Franchise Innovation Awards 2025: Celebrating the Most Disruptive Brands

If you have ever wondered **how to make BBQ chicken** that is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and full of smoky sweet flavor, this guide is for you. Whether you are grilling outdoors or baking in the oven, this **BBQ chicken recipe** will help you master perfect wings every single time. 

## Why Everyone Loves BBQ Chicken Wings 
BBQ chicken is a backyard favorite for a reason. It is simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. From game days to family dinners, [BBQ chicken wings](https://www.dickeys.com/press/blog/how-to-smoke-juicy-chicken-breast-step-by-step-guide-for-perfect-results) bring bold flavor and fun to any table. The mix of smoky char and tangy sauce creates a balance of sweet, savory, and spicy that keeps people coming back for more. 

## How to BBQ Chicken: Step by Step 

### 1.Choose Your Chicken
For this recipe, use **fresh, bone-in chicken wings**. They stay juicy during cooking and soak up that BBQ flavor beautifully.

### 2.Season for Success
Before grilling or baking, toss your wings in a mix of
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
- A hint of brown sugar

This creates a flavorful base layer that enhances your sauce later. 

### 3.Grill or Bake

You can make these wings two ways. 

**How to BBQ Chicken on the Grill**
Preheat your grill to medium high heat, around 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Grill the wings for about 20 to 25 minutes, turning occasionally until the skin is crisp and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. 

**How to Make BBQ Chicken in the Oven**
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
Arrange the wings in a single layer and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
For an extra crisp finish, broil for two to three minutes at the end. 

### 4.Sauce it up
Brush or toss your wings in your favorite **BBQ sauce** during the last few minutes of cooking. Whether you love classic smoky, spicy chipotle, or honey bourbon, the sauce will caramelize beautifully and create that glossy, irresistible glaze. 

**Pro Tips for Perfect BBQ Chicken Every Time**
Marinate ahead for deeper flavor. Let the wings sit overnight in barbecue sauce or a [spice rub](https://barbecueathome.com/collections/rubs-and-sauces).
Do not rush the heat. Medium heat allows the skin to crisp without burning the sauce.
Rest before serving. Let your wings sit for five minutes after cooking, so the juices redistribute for maximum tenderness. 

## What Goes Good With BBQ Chicken 

**Not sure **what to serve with BBQ chicken**? Try pairing your wings with**
- Creamy coleslaw or potato salad
- Cornbread or baked beans
- Grilled vegetables or mac and cheese
- A cool ranch or blue cheese dip

These sides balance the smoky flavor and round out a perfect barbecue feast. 

## Feeling Chef-y? Try This Hot Honey BBQ Sauce 
If you are feeling creative, try this** Hot Honey BBQ Sauce** for a sweet and spicy twist that is trending everywhere right now. It adds the perfect modern kick to your BBQ chicken wings.

### Hot Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe

**Ingredients**
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (use more if you like it spicy)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Optional pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat 

**Instructions**
1. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter.
2. Add BBQ sauce, honey, and hot sauce. Stir until smooth.
3. Mix in apple cider vinegar and red pepper flakes if using.
4. Simmer for three to five minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Brush it over freshly cooked wings or toss them to coat for a sweet and spicy finish.

Learning **how to make BBQ chicken** does not have to be complicated. With the right seasoning, the perfect sauce, and a little patience, you will master this classic in no time. 

Whether you are cooking on the grill or in the oven, this **BBQ chicken recipe** delivers juicy, flavorful wings every time. 

So fire up the grill or preheat the oven, grab your favorite sauce, and get ready to impress your guests with the ultimate **BBQ chicken wings**. And if you are feeling inspired, drizzle them in that homemade hot honey sauce for a trendy, crowd-pleasing twist.

The Ultimate Guide to BBQ Chicken Wings: Flavor-Packed Recipe

CEO Magazine: Secret Sauce: Laura Rea Dickey & Roland Dickey Jr

Franchising with Flavor: How Dickey’s Pitmasters Serve Success

*America’s Favorite Barbecue Brand Marks Its October 15 Birthday with Big Flavor, Big Rewards, and a Whole Lot of Texas Pride*
 

The pit is sizzling, the sauce is flowing, and the world’s largest barbecue brand is officially another year bolder. [Dickey’s Barbecue Pit](https://www.rolanddickeyjr.com/blog/dickeysfranchise) is celebrating its 84th birthday today, honoring a legacy that began in 1941 when Travis Dickey Sr. fired up his first smoker in Dallas, Texas. Eight decades later, that same smoke-kissed flavor and family spirit are still fueling the fire.
 

“What started as one restaurant and one dream has grown into a global family of pitmasters and guests who share our love for authentic [barbecue](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2Mvr3x-8G4),” said Roland Dickey Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group. “My grandfather believed barbecue could bring people together, and after 84 years, that belief still drives everything we do. We’re proud of where we started, but even more excited about where we’re going.”



![30096207927-DBP-84th Social Posts History .jpg](https://cms-www-dickeys-com.s3.amazonaws.com/30096207927_DBP_84th_Social_Posts_History_bf73049bc9.jpg)
 

[Laura Rea Dickey](https://www.qsrmagazine.com/operations/start-finish-what-inspires-execs/what-inspires-dickey-s-ceo-laura-rea-dickey/), CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., added, “This birthday isn’t just a look back, it’s a big thank you to every guest, every franchisee, and every team member who has made [Dickey’s](https://www.rolanddickeyjr.com/dickeys-barbecue-pit-franchise) part of their story. We’ve built a tradition of Texas barbecue that connects generations, and that’s something worth celebrating in a big way.”
 

## Celebrate with Triple Rewards and Texas-Sized Deals
 

Today only, Dickey’s fans can join the celebration with birthday offers that serve up both nostalgia and flavor: 

**Birthday Day Offers Include:**
 
 • **Triple Points for Rewards Members**
 • **$8.84 Birthday Combo** featuring a Pulled Pork Sandwich, Barbecue Beans, and a Big Yellow Cup
 • **$19.41 Party Pack** including one pound of Pulled Pork, a large side of Barbecue Beans, and Texas Toast
 

“These deals are our way of saying thank you to the guests who have stood by us for generations,” said Laura Rea Dickey. “Barbecue is about community, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a plate full of slow-smoked perfection.”
 

Roland Dickey Jr. reflected on the family’s pride and the brand’s future. “This anniversary proves that staying true to your roots never goes out of style. We’ve evolved, grown, and innovated, but the heart of Dickey’s will always be great food, great people, and great Texas hospitality.”
 

## 84 Years of Smoke, Story, and Spirit 

From one Dallas pit to hundreds of locations across the United States and beyond, Dickey’s has built a legacy of craftsmanship, community, and flavor that stands the test of time.
 

“Barbecue connects people in ways that few foods can,” said [Laura Rea Dickey](https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2025/10/03/franchising-is-not-for-everyone-and-thats-exactly-why-it-works/). “You can taste the history, the love, and the care in every bite. This milestone isn’t just about us — it’s about everyone who has ever sat down at a Dickey’s table. The best part is, we’re just getting started.”
 

## About Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc.
 
Founded in 1941 by the Dickey family, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. is the world’s largest barbecue concept and continues as a third-generation family-run business. For more than 80 years, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has served millions with its signature *Legit. Texas. Barbecue.™* Slow-smoked over hickory wood-burning pits, Dickey’s barbecued meats are paired with a variety of Southern sides. Committed to authentic barbecue, Dickey’s never takes shortcuts — because real barbecue can’t be rushed.
 

With more than 866 restaurants across eight concepts in the U.S. and several countries, Dickey’s Barbecue Franchise and Dickey’s Restaurant Brands continue to grow under the leadership of **Roland Dickey Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group**, and **Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc.**
 

Dickey’s has been recognized on Newsweek’s 2022 "*America’s Favorite Restaurant Chains*" list, *Nation’s Restaurant News* 2024 top fast-casual brands for value, and *USA Today’s* 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards. The brand has also ranked in the Top 20 of *Fast Casual’s* “Top 100 Movers and Shakers” for four of the past five years. Additional accolades include *Entrepreneur’s* Top 500 Franchise and *Hospitality Technology’s* Industry Heroes list. The brand has been featured by *Fox News*, *Forbes*, *Franchise Times*, *The Wall Street Journal*, and *People Magazine*.
 

For more information, visit [**www.dickeys.com**](http://www.dickeys.com/). For franchise opportunities, visit [**www.dickeysfranchise.com**](http://www.dickeysfranchise.com/).

Dickey’s 18-Hour Brisket: Hickory-Smoked, Fork-Tender Perfection

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