If you’re craving a mouthwatering appetizer that brings together smoky, spicy, and crispy in every bite, look no further than this Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Wings with BBQ Hot Sauce Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that turns any gathering into a celebration, with tender chicken wings hugged in savory bacon and finished with a fiery, tangy sauce that makes you want just one more. Whether you’re hosting a game night or just treating yourself, these wings will quickly become your new favorite go-to for finger-licking good fun.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keep it simple but impactful with these essential ingredients that ensure your wings come out perfectly balanced in flavor and texture. Each item is chosen to bring smokiness, spiciness, and that irresistible crispiness that everyone loves.
- 4 pounds chicken wing drumettes or flats: Fresh wings provide the juicy foundation for this recipe.
- 2 tablespoons BBQ seasoning: A blend of spices adds a smoky, savory layer that enhances the wings.
- 1 pound bacon (cut in half): Wrapping the wings in bacon guarantees crispness and a rich, salty contrast.
- ½ cup BBQ sauce: Sweet and tangy, this sauce brings depth and sticky goodness.
- ½ cup hot sauce: For a spicy kick that balances perfectly with the bacon and BBQ flavors.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Wings with BBQ Hot Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Wings
Begin by heating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature is key for crisping up both the chicken and bacon beautifully. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil, then place a wire rack on top to let the heat circulate around those wings, preventing sogginess and promoting an even crisp.
Step 2: Season and Wrap the Wings
Pat the wings dry, then sprinkle the BBQ seasoning evenly over each piece. This seasoning will imbue each bite with layers of smoky flavor. Next, wrap each wing with half a slice of bacon, making sure the bacon covers the wing snugly to keep everything juicy during baking.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Arrange your bacon-wrapped wings on the wire rack and slide them into the oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the bacon is beautifully crisp. Patience here means maximum flavor and texture payoff.
Step 4: Coat with BBQ Hot Sauce
While the wings bake, whisk together your BBQ sauce and hot sauce in a large bowl. As soon as the wings are done, toss them lovingly in this fiery, tangy mixture to coat every inch. The sauce clings delightfully to the crispy bacon and tender chicken, creating that perfect sticky, spicy finish.
How to Serve Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Wings with BBQ Hot Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your wings with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds subtle crunch and a nutty hint that pairs wonderfully with the smoky bacon.
Side Dishes
Serve your Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Wings with BBQ Hot Sauce Recipe alongside crunchy celery sticks and creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing to cool down the spice. A crisp coleslaw or roasted corn on the cob also complements the smoky, spicy flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange the wings on a rustic wooden platter lined with parchment paper, adding small bowls of extra sauce for dipping. You can also thread a few wings on skewers for easy party serving or serve them atop a bed of fresh greens for a more composed plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three days, making for unbeatable next-day snacks or quick meal additions.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the cooled wings tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Frozen wings maintain their quality for up to two months, so you can prep ahead and enjoy anytime cravings hit.
Reheating
Reheat your wings in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes, making sure they are warmed through and the bacon regains its crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that signature texture and flavor vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use regular chicken wings instead of drumettes or flats?
Absolutely! Whole wings work fine too, just adjust your cooking time slightly to ensure they reach the perfect internal temperature and the bacon crisps up nicely all around.
What type of bacon works best for this recipe?
Thick-cut bacon is ideal because it crisps up beautifully without burning, but standard sliced bacon can work as long as you watch the cooking closely.
Can I make this recipe less spicy?
Yes, simply reduce the amount of hot sauce or swap it out for a milder BBQ sauce. You can also add a touch of honey to soften the heat while maintaining flavor balance.
Is it necessary to use a wire rack for baking?
Using a wire rack helps the heat circulate around the wings for even cooking and crispiness. If you don’t have one, place the wings directly on foil but flip them halfway through baking.
How do I know when the wings are done?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat, while maintaining juiciness.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Wings with BBQ Hot Sauce Recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser that brings unforgettable flavor to your table. Its perfect balance of smoky bacon, tender chicken, and fiery sauce will keep everyone coming back for more. Give this recipe a try, and watch how quickly it becomes the star of your menu!
Print
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Wings with BBQ Hot Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 to 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Wings are a flavorful and succulent appetizer perfect for parties or game day. Tender chicken wings are seasoned with BBQ seasoning, wrapped in crispy bacon, baked to perfection, and then tossed in a tangy blend of barbecue and hot sauce for a deliciously smoky and spicy finish.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 4 lb chicken wing drumette or flats pieces
- 2 Tbsp BBQ seasoning
- 1 lb bacon (cut in half)
Sauce
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ½ cup hot sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425ºF (220ºC). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, and place a wire rack on top of the foil to allow air circulation under the wings for even cooking and crispiness.
- Season and Wrap Wings: Season the chicken wings evenly with 2 tablespoons of BBQ seasoning. Take each wing and wrap it with a half slice of bacon, securing it snugly. Lay the bacon-wrapped wings on the wire rack, ensuring they are spaced out for optimal roasting.
- Bake Wings: Place the prepared baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the wings for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC). The bacon should be crisp and golden brown at this point.
- Prepare Sauce and Toss Wings: While the wings bake, whisk together ½ cup of BBQ sauce and ½ cup of hot sauce in a large bowl until well combined. Once wings are out of the oven, add them to the bowl and toss to fully coat each wing in the tangy, spicy sauce.
Notes
- For crispier bacon, you can broil the wings for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Chicken wing flats and drumettes both work well; you can use one or a mix of both.
- Adjust the ratio of BBQ sauce to hot sauce based on your preferred spice level.
- Make sure to use a wire rack to prevent the wings from sitting in grease and to help them crisp evenly.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165ºF to guarantee safe consumption of chicken.
