Alitas BBQ

Alitas BBQ

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BBQ chicken wings, or alitas BBQ in Spanish, are a classic favorite whether you’re firing up the grill for a backyard party, hosting a game night, or simply craving something smoky, sticky, and irresistibly delicious. These wings are coated in a rich, tangy, sweet barbecue sauce and cooked until they are juicy inside with crispy skin outside.

Making alitas BBQ at home is surprisingly easy, and the reward is far better than anything from a restaurant or frozen box. With homemade BBQ sauce or your favorite store-bought blend, you can have finger-licking wings on the table in no time.Alitas BBQ

Why You Will Love This Recipe

1. Bold Flavor in Every Bite

These wings are bursting with flavor thanks to a balanced BBQ sauce that caramelizes beautifully.

2. Crispy and Juicy

Perfectly cooked wings that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside—no soggy wings here!

3. Perfect for Parties

They’re a crowd-pleaser and easy to make in large batches for gatherings, game days, or BBQs.

4. Flexible Cooking Methods

You can bake, grill, or even air fry these wings depending on your preference or equipment.

Ingredients List

For the Wings

  • 2 pounds chicken wings (split into flats and drumettes)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Homemade BBQ Sauce (or use store-bought)

  • 1 cup ketchup

  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar

  • ¼ cup brown sugar

  • 2 tablespoons molasses

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Timing & Servings

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 45 minutes

  • Total Time: 1 hour

  • Servings: 4–6 people (depending on portion size)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Alitas BBQ

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Set a wire rack over the sheet if you want extra-crispy wings.

Step 2: Season the Wings

In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.

Step 3: Bake Until Crispy

Arrange the wings in a single layer on the rack. Bake for 40–45 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Make the BBQ Sauce

While the wings bake, combine all the sauce ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Toss Wings in Sauce

Remove the wings from the oven and transfer them to a clean bowl. Toss with the BBQ sauce until fully coated.

Step 6: Optional Final Broil

For sticky, caramelized wings, return the coated wings to the oven and broil on high for 2–4 minutes.

Alitas BBQ

Alternative Cooking Methods

Grilling

Grill the seasoned wings over medium-high heat for about 20 minutes, turning often. Brush with BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Air Fryer

Cook seasoned wings in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. Toss in BBQ sauce after cooking.

Tips for the Best Alitas BBQ

  • Dry the wings thoroughly before seasoning to help them crisp up.

  • Use a wire rack on your baking sheet to promote even airflow.

  • Don’t sauce too early during cooking, or the sugars may burn.

  • Taste the sauce before using it; balance sweet, smoky, and tangy to your liking.

Flavor Variations

Spicy BBQ Wings

Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for a fiery kick.

Honey BBQ Wings

Stir in 2 tablespoons of honey to the sauce for a sweeter, stickier finish.

Chipotle BBQ Wings

Use chipotle powder or chopped chipotle peppers in adobo for a smoky, spicy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

  • Side Dishes: Coleslaw, cornbread, potato wedges, or baked beans.

  • Drinks: Iced tea, beer, lemonade, or soda for casual pairing.

  • Dips: Serve with ranch, blue cheese dressing, or extra BBQ sauce on the side.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Refrigeration

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze cooked, unsauced wings in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. Thaw and reheat before tossing in fresh BBQ sauce.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes or until warmed through. Air fryer also works great for reheating to restore crispness.

Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Tips

  • Season the wings in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.

  • Make the BBQ sauce ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

  • Cook and freeze a batch of wings for future easy meals or parties.

Nutritional Information (approx. per 3 wings with sauce)

  • Calories: 300

  • Fat: 20g

  • Protein: 22g

  • Carbohydrates: 12g

  • Sugar: 10g

  • Sodium: 450mg

Note: Values can vary based on portion size and sauce used.

FAQs

Can I use frozen wings?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning and baking.

How do I make them extra crispy?

Use a wire rack, high heat (425°F+), and ensure wings are dry. Broil for a few minutes at the end if needed.

Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?

Absolutely. Choose a high-quality brand and consider adding your own spice or sweetness to make it your own.

Are these wings gluten-free?

They can be. Use gluten-free BBQ sauce and double-check your seasonings.

Conclusion

Homemade alitas BBQ are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. They’re smoky, sticky, saucy, and packed with bold barbecue flavor. With multiple ways to cook them and endless flavor variations, this recipe is one you’ll turn to again and again.

Whether you’re hosting a party, making a weekend treat, or meal-prepping for the week, these wings are always a win. Take a little time to make them yourself, and you’ll never go back to frozen or takeout again.