Chicken wings have long been a beloved staple in American cuisine, and for good reason – they’re the perfect canvas for bold, mouthwatering flavors. When it comes to wing recipes, one that truly stands out is the Crispy BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Wing. This dish combines the tangy sweetness of BBQ sauce, the cool creaminess of ranch dressing, and the salty crunch of bacon to create a flavor symphony that will have your taste buds dancing.
Originating from the humble beginnings of bar food and tailgating fare, chicken wings have evolved into a culinary phenomenon. Today, they’re found on menus across the country, from casual eateries to high-end restaurants. The Crispy BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Wing takes this classic dish to new heights, making it a must-try for any wing enthusiast.
Ingredients for Crispy BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Wings
To create this flavor-packed dish, you’ll need a simple list of ingredients that work in perfect harmony:
- Chicken Wings: The foundation of the recipe, chicken wings provide the canvas for the bold flavors to shine.
- Olive Oil: A light coating of olive oil helps the wings achieve a crispy texture in the oven.
- Garlic Powder: This versatile spice adds a subtle hint of savory garlic flavor to the wings.
- Onion Powder: Complementing the garlic, onion powder contributes depth and complexity to the seasoning blend.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
- BBQ Sauce: The star of the show, BBQ sauce provides the signature sweet and tangy notes that make these wings irresistible.
- Ranch Dressing: Cooling and creamy, the ranch dressing balances out the bold BBQ flavor.
- Bacon: Crispy, salty bacon adds the perfect crunchy texture and savory punch to every bite.
- Parsley: A fresh, green garnish that adds a lovely pop of color and a touch of herbal freshness.
Essential Tools for Crispy BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Wings
To ensure the perfect crispy texture and seamless preparation, you’ll need a few key kitchen tools:
- Baking Sheet: A rimmed baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper provides the perfect surface for baking the wings.
- Mixing Bowl: A large bowl is essential for tossing the wings with the seasoning and sauce.
- Tongs or Spatula: These utensils make it easy to flip and toss the wings during the cooking process.
- Air Fryer (Optional): For those who prefer a quicker, crispier cooking method, an air fryer can be used instead of the oven.
- Grill (Optional): Grilling the wings adds a delightful smoky flavor to the dish.
How to Make Crispy BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Wings
Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of Crispy BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Wings:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Season the Wings
In a large mixing bowl, toss the chicken wings with the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until they’re evenly coated.
Bake the Wings
Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through, until they’re crispy and golden brown.
Make the Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine the BBQ sauce and ranch dressing, stirring until well blended. The creamy ranch helps to balance the bold, tangy flavors of the BBQ sauce.
Toss and Serve
Once the wings are baked, transfer them to the bowl with the BBQ ranch sauce. Toss the wings gently until they’re evenly coated. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Crispy BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Wings are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish. Serve them up on a platter, accompanied by celery and carrot sticks for a refreshing crunch. For dipping, offer up extra ranch dressing or a tangy blue cheese dressing.
These wings pair perfectly with a variety of sides, from classic french fries or potato wedges to a fresh, crisp salad. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside a creamy macaroni and cheese or a tangy coleslaw. And don’t forget the beverages – a cold beer or a refreshing soda are the perfect companions to these flavor-packed wings.
FAQs About Crispy BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Wings
FAQ 1: What ingredients do I need to make BBQ bacon ranch chicken wings?
To make BBQ bacon ranch chicken wings, you’ll need chicken wings, BBQ sauce, bacon (cooked and crumbled), ranch seasoning or ranch dressing, olive oil or cooking spray, and optional fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for garnish.
FAQ 2: How do I cook BBQ bacon ranch chicken wings?
You can cook BBQ bacon ranch chicken wings using different methods:
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the wings with olive oil and seasonings. Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy. In the last 10 minutes, coat with BBQ sauce and sprinkle bacon on top.
- Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C). Cook the wings in batches for about 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Toss with BBQ sauce and bacon after cooking.
- Grill: Preheat the grill to medium heat. Grill the wings for about 20-25 minutes, turning frequently. Brush with BBQ sauce and top with bacon during the last few minutes of cooking.
FAQ 3: Can I make BBQ bacon ranch chicken wings ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare BBQ bacon ranch chicken wings ahead of time. You can marinate the wings in BBQ sauce and ranch seasoning and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, you can cook the wings in advance, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer before serving.
FAQ 4: What are some serving suggestions for BBQ bacon ranch chicken wings?
BBQ bacon ranch chicken wings pair well with a variety of sides and dips. Consider serving them with celery and carrot sticks, ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, a side of coleslaw, french fries or potato wedges, a fresh garden salad, and your favorite beverage to complement the flavors.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Loaded BBQ Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
- Bacon Ranch Mozzarella Chicken Melt Sliders
- Crispy Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese
- Honey BBQ Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings
Conclusion
Crispy BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Wings are more than just a game-day snack—they’re a flavor-packed indulgence that blends smoky, tangy, creamy, and crunchy into every bite. With simple ingredients and easy prep, these wings are perfect for parties, dinners, or anytime you crave bold, satisfying flavor. Whether baked, grilled, or air-fried, they’re sure to become a go-to favorite for wing lovers everywhere.
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Crispy BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Wings Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Wings are the ultimate flavor-packed party favorite, combining the tangy sweetness of BBQ sauce, the cool creaminess of ranch dressing, and the salty crunch of bacon. These wings are not just a staple in American cuisine; they elevate the classic dish to new heights, making them a must-try for any wing enthusiast.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Season the Wings: In a large mixing bowl, toss the chicken wings with the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Bake the Wings: Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the BBQ sauce and ranch dressing, stirring until well blended.
- Toss and Serve: Once the wings are baked, transfer them to the bowl with the BBQ ranch sauce. Toss gently until evenly coated. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Notes
For a quicker cooking method, you can use an air fryer set to 360°F (182°C) and cook the wings for about 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Grilling is also an option; just make sure to brush the wings with BBQ sauce in the last few minutes of cooking for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 wings
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Crispy BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Wings, Chicken Wings, BBQ Wings, Party Appetizer