Sweet and Tangy Baked Wings Recipe

A bite into these sweet and tangy baked wings is a game changer. The wings are brined in a mixture of honey, salt, and spices, then baked until perfectly golden. They're finished off with a unique Dr Pepper barbecue sauce, which creates a beautiful glaze and adds a depth of flavor that makes these wings stand out.

Photos of Sweet and Tangy Baked Wings Recipe

While most of the ingredients for these wings are probably already in your pantry, there are a couple you might need to pick up. The barbecue seasoning could be a special item, it's usually a mixture of spices like paprika, brown sugar, and chili powder. If you can't find it, you can make your own. The Dr Pepper is essential for the sauce, it gives a unique sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tangy ketchup and Worcestershire sauce.

Ingredients for Sweet and Tangy Baked Wings

Party style chicken wings: These are typically found in the meat section of your grocery store. They are smaller than regular wings and are great for parties.

Kosher salt: This is used in the brine to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.

Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to the brine.

Garlic: Used in the brine for flavor.

Barbecue seasoning: A mix of spices that adds a smoky flavor to the wings.

Dr Pepper: Used in the barbecue sauce to add a unique, sweet flavor.

Ketchup: The base for the barbecue sauce.

Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy flavor to the barbecue sauce.

Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky flavor to the barbecue sauce.

Steak sauce: Enhances the flavors of the barbecue sauce.

Onion powder: Adds a subtle onion flavor to the barbecue sauce.

Garlic powder: Used in the barbecue sauce for flavor.

One reader, Glen Xu says:

These sweet and tangy baked wings are a game-changer! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the sauce is finger-licking good. The wings come out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. It's a must-try for any wing lover!

Glen Xu

Mastering the Art of Baked Wings: Key Techniques

How to brine the chicken wings: Brining the chicken wings in a mixture of water, salt, honey, garlic, and seasoning helps to infuse them with flavor and keep them juicy when baked.

How to make the barbecue sauce: Combining Dr Pepper, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, steak sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper in a saucepan and simmering until slightly thickened creates a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce to coat the baked wings.

How To Make Sweet and Tangy Baked Wings

This baked chicken wings will be the start of your next party. They are crispy, coated in homemade Dr. Pepper barbecue sauce that is sweet and tangy.

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking: 45 minutes

Total: 1 hour 5 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

For the Wings:

2½lbsparty style chicken wings(or whole chicken wings that have been halved crosswise)
¼cupkosher salt
3tbspshoney
3clovesgarlicsmashed
1tbspbarbecue seasoning(poultry or grill)
8cupswater
Cooking spray
cilantro leaves and lemon wedges for garnish(Optional)

For the Barbecue Sauce:

1cupDr Pepper
1cupketchup
3tbspsWorcestershire sauce
2tspssmoked paprika
3tbspssteak sauce
½tsponion powder
½tspgarlic powder
½tspblack pepper

Instructions

Bring one cup of water to a boil and pour the water into a large bowl. Add the salt and honey to the water and stir until the salt has dissolved.
Add the garlic and seasoning to the bowl. Pour 7 cups of very cold water over everything and stir until combined.
Place the chicken wings in the brine, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Chill for at least 2 hours but no more than 8 hours.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray.
Remove the chicken wings from the brine and pat dry with a paper towel. Place the wings in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until wings are a deep golden brown.
While the wings are in the oven, make the sauce. Combine all the ingredients in a heavy saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, until slightly thickened.
Pour the sauce over the wings and toss to coat.
Serve the wings immediately with cilantro leaves and lemon wedges to garnish if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 521.33kcal
Fat: 31.41g
Saturated Fat: 8.13g
Trans Fat: 0.13g
Monounsaturated Fat: 15.79g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.29g
Carbohydrates: 26.91g
Fiber: 0.94g
Sugar: 19.00g
Protein: 34.18g
Cholesterol: 209.79mg
Sodium: 1372.16mg
Calcium: 65.86mg
Potassium: 633.61mg
Iron: 2.22mg
Vitamin A: 68.78µg
Vitamin C: 5.57mg

Elevate Your Baked Wings Game with This Simple Technique

When making the barbecue sauce, it's important to simmer it on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together. This also helps to thicken the sauce, making it stick better to the chicken wings. Be sure to stir the sauce occasionally to prevent it from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pan. Additionally, patting the wings dry before baking ensures they get a nice, crispy skin. If they're too wet, they'll steam instead of brown in the oven.

Time-Saving Hacks for Preparing Sweet and Tangy Baked Wings

Prep ahead: Marinate the wings the night before to save time on the day of cooking. This allows the flavors to develop and makes the cooking process quicker.

Batch cooking: Make a larger batch of the barbecue sauce and store it in the refrigerator for future use. This way, you can skip the sauce-making step next time you prepare the wings.

Organized workspace: Keep all your ingredients and tools organized and within reach to streamline the cooking process and minimize time spent searching for items.

Multi-task: While the wings are baking, use that time to prepare any side dishes or set the table to make the overall cooking process more efficient.

Invest in quality tools: Quality kitchen tools such as sharp knives and efficient kitchen gadgets can significantly reduce prep time and make cooking more enjoyable.

Substitute Ingredients For Sweet and Tangy Baked Wings Recipe

kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a similar taste and texture to kosher salt, making it a suitable replacement in this recipe.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a similar sweetness and viscosity to honey, and it adds a unique flavor to the wings.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a convenient alternative with a similar flavor.
barbecue seasoning - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a rich, smoky flavor similar to barbecue seasoning, enhancing the depth of the dish.
dr pepper - Substitute with cola: Cola can be used as a substitute for Dr Pepper in the barbecue sauce, providing a similar sweet and tangy flavor profile.
worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can replace Worcestershire sauce to add a savory, umami flavor to the barbecue sauce.
smoked paprika - Substitute with paprika and a dash of liquid smoke: Combining regular paprika with a small amount of liquid smoke can replicate the smoky flavor of smoked paprika in the barbecue sauce.
steak sauce - Substitute with A1 sauce: A1 sauce can be used as a substitute for steak sauce, providing a similar tangy and savory flavor to the barbecue sauce.

Plating Ideas for Irresistible Baked Wings

Elevate the plating: Arrange the baked wings in a circular pattern on a large, elegant platter, ensuring they are evenly spaced and visually appealing.
Garnish with fresh cilantro: Sprinkle vibrant, fresh cilantro leaves over the wings to add a pop of color and a hint of herbaceous flavor.
Incorporate lemon wedges: Place small, neatly cut lemon wedges around the platter to provide a bright and citrusy element that complements the sweet and tangy flavors of the wings.
Create a drizzle design: Drizzle a small amount of the barbecue sauce in an artistic pattern around the edges of the platter, adding a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Use a sleek serving dish: Present the wings on a sleek, modern serving dish that enhances the visual appeal and elevates the overall presentation.
Add a touch of elegance with silverware: Place polished silverware strategically around the platter, adding a touch of elegance and refinement to the presentation.
Consider the platter color: Choose a platter that contrasts with the colors of the wings and garnishes, creating a visually striking and aesthetically pleasing presentation.
Balance the elements: Ensure a harmonious balance of colors, textures, and shapes on the platter to create an eye-catching and visually appealing presentation.

Essential Tools for Crafting the Perfect Baked Wings

Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking and roasting foods in the oven.
Heavy saucepan: A deep, sturdy pot used for cooking sauces, soups, and other liquid-based dishes.
Large bowl: A spacious container used for mixing ingredients and tossing salads.
Foil: A thin, pliable sheet of aluminum used for wrapping and covering food during cooking and storage.
Cooking spray: A non-stick cooking spray used to grease pans and prevent food from sticking.
Paper towel: An absorbent paper sheet used for drying and cleaning food items and surfaces.
Mixing spoon: A long-handled spoon used for stirring and combining ingredients in a bowl or pot.
Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
Knife: A sharp cutting tool used for slicing, dicing, and chopping various food items.
Cutting board: A flat, sturdy surface used for cutting and preparing food items.
Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking and roasting food items.

Preserving the Goodness: Storing and Freezing Baked Wings

Let the wings cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze the wings, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the wings to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat the wings, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the wings on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. If reheating from frozen, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
Alternatively, you can reheat the wings in the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Note that the wings may lose some of their crispiness when reheated in the microwave.
If you have leftover sauce, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can then toss the reheated wings in the warm sauce before serving.

Reviving Leftover Baked Wings: Reheating Tips

The best way to reheat leftover sweet and tangy baked wings is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the wings are heated through and the skin is crispy again. This method ensures that the wings retain their original texture and flavor without drying out or becoming soggy.
Another option is to use an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and place the wings in the basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the wings are crispy and heated through. The air fryer is a quick and effective way to reheat wings while maintaining their crispiness.
If you're short on time, you can also reheat the wings in the microwave. Place the wings on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the wings are heated through. While this method is fast, keep in mind that the skin may become slightly soggy, and the wings may not be as crispy as when reheated in the oven or air fryer.
For a quick and easy stovetop method, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil or butter. Add the wings to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and the skin is crispy. This method works well if you want to quickly reheat a small batch of wings.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to check the internal temperature of the wings using a meat thermometer. The wings should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are safe to consume. If the wings are not quite up to temperature, continue reheating them in short intervals until they reach the desired temperature.

Fascinating Trivia About Baked Chicken Wings

The recipe's barbecue sauce contains Dr Pepper, which adds a unique sweet and tangy flavor to the wings.

Budget-Friendly Baked Wings: Is This Recipe Economical?

This sweet and tangy baked wings recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as chicken wings, honey, and ketchup, are commonly found and reasonably priced. The dish provides a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it a hit with both kids and adults. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20, making it an affordable and satisfying meal. Overall Verdict: 9.

Are Baked Wings a Healthy Choice?

The sweet and tangy baked wings recipe, while delicious, may not be the healthiest option due to a few factors:

The recipe calls for a significant amount of salt in the brine, which can contribute to high sodium intake.
The barbecue sauce contains sugary ingredients like Dr Pepper and ketchup, adding to the overall sugar content of the dish.
The wings are cooked using a method that may not allow excess fat to drain away, potentially increasing the fat content of the final product.

However, there are some positive aspects to the recipe:

The use of garlic and spices like smoked paprika and black pepper can provide beneficial compounds and antioxidants.
The recipe does not involve deep frying, which is a less healthy cooking method compared to baking.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Reduce the amount of salt in the brine or opt for a salt-free seasoning blend to lower the sodium content.
Replace the Dr Pepper in the barbecue sauce with a low-sugar or sugar-free alternative, such as diet soda or chicken broth, to cut down on added sugars.
Use a low-sugar ketchup or tomato sauce as a base for the barbecue sauce to further reduce the sugar content.
Place the wings on a wire rack set inside the baking sheet to allow excess fat to drip away during cooking.
Incorporate more herbs and spices, such as oregano, thyme, or cayenne pepper, to boost the flavor profile without relying on salt or sugar.
Serve the wings with a side of fresh vegetables, such as carrot sticks or celery, to add fiber and nutrients to the meal.

Editor's Take: My Honest Opinion on This Baked Wings Recipe

The sweet and tangy baked wings recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The brining process ensures juicy, flavorful wings, while the barbecue sauce adds a rich, smoky sweetness. The use of Dr. Pepper in the sauce is a unique and inspired touch, providing depth and complexity. The finished dish is beautifully balanced, with the crispy wings complemented by the aromatic cilantro and bright lemon. This recipe is a perfect choice for a casual gathering or game day, offering a delicious twist on a classic favorite.

Enhance Your Sweet and Tangy Baked Wings Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli: Roast the broccoli with olive oil, garlic, and parmesan cheese for a flavorful and crispy side dish.

Honey Glazed Carrots with Thyme: Cook the carrots in a honey and thyme glaze for a sweet and aromatic side dish that complements the tangy wings.

Grilled Pineapple Spears: Grill pineapple spears for a juicy and caramelized side dish that adds a tropical twist to the meal.

Explore These Delectable Alternatives to Sweet and Tangy Baked Wings

Spicy Garlic Shrimp Pasta: This dish combines succulent shrimp with a spicy garlic sauce, served over a bed of al dente pasta for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Mango Avocado Salsa: Fresh and vibrant, this salsa is a perfect combination of sweet mango, creamy avocado, and zesty lime, making it a delicious topping for grilled fish or chicken.

Creamy Mushroom Risotto: Indulge in the rich and velvety texture of this creamy mushroom risotto, made with Arborio rice, flavorful mushrooms, and a touch of Parmesan cheese for a comforting and elegant dish.

Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon: Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors with this honey mustard glazed salmon, featuring a crispy exterior and tender, flaky fish that's sure to impress your dinner guests.

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake: Treat yourself to a luscious and creamy lemon blueberry cheesecake, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, tangy lemon filling, and a burst of sweet blueberries for a delightful dessert.

Perfect Pairings: Main Courses and Desserts to Complement Your Baked Wings

Main Courses:

Grilled Salmon: Marinate the salmon in a zesty lemon and herb mixture before grilling to perfection. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a healthy and flavorful meal.

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Create a filling of ground beef, rice, and spices to stuff inside colorful bell peppers. Top with melted cheese and bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and decadent flavor will satisfy any chocolate lover's cravings.

Apple Crisp: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of a homemade apple crisp, with tender baked apples and a crispy oat topping. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.

Why trust this Sweet and Tangy Baked Wings Recipe:

This recipe guarantees deliciousness with its carefully crafted combination of honey, garlic, and barbecue seasoning in the brine, infusing the chicken wings with flavor. The Dr Pepper-based barbecue sauce adds a unique twist, complemented by the smokiness of paprika and the depth of Worcestershire sauce. The meticulous attention to detail, from the brining process to the homemade sauce, ensures a tantalizing sweet and tangy flavor in every bite. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe for a truly memorable culinary experience.

Have you tried this Sweet and Tangy Baked Wings Recipe? Let us know how it turned out or share your own twist on it in the Recipe Sharing forum!

FAQ:

How long should I brine the chicken wings?

You should brine the chicken wings for at least 2 hours, but no more than 8 hours. This will ensure that the wings are properly seasoned and tender.

Can I use a different type of soda for the barbecue sauce?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of soda for the barbecue sauce. Cola or root beer can also work well in place of Dr Pepper for a unique flavor twist.

Can I make the barbecue sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the barbecue sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify, making it even more delicious.

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use boneless chicken for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as boneless chicken may cook faster than bone-in wings.

Can I grill the wings instead of baking them?

Yes, you can grill the wings instead of baking them. Simply preheat the grill to medium-high heat and grill the wings for about 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through. Brush the wings with the barbecue sauce during the last 5 minutes of grilling for that delicious caramelized finish.