Smoky BBQ Wings
This recipe delivers delicious smoky BBQ wings, perfect for gatherings. Chicken wings are coated in a vibrant, tangy, and spicy sauce featuring ketchup, olive oil, orange juice, and chipotle pepper sauce. They are then baked to perfection, resulting in tender chicken with a flavorful, glazed exterior. A crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course.
Equipment
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Baking Sheet Preferably with a wire rack for airflow
- 1 Garlic Grater (Microplane)
- 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
Main
- 3 -4 lbs chicken wings
- 2 cups ketchup
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup TABASCO® brand Chipotle Pepper Sauce
- 4 garlic cloves grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or place a wire rack on top for better air circulation.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ketchup, olive oil, orange juice, TABASCO® brand Chipotle Pepper Sauce, grated garlic, and salt. Whisk until thoroughly combined.
- Pat the chicken wings thoroughly dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture; this is crucial for crispy skin.
- Add the dried chicken wings to the bowl with the sauce, tossing to ensure every wing is evenly coated. For enhanced flavor, let them marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours.
- Arrange the sauced wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow for proper crisping.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the wings are cooked through, golden brown, and the sauce is caramelized and sticky.
- Flip the wings halfway through the baking process (around 25 minutes) to ensure even cooking and browning on both sides.
- For an extra-sticky glaze, you can baste the wings with any remaining sauce during the last 15 minutes of baking, or briefly broil for a few minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot, perhaps garnished with fresh chopped cilantro or green onions for a fresh accent.
Notes
For exceptionally crispy wings, pat them very dry before tossing with the sauce. Marinating the wings for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, allows the smoky, spicy flavors to penetrate deeper. When baking, ensure wings are spread in a single layer to promote even cooking and crisping; overcrowding a pan will steam them. For an even richer glaze, you can reserve some sauce before tossing the raw wings, reduce it on the stovetop, and then toss the cooked wings in the thickened sauce. Adjust the Tabasco Chipotle Pepper Sauce to your desired heat level for perfect spice.