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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