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Crispy BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe in the Oven Healthy & Delicious

Crispy BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe in the Oven Healthy & Delicious

Oven-baked for a crispy, golden finish without frying.
Healthier BBQ chicken wings that still taste indulgent.
Perfect for parties, family meals, or game night.
Easy, customizable, and mess-free cooking method.
A recipe that balances flavor, crunch, and nutrition.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 5
Course: Dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Chicken Wings
  • 2 lbs 900 g chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
  • 2 tbsp 30 ml olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 tsp 5 g salt
  • 1 tsp 5 g black pepper
  • 1 tsp 5 g smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp 2 g garlic powder
  • ½ tsp 2 g onion powder
  • For the BBQ Marinade / Sauce
  • ½ cup 120 ml BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tbsp 30 ml honey (or maple syrup for natural sweetness)
  • 1 tbsp 15 ml apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
  • 1 tsp 5 ml hot sauce (optional, for extra kick)
  • Optional Add-ins
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
  • ½ tsp chili flakes for extra heat

Method
 

  1. Preparing the Chicken
  2. Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a large baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. This helps airflow and ensures even crisping.
  3. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Removing moisture is key to crispiness.
  4. Making the BBQ Marinade
  5. In a medium bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce until smooth. Set aside.
  6. Baking the Chicken Wings
  7. In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until evenly coated.
  8. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack.
  9. Bake for 20 minutes, then flip the wings with tongs. Continue baking for another 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  10. Coating with Sauce
  11. Remove wings from the oven and transfer to a clean bowl. Pour half the BBQ sauce mixture over the wings and toss until coated.
  12. Return wings to the oven for 5-7 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
  13. Brush with extra sauce before serving for a glossy finish.
  14. Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Wings
  15. Always dry the wings well before seasoning.
  16. Use a wire rack to avoid soggy bottoms.
  17. For extra crispiness, broil on high for 2-3 minutes at the end.
  18. Troubleshooting
  19. Wings not crispy? Make sure oven is preheated and wings aren’t overcrowded.
  20. Too sweet? Balance with a splash of vinegar or squeeze of lemon.
  21. Too dry? Brush with extra sauce after baking.
  22. Storage and Reheating
  23. Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  24. Freezer: Freeze baked wings (without sauce) for up to 2 months.
  25. Reheat: Warm in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Notes

Variations
Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or sriracha to the marinade.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free BBQ sauce.
Vegan-style: Swap wings with cauliflower florets for crispy BBQ cauliflower bites.
Substitutions
Olive oil → avocado oil or sunflower oil.
Honey → maple syrup or agave.
BBQ sauce → teriyaki sauce for an Asian twist.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Marinate wings overnight for deeper flavor.
Bake ahead, then reheat and glaze just before serving.
Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes
Soggy skin: Always use high heat and a rack.
Burnt sauce: Add glaze in the last few minutes, not from the start.
Under-seasoning: Don’t skip spices in the dry rub.
Tools & Equipment
Large baking tray
Wire rack
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Tongs
Basting brush
Serving Ideas
Pair with garlic bread, cheesy fries, or coleslaw.
Serve with ranch or blue cheese dip.
Perfect with chilled lemonade or iced tea.