These irresistible Honey BBQ Chicken Wings are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. Basted with a homemade sugar-free honey BBQ sauce and baked until sticky-sweet, they're a mouth-watering appetizer for any gathering.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love This Keto Chicken Wings Recipe
• 🛒 Ingredients for Honey BBQ Wings
• 🔪 How to Make BBQ Chicken Wings
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 🍴 What to Serve with Keto BBQ Wings
• 💡 Tips for Making Baked Wings
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• Why Did My Wings Turn Out Soggy?
• How Do I Keep the Wings from Sticking to the Wire Rack?
• How Do I Get that Golden-Brown Look?
• How Can I Tell When My Wings are Fully Cooked?
• Can I Cook These Wings in an Air Fryer?
• Why is Baking Powder Used?
• 🍽️ More Chicken Wings Recipes

❤️ Why You'll Love This Keto Chicken Wings Recipe

• Perfectly crispy outside, tender and juicy inside
• Basted with an easy sugar-free honey bbq sauce
• Baked in the oven until sticky-sweet
• Easy to make low carb appetizer

Chicken wings are the ultimate appetizer and these Honey BBQ Chicken Wings are no exception! Whether it’s game day, a family get-together, or just a simple movie night, these wings always hit the spot. The seasonings give them amazing flavor, and baking them means you get that light, crispy texture without messy frying.

Easy to make, you just toss the wings in the seasoning and let the oven do the work! The real magic happens when you brush on that homemade honey BBQ sauce. As they bake, the sauce caramelizes and creates that sweet, sticky glaze we all love. These wings are so satisfying that you can easily add a simple side, and you’ve got a delicious meal everyone will enjoy!

Because the BBQ sauce is made with all Keto-friendly ingredients, these chicken wings are an excellent low-carb option. For other tasty Keto BBQ recipes, be sure to check out these BBQ Baby Back Ribs and these BBQ Meatballs.

🛒 Ingredients for Honey BBQ Wings

• Chicken wings
• Sugar-free BBQ Sauce
• Sugar-free honey
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Baking powder
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic salt
• Onion powder

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Baking sheet with wire rack
• Meat thermometer

🔪 How to Make BBQ Chicken Wings

Preheat oven to 425°F.

Cut your wings into drumettes and flats, removing the wing tip. Add the chicken to a mixing bowl.

Tip: Save the wing tips to freeze to use in making homemade chicken broth later. 

Pour the olive oil, baking powder, garlic salt, smoked paprika and onion powder over the wings.

Toss to combine, making sure all the wings are well coated.

Place the wings on a baking sheet lined with a wire rack. Lining the pan with foil also helps with easy cleanup. Bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.  

While the wings are baking, add the bbq sauce, butter and sugar-free honey to a microwave safe bowl.

Heat in the microwave until the honey is runny and butter has melted. Whisk until well combined.

After 30 minutes, remove the wings from the oven and brush the sauce on both sides.

Bake for another 5 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F, when checked with a meat thermometer.

Serve with the extra sauce that you brushed on the wings.

☑️ Storage Instructions

If you have leftover wings, let them cool to room temperature then place them in an airtight container, or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap if using a plate. You can store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

You can also freeze them. Just place the wings in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months.

When ready to enjoy them again, place them in the fridge overnight to thaw. Then reheat them in the oven or air fryer at 350°F until hot and crispy.

🍴 What to Serve with Keto BBQ Wings

These BBQ wings are great as a low carb appetizer, but you can also make them your main protein for dinner and serve with any number of sides including:

• Cauliflower Potato Salad
• Easy Coleslaw
• Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower
• Broccoli Salad with Bacon
• Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
• Honey Roasted Brussels Sprouts

💡 Tips for Making Baked Wings

• Pat wings dry: For extra crispiness, pat the wings dry with paper towels before adding the oil and seasoning. This helps the seasonings stick better and prevents excess moisture.

• Wire rack: Be sure to bake them on a wire rack in the oven, this will allow the air to circulate around the wings so they can crisp up properly.

• Line your pan: I highly recommend lining your baking sheet with aluminum foil, this helps make cleanup much easier.

• Use a meat thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the wings.  To safely enjoy them, you’ll want to make sure they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F.

• Extra glaze: If you prefer saucier wings, reserve some extra BBQ glaze for brushing on after they’re done baking. This gives them a fresh, sticky layer of flavor.

• Let the wings rest: After baking, let the wings rest for a couple of minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making them extra juicy and flavorful when you dig in.

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Chicken: If you’re not a fan of wings, you can make this recipe with chicken drumsticks. Because they are larger than wings, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time.

• Spice them up: Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a touch of heat.

• Garlic lovers: Toss in extra garlic powder or even a bit of roasted garlic powder for a deeper, savory flavor.

• Lemon zest: Sprinkle a bit of lemon zest over the wings after baking for a fresh zing that complements the BBQ flavor.

• Liquid smoke: Add a few drops of liquid smoke to the sauce mixture for an intense smoky flavor that keeps it keto.

• Fresh herbs: Garnish the wings with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for added color and freshness without adding carbs.

Why Did My Wings Turn Out Soggy?

Soggy wings can happen if there’s too much moisture on the skin. Be sure to pat the wings dry with paper towels before adding the oil and seasonings. Also, placing them on a wire rack over a lined baking sheet allows the hot air to circulate around them, helping them crisp up.

How Do I Keep the Wings from Sticking to the Wire Rack?

To prevent sticking, you can lightly coat the wire rack with nonstick cooking spray or rub it with a little oil before placing the wings. Make sure the wings are well-coated in oil when you season them, as this also helps prevent sticking.

How Do I Get that Golden-Brown Look?

For deeper color, make sure to bake the wings at a high temperature, 425°F. If you want a little extra browning at the end, broil the wings for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

How Can I Tell When My Wings are Fully Cooked?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of at least 165°F. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the wing without touching the bone for an accurate reading.

Can I Cook These Wings in an Air Fryer?

Yes, you can! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F, place the wings in a single layer in the basket, and cook for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Brush on the sauce near the end, then cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Why is Baking Powder Used?

Baking powder helps create a crispy skin by drawing out moisture from the surface of the wings. Make sure to use aluminum-free baking powder to avoid any aftertaste.

🍽️ More Chicken Wings Recipes

• Sticky Asian Chicken Wings
• Lemon Pepper Wings
• Ranch Chicken Wings
• Cilantro Lime Chicken Wings
• Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
• Garlic Parmesan Wings