Tangy Barbecue Wings

Prep: 15 min Cook: 55 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Tangy Barbecue Wings feature a bold combination of spicy ketchup, honey, molasses, and smoky flavors, perfect for casual gatherings and wing lovers seeking a tangy, sweet, and smoky taste.

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Ingredients

  • 25 whole chicken wings (about 5 lb.)
  • 2 1/2 cups hot and spicy ketchup
  • 2/3 cup white vinegar
  • 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon liquid smoke

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut chicken wings into 3 sections, discarding the wing tips.
  3. Place the chicken wings into two greased 15 x 10 x 1-inch baking pans.
  4. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, then drain the juices.
  5. Turn the wings and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes or until the juices run clear.

Tips & Substitutions

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken wings in the sauce for a few hours or overnight. If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of hot and spicy ketchup or add more honey. Liquid smoke can be adjusted to taste; start with 1/2 teaspoon for a subtle hint. Consider using honey substitutes like agave nectar for a different sweetness profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Tangy Barbecue Wings with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for a classic pairing. They also go well with coleslaw or a side of Great Potatoes. Consider serving them alongside American recipes like Chicken Velvet Soup for a comforting meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. For extra crispiness, broil them for a few minutes after reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Tangy Barbecue Wings contains roughly 312 calories, with 3g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (31% of the Daily Value), potassium (31% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1146mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).

312 kcal 16% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.2g 6% DV
Total Fat 1.4g 2% DV
Carbs 76.1g 28% DV
Fiber 5.7g 20% DV
Sugar 58.3g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1145.9mg 50% DV
Potassium 1448.4mg 31% DV
Cholesterol 0.3mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 111.4mcg 12% DV
Vitamin C 4.8mg 5% DV
Calcium 257.3mg 20% DV
Iron 5.7mg 31% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking. You may need to increase the baking time slightly.

What is the best way to achieve crispy wings?

To achieve crispy wings, make sure to bake them at a high temperature and avoid overcrowding the baking pans. Draining the juices halfway through cooking also helps keep them crisp. You can broil them for the last few minutes for extra crispiness.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the barbecue sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. This allows the flavors to meld together, making it even tastier when you use it on your wings.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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