Southern-Style Barbecue Chicken Wings with Tangy Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken wings coated in a smoky, tangy barbecue sauce inspired by Southern American flavors, perfect for game days or casual dinners. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes blends split chicken wings, olive oil, smoked paprika into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, toss 2 lbs chicken wings with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Arrange wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 35-40 minutes, turning halfway, until skin is crisp and wings are cooked through.
  3. Step 3: While wings bake, combine 1 cup barbecue sauce, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp hot sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened and slightly glossy.
  4. Step 4: Remove wings from oven and toss immediately in the warm barbecue sauce until well coated. Serve hot with extra sauce on the side.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Southern-Style Barbecue Chicken Wings with Tangy Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (10 min prep + 45 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Southern-Style Barbecue Chicken Wings with Tangy Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Southern-Style Barbecue Chicken Wings with Tangy Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Southern-Style Barbecue Chicken Wings with Tangy Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Southern-Style Barbecue Chicken Wings with Tangy Sauce?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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