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Irresistible Oven BBQ Chicken Wings: A Recipe from Food Network’s Debi Mazar & Gabriele Corcos

Prepare to delight your taste buds with an extraordinary recipe for Oven BBQ Chicken Wings, brought to you by Food Network’s own Chef Gabriele Corcos and the talented actress Debi Mazar. This isn’t just any chicken wing recipe; it’s a culinary journey inspired by their acclaimed cookbook, Super Tuscan, offering a unique twist on a classic American favorite. Our version focuses on crafting a simple, yet profoundly flavorful homemade barbecue sauce featuring the unexpected sweetness of peach preserves, the robust depth of bourbon, and the subtle richness of honey. Paired with perfectly seasoned chicken wings baked to golden-brown perfection, this dish promises a finger-licking experience that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.

Forget the deep-fryer mess and embrace the convenience and delicious results of baking your wings in the oven. This method ensures tender, juicy chicken encased in a beautifully crisp skin, all while absorbing the rich, complex flavors of our special BBQ sauce. Whether you’re planning a game day feast, a casual family dinner, or simply craving a flavorful snack, these oven-barbecued chicken wings are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why These Oven BBQ Chicken Wings Stand Out

There are countless chicken wing recipes out there, but this particular offering from Debi Mazar and Gabriele Corcos distinguishes itself through several key elements that make it truly exceptional:

Exquisite Homemade BBQ Sauce: The heart of this recipe is its luscious, homemade barbecue sauce. Unlike many commercial sauces, this one boasts a unique blend of sweet, tangy, and savory notes, with the delightful surprise of peach preserves and a hint of bourbon. It’s a game-changer that elevates the entire dish.
Succulent, Savory Chicken: We start with high-quality chicken wingettes, seasoned with a carefully balanced blend of spices. Baking them in the oven ensures they remain incredibly juicy on the inside while developing a satisfyingly crisp exterior, making every bite a delight.
Effortless Preparation: Despite the gourmet flavor, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward to prepare. With clear, step-by-step instructions for both the sauce and the chicken, even novice cooks can achieve fantastic results. Most of the cooking time is hands-off, allowing you to focus on other tasks.
The Ultimate Game Day Food: What’s better than a platter of perfectly cooked, saucy chicken wings for your next gathering? These wings are designed for sharing, easy to eat, and universally loved, making them the ideal appetizer or main course for parties, tailgates, or any celebratory occasion.
Healthier & Less Mess: Baking eliminates the need for deep-frying, resulting in a lighter dish with significantly less oil and a much easier cleanup. You get all the flavor without the guilt or the greasy kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting these amazing Oven BBQ Chicken Wings requires two main components: the rich, flavorful homemade sauce and the perfectly seasoned chicken. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you’ll need:

For the Peach & Bourbon BBQ Sauce

This unique sauce combines classic BBQ elements with unexpected fruity and spirited notes, creating a depth of flavor that’s truly special.

2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Provides a rich base for sautéing the aromatics.
1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped: Adds a foundational sweetness and savory depth when caramelized.
2 garlic cloves, minced: Essential for a pungent, aromatic kick that complements the other flavors.
1 cup tomato puree: Forms the body and tang of the barbecue sauce, providing a classic base.
1/2 cup peach preserves: The secret ingredient! Adds a wonderful fruity sweetness and natural thickness, balancing the savory notes beautifully.
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar: Contributes a complex sweet-sour tang that enhances the overall flavor profile.
1/4 cup bourbon: Imparts a smoky, oaky warmth and a sophisticated depth. The alcohol cooks off, leaving only the rich flavor.
2 tablespoons honey: A natural sweetener that adds a smooth, floral sweetness and helps achieve that perfect glaze.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Offers a sharp, tangy kick that cuts through the richness and adds complexity.
1 teaspoon hot red pepper sauce: Provides a customizable hint of heat, giving the sauce a subtle zing without overpowering. Adjust to your preferred spice level.

For the Perfectly Seasoned Chicken Wings

A simple yet effective spice rub ensures the chicken itself is flavorful, even before it’s drenched in our incredible sauce.

2 teaspoons sweet paprika: Adds a vibrant color and a mild, slightly sweet, peppery flavor.
1½ teaspoons sea salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken from within and enhancing all other flavors.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: Contributes an earthy, herbaceous note that pairs wonderfully with chicken and barbecue flavors.
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Provides a sharp, aromatic kick that is a must-have in any good spice rub.
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Offers a touch of heat, complementing the hot red pepper sauce in the BBQ sauce. Adjust for more or less spice.
4 pounds chicken wingettes: The star of the show! Ensure they are separated into drumettes and flats (wingettes). Patting them very dry is crucial for crispy skin.
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Helps the spices adhere to the chicken and promotes even browning and crispiness.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Oven BBQ Chicken Wings

Follow these detailed instructions to create a batch of incredibly flavorful and perfectly cooked chicken wings:

Begin with the Sauce: In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it turns a beautiful golden brown and softens, which should take about 5 minutes. This caramelization is key to developing a sweet base for your sauce. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it becomes wonderfully fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Build the Sauce’s Flavor Profile: Next, stir in the tomato puree, peach preserves, balsamic vinegar, bourbon, honey, Dijon mustard, and hot red pepper sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to continue cooking, stirring frequently, until it thickifies and reduces in volume by approximately one quarter. This simmering process should take between 25 to 35 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld and intensify. Once thickened, remove the sauce from the heat and set it aside to cool. This cooling process allows the flavors to settle and makes the sauce easier to handle when coating the wings.
Preheat Your Oven: While the sauce cools, prepare your oven. Position oven racks in the center and top third of your oven. Preheat the oven to a precise 425°F (220°C). Proper preheating is essential for achieving crispy wings.
Prepare the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the sweet paprika, sea salt, dried thyme, freshly ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper to create your spice rub. In a large mixing bowl, toss the chicken wingettes with the extra-virgin olive oil until each piece is lightly coated. Then, sprinkle the prepared spice mixture over the chicken and toss again thoroughly, ensuring all the wingettes are evenly seasoned. Divide the seasoned wingettes between two large, rimmed baking sheets, making sure not to overcrowd them. Spacing them out allows for better air circulation and crispier skin.
First Bake & Flip: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven (one on the center rack, one on the top third rack) and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, carefully remove the baking sheets from the oven and use tongs to flip each wingette over. Switch the positions of the baking sheets (move the top sheet to the center and the center sheet to the top third) to ensure even cooking. Continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the wings are golden brown and cooked through.
Sauce & Final Glaze: Once the wings are golden brown, transfer them to a large, heatproof bowl. Add the cooled BBQ sauce and stir gently but thoroughly to coat all the wingettes evenly. Carefully pour off any accumulated fat from the baking sheets. Return the sauced wingettes to a single clean baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer once more.
Final Bake & Serve: Place the single baking sheet back into the oven and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the sauce has beautifully glazed and caramelized onto the chicken, becoming sticky and irresistible. Once glazed, transfer the oven-barbecued chicken wings and any remaining sauce to a serving platter and serve immediately. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Chef’s Notes and Expert Tips for Success

Achieving the perfect oven-baked BBQ chicken wings is easier than you think with a few insider tips:

Pat Your Wings Dry: This is a crucial step often overlooked. Before tossing with oil and spices, use paper towels to thoroughly pat the chicken wingettes dry. Excess moisture on the skin prevents it from crisping up properly in the oven, leading to a steamed rather than crispy result.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Ensure your wings are spread out in a single layer on the baking sheets with some space between each piece. If the pan is too crowded, the wings will steam instead of roast, resulting in soggy skin. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
Even Heat Distribution: Switching the positions of the baking sheets halfway through the cooking process (top to bottom) ensures that all wings receive even heat and cook uniformly, leading to consistent crispiness and color.
Broil for Extra Crispiness: For those who love an extra-crispy skin, consider a brief stint under the broiler during the last few minutes of baking, after the sauce has been applied. Keep a very close eye on them, as they can burn quickly.
Cool the Sauce: Allowing the BBQ sauce to cool before tossing it with the baked wings helps it adhere better to the hot chicken, creating a more even and thick coating.
Quality Ingredients Matter: While a simple recipe, the quality of your ingredients, especially the peach preserves and bourbon, will shine through in the final sauce. Choose ingredients you enjoy.
Adjust Spice Levels: The cayenne pepper in the rub and the hot red pepper sauce in the BBQ sauce are adjustable. Feel free to increase or decrease the amounts to suit your personal preference for heat.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your BBQ Wings

Chicken wings are incredibly versatile and pair well with a wide variety of side dishes. Here are some popular and delicious options to complement your Oven BBQ Chicken Wings:

Loaded Potato Skins: Crispy potato skins filled with cheese, bacon, and sour cream offer a hearty and flavorful contrast.
Nachos: A platter of cheesy, crunchy nachos provides a fun, shareable companion to the wings, especially for game day.
Baked Macaroni and Cheese: The creamy, comforting richness of baked mac and cheese is a classic pairing with tangy BBQ flavors.
Pierogies: These delightful potato and cheese dumplings, often pan-fried, offer a unique and satisfying side.
Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans are a quintessential barbecue side dish that complements the wings perfectly.
Pasta or Potato Salad: Light and refreshing pasta or potato salads provide a cool, tangy balance to the richness of the wings.
Garlic Roasted Baby Potatoes: Simple yet flavorful, roasted baby potatoes with garlic and herbs make an excellent, easy side.
French Fries and Onion Rings: You can never go wrong with these crispy, savory classics. Serve them hot for the best experience.
Fresh Coleslaw: A crisp, tangy coleslaw can cut through the richness of the wings and offer a refreshing crunch.
Creamy Dips: Always have a good blue cheese or ranch dip on hand for those who love to dunk their wings!

About the Culinary Duo: Debi Mazar & Gabriele Corcos

This fantastic recipe comes from the kitchens of the dynamic duo, actress Debi Mazar and Tuscan chef Gabriele Corcos. Mazar, known for her roles in films like Goodfellas and TV shows like Entourage, along with Corcos, co-hosted the popular Extra Virgin cooking show on the Cooking Channel. Their shared passion for food and their blended Tuscan-American lifestyle led them to author the cookbook Super Tuscan: Heritage Recipes and Simple Pleasures from Our Kitchen to Your Table. This cookbook is a celebration of simple, family-style recipes that skillfully marry rustic American ingredients with authentic Tuscan flavors and cooking techniques, making sophisticated cooking accessible to everyone.

Discover More from Super Tuscan

Super Tuscan is more than just a cookbook; it’s an invitation to experience the joy of home cooking with an Italian heart. Beyond these sensational chicken wings, the book offers a treasure trove of recipes that embody family meals and simple pleasures. Here are just a few more of their delightful creations that we highly recommend exploring:

For your next elegant brunch, try the Asparagus and Prosciutto Tortino. This savory tart combines fresh asparagus and salty prosciutto within a flaky crust, perfect for entertaining or a special morning meal.

For the ultimate comfort food, Italian-American style, look no further than the Baked Truffle Cavatappi. This dish transforms classic mac and cheese into an elevated experience with the earthy aroma and flavor of truffle, a true indulgence.

Seeking a healthy yet flavorful weeknight meal? The Swordfish with Orange Salad is a vibrant option that is both light and satisfying. The zesty orange salad perfectly complements the robust flavor of the grilled or pan-seared swordfish.

Planning a dinner party with friends? The Brined Pork Chops with Sage-Almond Pesto will surely impress. Brining ensures incredibly tender and juicy pork, while the homemade pesto adds a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor.

And for the perfect sweet finish to any meal, the Italian Carrot Cake offers a delightful twist on a beloved dessert, combining traditional flavors with a touch of Italian flair.

More Wing Inspiration

If you’re a true chicken wing enthusiast, here are a few more recipes to satisfy your cravings, each offering a unique flavor profile:

Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken Wings
Momofuku Chicken Wings
Cola Glazed Chicken Wings
Sticky Asian Chicken Wings
Grilled Chicken Wings with Honey Miso Sauce

Oven Barbecued Chicken Wings Recipe Summary

Author: Jaden

This recipe provides a quick and easy way to prepare delicious, succulent chicken wings with a distinctive homemade BBQ sauce, perfect for any occasion.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hr
Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 485 kcal per serving

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 485 kcal
Carbohydrates: 11 g
Protein: 31 g
Fat: 34 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Cholesterol: 135 mg
Sodium: 760 mg
Potassium: 475 mg
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 8 g
Vitamin A: 925 IU
Vitamin C: 7.3 mg
Calcium: 35 mg
Iron: 2.8 mg

These Oven BBQ Chicken Wings are more than just a recipe; they are an experience. With their rich, homemade sauce and perfectly baked chicken, they promise to be a highlight at any meal. Give them a try, and taste the difference a truly great sauce and a simple baking method can make!