Oh, that undeniable craving for chicken wings! You know the one – that primal urge for something salty, savory, and just a little bit addictive. When that hits me, I don’t mess around. Instead of reaching for just anything, I turn to What I Cook When I Crave Chicken Wings Recipes, specifically these incredible, crispy baked barbecue wings. They prove you don’t need deep-frying to get that perfect crunch and flavor explosion. As The Keto Performance Chef, I’ve spent ages perfecting recipes that satisfy those comfort food urges while still fueling the body, and these wings are absolute proof!
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Chicken Wings
Seriously, these wings are a game-changer! Here’s why they’ll become your go-to when that wing craving hits:
- Super Easy Prep: We’re talking minimal fuss here. You can whip these up with simple pantry staples.
- Unbelievably Crispy: That satisfying crunch? Oh yeah, we nail it without the mess of frying.
- Flavor Packed: A perfect blend of savory spices and that tangy barbecue sauce makes them utterly irresistible.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day, a party, or just a Tuesday night treat, these wings hit the spot every single time. Check out more wing ideas here!
What I Cook When I Crave Chicken Wings Recipes: Ingredients
Here’s exactly what you’ll need to get these delicious, crispy chicken wings into your life:
For the Wings
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- Dash cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, divided
How to Make What I Cook When I Crave Chicken Wings Recipes
Alright, let’s get down to business! Making these wings is honestly super straightforward, and trust me, the results are SO worth it. First things first, you’ll want to get that oven fired up. Preheat it to 425°F (220°C). While it’s heating, grab a nice big baking pan – I like one that’s about 15x10x1 inches. Line it with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup, then pour in your melted butter and vegetable oil. Give it a quick brush over the lining so everything’s coated; this helps a ton with that crispy bottom.
Now, for the wings themselves. Grab a sharp knife and get ready to do a little butchering – but don’t worry, it’s easy! You’ll find two joints on each wing. Just cut right through those to separate the drumettes and the flats. You can toss the teeny wing tips; they don’t have much meat on them. Next, in a big bowl, we’re making our magic seasoning mix. Toss together the baking powder, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper, and that little dash of cayenne for a kick. Now, add your wing pieces into the bowl, maybe a few at a time, and give them a good toss. You want them all coated evenly, but shake off any extra powder so they don’t get clumpy.
Carefully arrange the seasoned wings on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they’re in a single layer – this is key for getting them super crispy all over! Pop them into the hot oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. They should start looking nice and golden brown. Once they’re looking good, carefully pull the pan out. Now it’s sauce time! Brush about half of your barbecue sauce all over both sides of the wings. Slide them back into the oven for another 8-10 minutes. You want them to get nicely browned and the juices to run clear. Before serving, give them one last glorious brush with the remaining barbecue sauce. For more tips on crispy baked wings, check out this guide!
Tips for Perfectly Crispy Chicken Wings
Okay, let’s talk shop about getting these wings ridiculously crispy. It’s not magic, it’s just a few little tricks that make a world of difference. First up, baking powder is your best friend here, NOT baking soda! It dries out the skin, which is crucial for that shatteringly crisp texture. Make sure you use it, and don’t skip shaking off the excess. Another super important thing is giving those wings space. Seriously, don’t overcrowd the pan! If they’re crammed together, they’ll steam instead of crisping up. A single layer is the only way to go. It might mean using two pans, but trust me, it’s worth it. For even more wing inspiration, take a peek at these ideas!
Variations on What I Cook When I Crave Chicken Wings Recipes
While I absolutely adore these barbecue wings, the beauty of making chicken wings at home is you can totally switch things up! When I’m not feeling the classic BBQ, I love playing with different flavors. If you’re looking for a bit of heat, a sprinkle of chili powder or a dash of your favorite hot sauce tossed in with the baking powder before cooking adds a fantastic kick. For a different vibe, try a dry rub – maybe something like a smoky paprika and garlic blend, or even go full-on Cajun for a real flavor blast. Don’t forget you can swap out the barbecue sauce too! A sweet honey BBQ is always a crowd-pleaser, or if you’re feeling brave, maybe a spicy mango habanero!
Serving Suggestions for Your Chicken Wings
These barbecue chicken wings are so good, they’re practically a meal on their own! But if you’re looking to round out your spread, especially for game day, I’ve got a few ideas that are perfect. My go-to is always some sort of crunchy veggie – think celery sticks or carrot sticks with a good ranch dip. If you want something a little more substantial, some quick and easy crispy roasted potatoes are a dream. Or, for a whole bunch of other great options, check out my full list of side dish recipes!
Storing and Reheating These Chicken Wings
Got leftovers? Lucky you! To keep these yummy wings tasting great, let them cool down completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for round two, the absolute best way to reheat them is in the oven or an air fryer (if you have one!). Pop them on a baking sheet at around 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes. This helps bring back that glorious crispiness, so they’re almost as good as fresh!
Frequently Asked Questions About What I Cook When I Crave Chicken Wings Recipes
Got burning questions about these crispy BBQ chicken wings? I totally get it! Here are some of the things people ask me all the time:
Can I make these wings in an air fryer?
Oh, absolutely! Air fryers are fantastic for wings. I’d suggest preheating your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C). Toss your seasoned wings in the basket (don’t overcrowd it!) and cook for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Then, toss them with the BBQ sauce and air fry for another 3-5 minutes until glazed. They come out super crispy! If you love air fryer wings, you should totally check out my Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Wings recipe too!
How do I get my chicken wings extra crispy?
The secret is really in a few key things! First, that baking powder in the spice mix is non-negotiable—it dries out the skin. Second, make sure those wings have plenty of breathing room on the baking sheet. A single layer is essential! Don’t stack ’em or cram them together, or they’ll steam instead of crisp. Patting your wings dry before seasoning also helps a bunch!
Can I use different types of barbecue sauce?
Yes, please do! The 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce is just a guideline. Use your favorite brand or flavor! Whether you love a smoky mesquite, a sweet honey BBQ, or even a spicy chipotle, go for it. Just make sure it’s a sauce you really enjoy because it’s a big part of the flavor profile. You can even mix in a little extra hot sauce if you like things spicy!
What if I don’t have baking powder? Can I skip it?
I really don’t recommend skipping the baking powder. It’s not for leavening here; it’s actually for creating that amazing crispy skin. Without it, your wings might end up a bit more chewy than crispy, and that’s not what we want when we’re craving wings, right? Trust me, it’s a small ingredient that makes a HUGE difference in texture.
Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for these wings is just a rough guide, as it can totally vary depending on the specific barbecue sauce you use and the exact size of your chicken pieces. But generally, you’re looking at around 78 calories per serving, with about 5g of fat and 5g of protein. It’s a tasty way to satisfy those wing cravings without going *too* wild!
What I Cook When I Crave Chicken Wings Recipes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper. Pour the melted butter and vegetable oil over the lining and brush to coat evenly.
- Using a sharp knife, cut through the two wing joints to separate the drumettes and flats; discard the wing tips. In a large bowl, combine the baking powder, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Add the chicken wing pieces a few at a time and toss to coat. Shake off any excess seasoning.
- Place the seasoned wings on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown. Brush both sides of the wings with half of the barbecue sauce. Continue to cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until browned and the juices run clear. Brush with the remaining 1/4 cup of barbecue sauce before serving.
