BBQ Wings Homemade Sauce

Ingredients

4 pounds of chicken wings

salt and pepper

1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce

1/2 cup Open Pit barbecue sauce

1/4 cup honey

1 tablespoon brown sugar

2 teaspoons prepared mustard

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

1/2 teaspoon onion salt

Tabasco to taste (optional)

Container: Large baking sheet

Instructions:

Step 1:

Rinse chicken and pat dry.

Cut off and discard wingtips.

Sprinkle wings with salt and pepper and place on a broiler pan or a baking sheet lined with foil.

Step 2:

Broil 4 to 5 inches away from heat for 20 minutes, turning once during the middle of broiling.

Step 3:

Transfer chicken to a slow cooker.

Combine the remaining ingredients in a bowl; stir to combine.

Step 4:

Pour the sauce over chicken and cover.

Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high 2 to 2 1/2 hours.

Or place chicken in a foil-lined baking dish, coat with sauce, and bake in the oven for 30 minutes at 350° F.

Remove from the oven and turn over; coat again with sauce and cook another 30 minutes.

Notes:

Chicken Preparation: It’s important to rinse and pat dry the chicken wings before seasoning to ensure they are clean and ready for cooking.

Wingtips: Removing and discarding the wingtips helps to create a more uniform appearance and allows for even cooking.

Seasoning: Sprinkling the wings with salt and pepper adds basic seasoning that enhances the flavor of the chicken.

Broiling: Broiling the wings before adding the sauce helps to partially cook and crisp up the skin, which adds texture and flavor to the final dish.

Slow Cooker Method: Using a slow cooker allows the chicken wings to cook slowly and absorb the flavors of the barbecue sauce, honey, and other ingredients over several hours, resulting in tender, flavorful wings.

Baking Option: If you prefer using the oven, baking the wings coated with the sauce at 350°F for 30 minutes, then flipping and coating again for another 30 minutes, will yield delicious, sticky wings with a caramelized finish.

Sauce Ingredients: The combination of Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce, Open Pit barbecue sauce, honey, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion salt, and optional Tabasco creates a sweet, tangy, and savory flavor profile for the wings.

Customization: Feel free to adjust the sauce ingredients based on your taste preferences. Add more or less honey, brown sugar, or Tabasco to suit your desired level of sweetness and heat.

Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on whether you use a slow cooker or oven. Longer cooking times in the slow cooker will result in more tender wings, while baking in the oven yields a slightly crispier texture.

Serving Suggestions: Serve these BBQ wings as a delicious appetizer or main dish at gatherings, parties, or family dinners. They pair well with coleslaw, potato salad, or cornbread for a classic barbecue meal.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 4 pounds of chicken wings

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other chicken parts besides wings?

Yes, you can use other chicken parts such as drumsticks or chicken thighs with this sauce.

Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the size of the chicken pieces.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

If you prefer spicier wings, add more Tabasco sauce to the barbecue sauce mixture.

You can also sprinkle additional red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper before baking.

Can I make these wings ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the wings ahead of time by marinating them in the sauce and storing them in the refrigerator.

When ready to cook, simply bake or slow cook according to the instructions.

What can I substitute for Open Pit barbecue sauce if I can’t find it?

If you don’t have Open Pit barbecue sauce, you can substitute with your favorite brand of barbecue sauce or a homemade barbecue sauce recipe.

Can I use a different type of mustard?

Yes, feel free to use Dijon mustard or whole-grain mustard instead of prepared mustard if you prefer a different flavor profile.

Is there a substitute for Worcestershire sauce?

If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can use soy sauce as a substitute to add umami flavor to the sauce.

How do I prevent the wings from sticking to the baking sheet?

To prevent sticking, make sure to line the baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil before placing the wings.

Can I use this sauce for grilling instead of baking?

Yes, you can use this sauce for grilling.

Grill the wings over medium heat, basting with the sauce frequently until cooked through.

How do I know when the wings are cooked through?

The wings are cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) as measured with a meat thermometer.

The meat should be opaque and no longer pink near the bone.

What are some recommended side dishes to serve with BBQ wings?

Serve these BBQ wings with classic side dishes such as coleslaw, potato salad, cornbread, baked beans, or a simple green salad to complement the flavors of the dish.