There’s something irresistibly delicious about a plate of perfectly cooked chicken wings, especially when they’re slathered in a sticky, smoky BBQ sauce. If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful way to whip up a batch of wings, the Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe is your answer. Tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor, these wings are perfect for game day, parties, or a cozy night in. Let’s dive into the details of making this mouthwatering dish that will have everyone licking their fingers!
Why You’ll Keep Making It
The Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe is not just a one-time meal; it’s a dish you’ll want to repeat again and again. Here’s why:
- Quick Cooking Time: With the Instant Pot, you can enjoy perfectly cooked wings in a fraction of the time it takes to bake or fry them.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of spices and BBQ sauce creates an explosion of flavor that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
- Easy Cleanup: Using the Instant Pot means fewer pots and pans to wash, making your cooking experience a breeze.
- Versatile: You can customize the spice level and BBQ sauce to fit your taste, making it a flexible recipe for any occasion.
The Essentials
Before jumping into the cooking process, let’s gather the essentials you’ll need for this recipe. Here’s what you’ll require:
- 3 lbs chicken wings: Cut and ready to go.
- 3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar: Adds a sweet touch to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper: For a kick of heat.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A must for flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika: Adds smokiness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: For added depth.
- 1 cup water: To create steam in the Instant Pot.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce: Your favorite brand or homemade.
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce: Optional for those who love extra heat.
Gear Checklist
You’ll want to have the following gear on hand to ensure smooth sailing while making your wings:
- Instant Pot: The star of the show!
- Measuring spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Mixing bowl: To combine the spices and prepare the wings.
- Cooking tongs: For easy handling of the wings.
- Serving platter: To showcase your delicious creation.
How to Prepare Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe
Now that we have everything ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make your Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Wings:
Step 1: Prepare the Wings
Start by rinsing your chicken wings under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This step will help the seasoning stick to the wings better.
Step 2: Season the Wings
In a mixing bowl, combine the light brown sugar, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, ground paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken wings in the spice mixture until they are fully coated.
Step 3: Add Water to the Instant Pot
Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot. This is essential for creating the steam needed to cook the wings properly.
Step 4: Arrange the Wings in the Pot
Place the seasoned chicken wings in the Instant Pot. You can stack them if necessary, but try to keep them in a single layer for even cooking.
Step 5: Lock and Cook
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “sealing.” Select the “Manual” setting and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow a natural release for about 5 minutes before performing a quick release for any remaining pressure.
Step 6: Sauce It Up
Once the wings are cooked, remove them from the pot and place them in a mixing bowl. Pour the BBQ sauce over the wings and toss to coat evenly.
Step 7: Optional Broil
For a crispy finish, you can place the wings on a baking sheet and broil them in the oven for 3-5 minutes until they are caramelized and crispy. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning!
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer your BBQ wings to a serving platter. If you like it spicy, drizzle with hot sauce before serving. Enjoy these flavorful wings with your favorite sides!
International Equivalents
If you’re cooking from different regions or looking for equivalents, here are some handy conversions:
- 1 cup: 240 ml
- 1 tablespoon: 15 ml
- 1 teaspoon: 5 ml
- 1 lb: 450 grams
Pro Tips & Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the wings in the spice mixture for a couple of hours or overnight before cooking.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit the hot sauce.
- Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces to find your perfect match.
- Always ensure the wings are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat
If you have leftovers (which is rare), here’s how to handle them:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Helpful Q&A
Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings! Just increase the cooking time to 12-15 minutes on high pressure.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can cook the wings in advance and reheat them later. Just add the BBQ sauce before serving for the best flavor.
What should I serve with BBQ chicken wings?
These wings pair well with a variety of sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or even sticky BBQ chicken meatballs with cheesy polenta.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker instead?
Yes, you can! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, then finish with the BBQ sauce as directed.
Bring It Home
With this Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe, you have a foolproof method for creating a dish that’s sure to impress. The combination of spices, sweetness, and BBQ goodness will have everyone coming back for seconds. So gather your ingredients, fire up that Instant Pot, and get ready to serve up some finger-licking good wings that will be the star of your next gathering! Whether you’re enjoying these with friends during a game or having a quiet dinner at home, they are bound to be a hit!
Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by rinsing your chicken wings under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the light brown sugar, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, ground paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken wings in the spice mixture until they are fully coated.
- Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot.
- Place the seasoned chicken wings in the Instant Pot.
- Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "sealing." Select the "Manual" setting and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Allow a natural release for about 5 minutes before performing a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Remove the wings and toss them with the BBQ sauce in a mixing bowl.
- For a crispy finish, broil the wings on a baking sheet in the oven for 3-5 minutes.
- Transfer your BBQ wings to a serving platter and enjoy!
Notes
- Marinate the wings in the spice mixture for extra flavor.
- Reduce cayenne for a milder taste.
- Experiment with different BBQ sauces.
