When the holidays roll around, everyone expects ham, turkey, or roast beef—but holiday BBQ chicken wings are the unexpected showstopper that steals the table. These Sweet Heat BBQ wings are sticky, bold, and full of flavor, making them perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, and game-day celebrations.
Made with Pop’s BBQ Pit Sweet Heat BBQ Sauce, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and heat, with a glossy glaze that looks just as good as it tastes.
Why These Holiday BBQ Wings Work
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✔ Perfect for holiday parties & potlucks
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✔ Sweet, spicy, and crowd-pleasing
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✔ Oven-baked or grilled
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✔ Easy to prep ahead
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✔ Great alternative to traditional holiday mains
Ingredients
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2½–3 lbs chicken wings (split, tips removed)
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1½ cups Pop’s Sweet Heat BBQ Sauce
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp salt
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Optional garnish: sliced green onions or parsley
How to Make Holiday Sweet Heat BBQ Wings
Step 1: Prep the Wings
Pat wings dry with paper towels. Toss with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Bake or Grill
Oven Method (Best for Winter):
Preheat oven to 425°F. Place wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
Grill Method:
Preheat grill to medium heat (375–400°F). Grill wings for 20–25 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through.
Step 3: Sauce & Caramelize
Transfer wings to a bowl and toss generously with Pop’s Sweet Heat BBQ Sauce. Return wings to the oven or grill for 5–7 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
Step 4: Finish & Serve
Remove wings once sauce is sticky and glossy. Garnish with green onions or parsley and serve hot.
Holiday Serving Ideas
Serve these wings alongside:
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Creamy coleslaw
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Baked mac & cheese
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Roasted potatoes
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Cornbread or dinner rolls
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Holiday punch or spiced cider
They’re perfect for buffet-style holiday meals.
Make-Ahead Tips for Stress-Free Holidays
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Bake wings up to 1 day ahead
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Refrigerate, then reheat at 400°F
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Sauce and caramelize just before serving
Why Sweet Heat BBQ Sauce Is Perfect for the Holidays
Pop’s Sweet Heat BBQ Sauce adds:
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Sweetness that pairs well with holiday sides
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Gentle heat that keeps guests coming back
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A festive red glaze perfect for holiday tables
It’s bold without being overpowering—ideal for entertaining.
A Holiday BBQ Recipe That Stands Out
If you’re looking for holiday BBQ recipes that impress, these Sweet Heat BBQ chicken wings deliver big flavor, easy prep, and guaranteed compliments.
Bring bold flavor to your holiday table with Pop’s BBQ Pit.