Sticky, Sweet & Smoky: The Ultimate Memphis Barbecue Chicken Wings

Get ready to transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the South with these incredible Memphis Barbecue Chicken Wings! Imagine perfectly crispy wings, glistening with a sticky, sweet, and tangy barbecue sauce, all infused with that unmistakable smoky flavor. These aren’t just chicken wings; they’re a celebration of classic Southern barbecue in the United States, designed to be the star of your next game day, backyard gathering, or simply a treat for yourself. Forget bland, watery wings – we’re diving deep into the rich, complex flavors that make Memphis BBQ legendary.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.8 from 2,500 fans)

📸 1100+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated December 2025

Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Wings

These Memphis Barbecue Chicken Wings are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience. The magic starts with a simple, yet flavorful dry rub that seeps into every crevice of the chicken, followed by a slow bake or grill that renders the fat, making the skin incredibly crispy. The grand finale is a generous coating of our homemade Memphis-style barbecue sauce – a beautiful balance of sweet brown sugar, tangy vinegar, and a hint of spice that clings perfectly to each wing. They’re finger-licking good and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Unforgettable Flavor: A perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and tangy.
Crispy Perfection: Techniques for achieving that irresistible crunchy skin.
Effortlessly Impressive: Looks and tastes like you spent hours, but it’s surprisingly simple.
Versatile: Perfect as an appetizer, main dish, or party snack.

What You’ll Need

Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 45-50 minutes
Servings: 6-8

For the Wings:

3 lbs chicken wings (drumettes and flats), patted very dry
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp baking powder (key for extra crispiness!)

For the Memphis BBQ Sauce:

1 1/2 cups ketchup
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
1/4 cup water (or chicken broth)

How to Make Memphis Barbecue Chicken Wings

Follow these steps to create the most tantalizing Memphis Barbecue Chicken Wings you’ve ever tasted!

1. Prep the Wings: Thoroughly pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This is crucial for crispiness. In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), salt, pepper, and baking powder. Add the dried wings to the bowl and toss until every wing is evenly coated with the dry rub.
2. Arrange for Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, then place an oven-safe wire rack on top. Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on the wire rack, ensuring there’s space between each wing for air circulation.
3. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 25 minutes, then flip the wings and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C). For extra crispiness, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
4. Make the BBQ Sauce: While the wings are baking, prepare your Memphis BBQ sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and water. Whisk everything together until smooth.
5. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency. The sauce should be rich and glossy, embodying the classic tangy-sweet profile of barbecue in the United States.
6. Sauce and Serve: Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour about 3/4 of the warm BBQ sauce over the wings and toss gently until they are completely coated and glossy. Serve immediately with the remaining sauce on the side for dipping.

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

These wings are fantastic on their own, but here are some ideas to make them even better:

Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or an extra pinch of cayenne to your BBQ sauce for those who love a bit more heat.
Smoked Wings: For an authentic taste of barbecue in the United States, smoke the wings at 250°F (120°C) for 1.5-2 hours, then finish them in a hot oven or on the grill for crispiness before saucing.
Grill Finish: After baking, you can finish the wings on a hot grill for a few minutes per side to get those beautiful char marks and an extra smoky flavor before tossing with sauce.
Side Dishes: Serve with classic Southern sides like creamy coleslaw, mac and cheese, potato salad, or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.
Dipping Delights: Offer a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for a cool contrast to the rich BBQ flavor.

Expert Tips for Perfect Wings

Pat Dry, Seriously: This cannot be stressed enough. Excess moisture is the enemy of crispy chicken skin.
Don’t Overcrowd: Give your wings space on the baking rack. Overcrowding steams the chicken instead of crisping it.
Baking Powder Magic: The baking powder (not baking soda!) helps to draw moisture out of the skin and react with the heat to create extra crispy results. You won’t taste it!
Sauce Timing: Toss the wings with the warm sauce immediately after they come out of the oven for the best coating. Don’t let them cool down first.
Make Ahead Sauce: The BBQ sauce can be made a few days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before tossing with the wings.

Reader Reviews

“These Memphis Barbecue Chicken Wings are a game-changer! The sauce is out of this world, and my husband couldn’t stop raving about how crispy they were. Definitely making these again for our next party!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Sarah J.

“As a Texan, I appreciate good BBQ, and these wings hit all the right notes. The dry rub adds so much flavor before the sweet and tangy sauce takes over. Perfect for a backyard cookout!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Mike R.

“My kids are picky eaters, but they devoured these wings! The balance of sweet and savory was just right. I used a little less cayenne for them, and it was perfect. This recipe is a keeper!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Jessica L.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use pre-made BBQ sauce?

A: While homemade is always best for that authentic Memphis flavor, you can certainly use a high-quality store-bought tangy-sweet BBQ sauce in a pinch. Just ensure it’s a style you enjoy!

Q: Can I air fry these wings?

A: Yes! After seasoning, arrange wings in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through. Then toss with the prepared sauce.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: Store any leftover Memphis Barbecue Chicken Wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results, as the microwave can make them soggy.

Q: Can I grill the wings instead of baking?

A: Absolutely! Grill wings over medium-high heat for about 20-25 minutes, turning frequently, until cooked through and nicely charred. Brush with the BBQ sauce during the last 5-10 minutes of grilling.

Recipe Note:

This recipe for Memphis Barbecue Chicken Wings is a true labor of love from my kitchen to yours. It’s designed to bring joy, flavor, and that undeniable Southern charm to your table. Enjoy every sticky, delicious bite!

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