce can be prepped ahead and wings reheat like champs.
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Customizable Heat: Like it nuclear? Add more cayenne. Feeding spice lightweights? Pull back the sriracha.
Spicy BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe
🕒 Timing Breakdown
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 40 minutes
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Total Time: ~55 minutes
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Yields: 4–6 servings (or just 1 if you’re real hungry)
🛒 Ingredients
For the Wings:
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2 lbs chicken wings (drumettes & flats)
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1 tbsp baking powder (not soda – helps crisp)
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1 tsp kosher salt
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp black pepper
👉 Tools I Use:
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Heavy-duty wire baking rack & sheet – for that oven-fried crisp.
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Mixing bowl set with lids – easy to season & store.
For the Spicy BBQ Sauce:
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½ cup BBQ sauce (sweet + smoky works best)
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2 tbsp honey
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1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
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1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
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1 tsp apple cider vinegar
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1 garlic clove, minced
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Pinch of chili flakes (for topping)
👉 Favorites I Recommend:
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Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ – bold, sweet, thick.
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Organic raw honey – cleaner sweetness.
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Classic Sriracha – that perfect kick.
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Dry & Season the Wings
Pat wings bone dry with paper towels.
Toss in a large bowl with baking powder, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and pepper. Mix well so each wing is coated.
2️⃣ Cook ‘Em: Oven or Grill
Oven Method:
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Preheat oven to 425°F
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Line a baking sheet with foil, place a wire rack on top.
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Spread wings in a single layer.
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Bake 20 min, flip, bake 20 more until crisp & golden.
Grill Method:
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Heat grill to medium-high (~400°F)
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Oil grates using this silicone basting brush
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Grill 20–25 minutes, flipping every 5–6 min until nicely charred.
👉 Grill Tip: Wings should reach 165°F inside—don’t wing it. I use this instant-read thermometer every time.
3️⃣ Make the Spicy BBQ Sauce
While wings cook, combine BBQ sauce, honey, sriracha, cayenne, vinegar, and garlic in a saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 5–7 minutes until sticky and smooth. Set aside.
4️⃣ Toss & Finish
Toss hot wings in a bowl with the sauce. Want ’em extra sticky? Return them to the grill or oven for 5 more minutes post-saucing.
5️⃣ Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with red chili flakes or chopped parsley.
Serve hot with beer and wet wipes.
👉 Pro tip: Disposable hand wipes make cleanup easier when you’re wrist-deep in sauce.
🔍 Nutrition (Per ~5 wings)
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Calories: 310
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Protein: 22g
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Fat: 18g
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Carbs: 16g
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Sugar: 11g
🍽️ Serving Tips
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Serve with celery, carrots, and ranch or blue cheese dip
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Great with grilled corn, slaw, or potato wedges
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Add them to a party board with sliders, nachos, and cold drinks
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Leftovers? Shred them into wraps or rice bowls
FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen wings?
Yep—just thaw and pat dry before seasoning.
Q: How spicy are these?
Medium as written. Crank up the sriracha or cayenne for heat lovers.
Q: Can I air fry these?
Absolutely! 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flip halfway. Toss in sauce afterward.
Q: What BBQ sauce should I use?
Go for sweet and smoky. Stubbs Sweet Heat is another great option.
Now fire up that grill (or oven), grab a cold one, and show these wings who’s boss.
Warning: You might be put in charge of wings forever.