Dallas BBQ Sticky Wings

You’ve probably tried many chicken wing recipes, but today, we’re making something truly special. Guess what? Dallas BBQ Sticky Wings!

Dallas BBQ Sticky Wings Recipe with sauce

What makes these wings special is their versatility—they can be grilled, baked for a healthier option, or fried for that extra crunch, making them a restaurant-style delight that you can easily prepare at home.

If you love glazed wings, you might also enjoy Hennessy Wings. And if you prefer ketchup-based condiments, try pairing your wings with Chicago Mild Sauce for a slightly sweet kick.

Ingredients

For the Wings:

  • Chicken wings
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Olive oil

For the Sticky BBQ Sauce:

  • BBQ sauce
  • Honey
  • Brown sugar or maple syrup
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Butter
  • Smoked paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Cayenne pepper (optional)

How To Make Dallas BBQ Sticky Wings

Step 1: Prep the Wings

Pat the wings dry using a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for getting crispy skin.

In a large bowl, toss the wings with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and olive oil to evenly coat them.

Let the wings sit for about 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 2: Cook the Wings

Choose your preferred cooking method:

Option 1: Oven-Baked BBQ Wings (Crispy & Easy)

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the wings in a single layer.

Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is golden and crispy.

Option 2: Grilled Sticky Wings (Smoky & Charred)

Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 375°F).

Place the wings on the grill and cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping occasionally, until charred and fully cooked.

Option 3: Fried BBQ Wings (Crispy & Classic)

Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).

Fry the wings in batches for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.

Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3: Make the Sticky BBQ Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine BBQ sauce, honey, brown sugar (or maple syrup), apple cider vinegar, butter, smoked paprika, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper (if using).

Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, until it thickens and becomes glossy.

Step 4: Coat the Wings & Serve

Toss the cooked wings in the warm, sticky BBQ sauce until fully coated.

Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor.

Serve with ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or coleslaw for the perfect pairing.

Dallas BBQ Sticky Wings Recipe in white plate

Tips for the Best Sticky BBQ Wings

Want restaurant-style sticky BBQ wings? Here are some pro tips:

1. Use Smoked Wings for Authentic BBQ Flavor

Smoking your wings before tossing them in BBQ sauce enhances the deep flavor.

Use hickory, mesquite, or applewood chips if you have a smoker.

2. Make Slow-Cooked Sticky Wings in a Crockpot

For fall-off-the-bone tender wings, slow-cook them before finishing under the broiler:

Place seasoned wings in a slow cooker with ½ cup of BBQ sauce.

Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.

Transfer to a baking sheet and broil for 3-4 minutes until caramelized.

3. Let the Wings Rest After Cooking

Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the wings moist and flavorful.

Let them sit for 5 minutes before tossing in the sauce.

Variations and Customizations

Make this recipe your own with these fun variations!

1. Spicy Honey BBQ Wings

Add 1-2 tbsp of hot sauce or ½ tsp cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce for extra heat.

Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for an added kick.

2. Sweet and Smoky Wings

Use brown sugar or maple syrup in the sauce for a richer, sweeter flavor.

Add ½ tsp liquid smoke for that classic Texas BBQ chicken wings taste.

3. Southern-Style BBQ Wings

Mix 1 tbsp yellow mustard into the sauce for a tangy, Carolina-style twist.

Add an extra splash of Worcestershire sauce for deep flavor.

close view of Dallas BBQ Sticky Wings Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make These in an Air Fryer?

Yes! Air frying is a healthier and quicker option:

  • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  • Arrange the wings in a single layer (don’t overcrowd).
  • Cook for 22-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
  • For extra crispiness, increase the temp to 400°F for the last 3-5 minutes.

2. What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?

Keep leftover wings fresh with these storage tips:

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
  • To reheat and keep them crispy, bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes or air fry at 350°F for 5 minutes.
  • Avoid microwaving, as it makes them soggy.

3. How Can I Make My Wings Extra Crispy?

Want crispy baked BBQ wings? Try this trick:

  • Toss the wings in 1 tbsp baking powder along with the seasoning.
  • This dries out the skin, making them ultra-crispy in the oven.
  • Bake on a wire rack for even airflow and crispiness.

close view of Dallas BBQ Sticky Wings Recipe

Dallas BBQ Sticky Wings

What makes Dallas BBQ Sticky Wings special is their versatility—they can be grilled, baked for a healthier option, or fried for that extra crunch, making them a restaurant-style delight that you can easily prepare at home.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Coating & Serving: 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

For the Wings:

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

For the Sticky BBQ Sauce:

  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper optional

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prep the Wings

  • Pat the wings dry using a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for getting crispy skin.
  • In a large bowl, toss the wings with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and olive oil to evenly coat them.
  • Let the wings sit for about 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 2: Cook the Wings

  • Choose your preferred cooking method:

Option 1: Oven-Baked BBQ Wings (Crispy & Easy)

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the wings in a single layer.
  • Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is golden and crispy.

Option 2: Grilled Sticky Wings (Smoky & Charred)

  • Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 375°F).
  • Place the wings on the grill and cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping occasionally, until charred and fully cooked.

Option 3: Fried BBQ Wings (Crispy & Classic)

  • Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
  • Fry the wings in batches for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
  • Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3: Make the Sticky BBQ Sauce

  • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine BBQ sauce, honey, brown sugar (or maple syrup), apple cider vinegar, butter, smoked paprika, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  • Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, until it thickens and becomes glossy.

Step 4: Coat the Wings & Serve

  • Toss the cooked wings in the warm, sticky BBQ sauce until fully coated.
  • Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor.
  • Serve with ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or coleslaw for the perfect pairing.

Pro Tips for the Best BBQ Sticky Wings:

  • For extra crispiness, broil the baked wings for 2-3 minutes before tossing them in the sauce.
  • Want a deeper smoky flavor? Use a smoked BBQ sauce or add a dash of liquid smoke to the sauce.
  • Like it spicier? Increase the cayenne pepper or add a splash of hot sauce to the BBQ glaze.
Keyword Crispy baked BBQ wings, Homemade BBQ wings, Texas-style chicken wings