Baked Wings with BBQ Sauce, Baked Beans & Sweet Onion Salad

When you’re craving bold, smoky flavors without the fuss of deep frying, these baked BBQ wings hit the spot every time. Crispy oven-baked chicken wings glazed in sticky barbecue sauce, paired with warm, savory baked beans and a refreshing sweet onion salad, make this meal feel both comforting and exciting. It’s the kind of dinner that works just as well for a busy weeknight as it does for a casual get-together with friends. Simple ingredients, big flavor, and minimal cleanup make this baked wings dinner a true crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy, oven-baked wings with no frying required
• Sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy BBQ glaze
• A complete, satisfying meal with balanced flavors
• Perfect for casual dinners, game nights, or sharing

Ingredients

For the Wings

• Chicken wings – The star of the dish, tender on the inside and crispy on the outside
• Olive oil – Helps the wings crisp up evenly in the oven
• Smoked paprika – Adds deep, smoky flavor
• Garlic powder – Enhances savoriness without overpowering
• Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning

For the BBQ Sauce

• BBQ sauce – Provides sweet and smoky base flavor
• Honey – Adds a sticky glaze and subtle sweetness
• Chili flakes – Optional heat for those who like a kick

For the Baked Beans

• Canned baked beans – A quick, hearty side dish
• Onion – Adds sweetness and depth
• Worcestershire sauce – Boosts savory umami flavor
• Smoked paprika – Enhances the smoky notes
• Salt and pepper – For balanced seasoning

For the Sweet Onion Salad

• Red onion – Sharp and crunchy, softened by the dressing
• Cherry tomatoes – Juicy and slightly sweet
• Apple cider vinegar – Adds brightness and tang
• Olive oil – Rounds out the dressing
• Sugar – Balances acidity and sharpness
• Salt and pepper – Brings everything together
• Fresh parsley – Adds freshness and color

How to Make Baked Wings with BBQ Sauce

Prepare the Wings

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Arrange the wings on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until the wings are golden, crispy, and cooked through.

Glaze with BBQ Sauce

In a small bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, honey, and chili flakes. During the last 5 minutes of baking, brush the sauce generously over the wings. Return them to the oven to caramelize and create a sticky, glossy finish.

Cook the Baked Beans

While the wings finish cooking, sauté the diced onion in a small saucepan until soft and fragrant. Add the baked beans, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed through and slightly thickened.

Make the Sweet Onion Salad

In a bowl, combine the sliced red onion and cherry tomatoes. Whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper, then toss with the vegetables. Let the salad sit for 5–10 minutes to mellow the onion and develop flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Assemble the Plate

Serve the BBQ wings hot alongside the baked beans and a scoop of sweet onion salad. Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce if desired for even more flavor.

Tips for Success

• Pat the wings dry before seasoning to help them crisp up
• Use a wire rack on the baking sheet for extra-crispy wings
• Add the BBQ sauce only at the end to prevent burning
• Let the onion salad rest briefly to soften its sharpness

Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or wire rack
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Tongs or brush for glazing

Recipe Variations

• Spicy BBQ Wings: Increase chili flakes or add hot sauce to the glaze
• Honey Mustard Wings: Swap BBQ sauce for a honey mustard blend
• Herb-Forward Salad: Add fresh dill or basil to the onion salad

Serving Suggestions

These baked BBQ wings pair beautifully with cornbread, coleslaw, or roasted potatoes. For a casual spread, serve everything family-style and let everyone dig in.

FAQs

Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before baking.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I make the wings crispier?
Using a wire rack and flipping halfway through helps maximize crispiness.

Is the onion salad very strong?
Letting it rest with vinegar and sugar softens the onion’s bite.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
The salad and beans can be prepared ahead, but wings are best fresh.

Final Thoughts

These baked wings with BBQ sauce, baked beans, and sweet onion salad deliver everything you want from a comfort-style dinner: crispy, smoky, sweet, and refreshing all on one plate. It’s an easy, satisfying meal that feels special without being complicated. Give it a try, share it with friends or family, and enjoy every sticky, flavorful bite.

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