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Microwave BBQ Chicken Wings

This recipe offers a swift method for crafting savory BBQ chicken wings using a microwave. It features a simple, homemade sweet and smoky sauce that coats tender chicken wing flats, cooked through efficiently. A recommended final crisping step ensures a desirable texture, making for a quick and satisfying meal.
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Total Time 23 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 6 people
Calories 442.9 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Medium Mixing Bowl For whisking the BBQ sauce ingredients.
  • 1 Whisk To ensure a smooth, well-combined sauce.
  • 1 Microwave-Safe Dish Large enough to arrange wings in a single layer.
  • 1 Tongs For flipping wings safely during microwave cooking and transferring.
  • 1 Baking Sheet (optional) For broiling to achieve crispiness, if desired.

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons spicy brown mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 pound chicken wing flats wingettes

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the ketchup, light brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, spicy brown mustard, garlic powder, ground cumin, and kosher salt until the BBQ sauce is smooth and well combined.
  • Add the chicken wing flats to the prepared sauce, tossing thoroughly to ensure each wing is evenly coated.
  • Arrange the sauced chicken wings in a single layer within a large microwave-safe dish, ensuring not to overcrowd.
  • Microwave the wings on high power for 10 to 12 minutes, carefully flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until the chicken is cooked through.
  • For an optimal crispy and caramelized texture, transfer the cooked wings to a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes per side, or air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally.
  • Serve the microwave BBQ chicken wings immediately, garnished as desired.

Notes

While the microwave cooks the wings, a crucial step for achieving classic BBQ wing texture is a final crisping. After microwaving, transfer wings to a preheated broiler or air fryer. Broil on high for 3-5 minutes per side, or air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking occasionally, until caramelized and crispy. This step elevates the dish significantly. For a deeper flavor, let the wings marinate in the sauce for at least 30 minutes before microwaving. Adjust smoked paprika and spicy brown mustard to taste for desired smokiness and heat.