Baked Spicy Barbecue Chicken Wings are a quick and easy way to make delicious wings at home. These wings are baked to perfection and coated with a flavorful sauce made from chili garlic sauce, BBQ rub, and pineapple juice. The wings are tender and juicy with the perfect amount of spice and tang, making them perfect for parties, game days, or any time you’re craving some flavorful chicken wings.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 pouch KC Masterpiece® BBQ Sauce Mix and Dry Rub, Original Flavor

• 6 ounces pineapple juice (about ¾ cup)

• ¼ cup chili garlic sauce

• 2 ½ pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken wings

• 1 green onion, trimmed and sliced for garnish

Directions

1. In a large measuring cup or medium bowl, combine the BBQ sauce mix, pineapple juice, and chili garlic sauce. Whisk to combine.

2. Add chicken wings to a resealable ziptop bag, pour in about ¾ of the sauce, and toss to coat. Seal the bag and marinate the wings in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for more flavor).

3. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil.

4. Remove the wings from the bag, discard the marinade, and arrange the wings in a flat layer on the prepared baking sheet.

5. Bake the wings for 35-40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the wings are as crispy as you like, flipping halfway through baking.

6. Toss the baked wings with the remaining sauce, garnish with green onions, and serve immediately.

Nutrients

• Calories: Approximately 980 per serving

• Carbohydrates: 40g

• Protein: 49g

• Fat: 69g

• Sodium: 1483mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugars: 9g

Why Choose Baked Spicy Barbecue Chicken Wings?

While fried chicken wings are a popular choice, baking them offers a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor or texture. Baking allows the wings to cook evenly and get crispy without the need for excess oil, making them a great option for those looking to cut down on calories while still enjoying a delicious, indulgent snack. Plus, it’s a much easier method to prepare a large batch of wings, making them perfect for feeding a crowd.

The beauty of this recipe lies in the simplicity of the ingredients. Using KC Masterpiece® BBQ Sauce Mix and Dry Rub as a base adds a burst of flavor with minimal effort, while the addition of pineapple juice introduces a natural sweetness that balances the heat from the chili garlic sauce. This creates a well-rounded sauce that coats the wings perfectly, giving them a kick of spice and a satisfying tang.

The Flavor Profile of the Wings

The combination of chili garlic sauce and BBQ rub creates a rich, complex flavor for the wings. The chili garlic sauce adds a bold heat and savory depth, while the BBQ rub provides smokiness and a hint of sweetness. Pineapple juice ties everything together with its tropical sweetness, adding a refreshing contrast to the spiciness of the chili garlic sauce. The result is a sauce that is simultaneously spicy, sweet, and tangy—everything you could want in a barbecue chicken wing.

As the wings bake, they absorb all these flavors, ensuring each bite is full of zest and satisfaction. The wings become tender as they cook, while the skin crisps up beautifully in the oven, providing the perfect balance of texture and flavor. This combination of savory, sweet, and spicy makes these wings irresistible and ideal for anyone who enjoys bold, adventurous flavors.

The Marinating Process

One of the keys to ensuring these wings are full of flavor is the marinating process. By allowing the wings to marinate in the sauce for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for more depth of flavor), the chicken absorbs all the aromatic spices and sauces, ensuring each wing is fully seasoned from the inside out. The longer the wings marinate, the more intense the flavor will be, making the dish even more delicious.

Marinating the wings also helps to tenderize the meat, ensuring that the wings are juicy and flavorful when baked. Using a resealable zip-top bag for marinating is a great way to ensure all the wings are evenly coated with the sauce and that the flavor penetrates the meat thoroughly.

Baking the Wings to Perfection

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Once the wings have marinated, they are baked at a high temperature (425°F or 220°C) to achieve that perfect crispy texture. The baking process is straightforward: arrange the marinated wings on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. The high temperature ensures that the wings become crispy on the outside while staying juicy on the inside.

Flipping the wings halfway through the baking process allows both sides to cook evenly and helps achieve that perfect golden-brown, crispy texture that is characteristic of great wings. Be sure to check the internal temperature of the wings to make sure they’ve reached the safe cooking temperature of 165°F.

The Final Touch: Tossing in the Remaining Sauce

Once the wings are baked and perfectly crispy, toss them with the remaining sauce to coat them evenly. This final layer of sauce adds an extra burst of flavor, enhancing the already rich and tangy taste of the wings. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions for a burst of freshness and a pop of color that contrasts beautifully with the golden wings.

The green onions not only provide a visual appeal but also add a mild, slightly sharp flavor that cuts through the richness of the sauce, making each bite even more satisfying. Serve the wings immediately while they’re hot and crispy, ensuring the full flavor is enjoyed.

Nutritional Profile of Baked Spicy Barbecue Chicken Wings

While these Baked Spicy Barbecue Chicken Wings are indulgent, they also offer a decent amount of protein, with 49 grams of protein per serving. The chicken wings themselves are a great source of lean protein, and the fat content (69 grams per serving) comes from the natural fat in the chicken skin, as well as the added butter in the sauce. While this dish is higher in fat, it provides a good amount of satisfying protein, making it a great choice for those looking to fuel up after a workout or for those simply enjoying a flavorful meal.

With 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving, these wings offer a substantial serving size for those who want a hearty snack or meal. The sugars (9g) come primarily from the pineapple juice and the barbecue rub, giving the wings that perfect balance of sweetness. The dish also contains some fiber (2g), which helps with digestion and adds to the meal’s overall nutritional value.

Customizing Your Wings

While this recipe is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to make it your own. If you prefer a spicier version, you can increase the amount of chili garlic sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade. For those who like their wings a little sweeter, a dash of honey or brown sugar in the sauce will help balance the heat and add a rich sweetness.

You can also experiment with different barbecue rubs to customize the flavor of the wings. If you prefer a smokier taste, a smoky chipotle rub or even a bit of liquid smoke can be added to the sauce. Alternatively, adding some fresh herbs like cilantro or thyme to the marinade can bring in a fresh, aromatic touch.

Serving Suggestions for Baked Spicy Barbecue Chicken Wings

These wings are perfect on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. For a complete meal, consider serving them with coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a side of crispy fries. A refreshing salad with a tangy vinaigrette would also complement the rich and spicy flavors of the wings. For a fun party platter, you can serve these wings alongside other appetizers like stuffed jalapeños, onion rings, or crispy potato wedges.

For a more casual meal, serve the wings with a cold drink—whether it’s an ice-cold beer, a fizzy soda, or a chilled glass of iced tea—to wash down the heat and enjoy the full experience of these flavorful wings.

Conclusion

Baked Spicy Barbecue Chicken Wings are a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the best of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors in every bite. The wings are tender and juicy, with a crispy exterior that’s perfectly coated in a flavorful sauce. Whether you’re serving them at a party, on game day, or as a delicious dinner, these wings are sure to be a hit. With their bold flavor profile and easy preparation, Baked Spicy Barbecue Chicken Wings are the perfect dish for anyone who loves a great, flavorful wing. So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy these irresistible wings!