Ingredients
Chicken:
- 3-4 pounds chicken wings (flats and drumettes)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce:
- 12 oz can Dr Pepper
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels. Toss the wings with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Initial Bake: Bake wings for 30-40 minutes, turning halfway through, until skin is crispy and chicken is cooked through.
- Make the Sauce: While the chicken is baking, combine all the sauce ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly.
- Coat the Wings: Remove wings from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the Dr Pepper BBQ sauce over the wings and toss to coat evenly.
- Finishing Options: You have two choices for the perfect finish:
Option 1 – Extra Crispy: Return the coated wings to the baking sheet. Broil for 2-3 minutes per side or until the sauce is caramelized and bubbly.
Option 2 – Grill Finish: Heat a grill to medium-high. Grill the wings for a few minutes per side, until sauce is caramelized and slightly charred. - Serve: Serve the wings hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese dressing, along with sides like celery sticks or carrot sticks.
Tips:
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a bit more brown sugar or a drizzle of honey.
- Spice It Up: Add more cayenne pepper or a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce to the BBQ sauce.
- Make it Smoky: Use liquid smoke in the sauce for an extra layer of smoky flavor.
Enjoy your delicious Dr Pepper BBQ Chicken Wings!
