Strawberry Barbecue Hot Wings

If you’re tired of traditional buffalo or honey BBQ wings, it’s time to give Strawberry Barbecue Hot Wings a spot at the table. This sweet and spicy wing recipe is perfect for game day, cookouts, or when you’re simply craving something bold and different. Combining fruity strawberry preserves with a classic barbecue base and a kick of heat, these wings are as vibrant in flavor as they are in color.

Not only are these wings oven-baked for a healthier alternative to deep-frying, but they also come together quickly with ingredients you probably already have at home. If you’re concerned about safe cooking practices, always ensure your wings reach a safe internal temperature for chicken wings of 165°F.

Fruit-infused BBQ sauces have been a growing trend, and for good reason. They combine the smoky richness of barbecue with the bright acidity and sweetness of fruit. According to Serious Eats’ deep dive into regional barbecue sauce variations, many Southern-inspired sauces integrate fruit like peach, pineapple, and even strawberry to create unforgettable flavor layers.

🍗 Ingredients You’ll Need for Strawberry Barbecue Hot Wings

Here’s everything required for these flavor-packed wings:

Chicken

2–3 pounds of chicken wings (drumettes and flats)

Sea salt, paprika, poultry seasoning

Sauce

1 ½ cups barbecue sauce (your favorite variety)

½ cup strawberry preserves (or jam)
¼ cup hot sauce (adjust to your heat preference)

Optional Extras

Cayenne pepper (for extra spice)

Fresh strawberries for garnish
Scallions or green onions for visual flair

🛠️ Tools You’ll Need

Baking sheet

Tongs
Basting brush
Aluminum foil or parchment paper

Oven (convection preferred for extra crispiness)
Small saucepan for sauce
Optional: Cooling rack to keep wings crispy while resting

🔥 How to Make Strawberry Barbecue Hot Wings

These wings are oven-baked, not fried — a win for health without sacrificing texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375°F.
Rinse and dry the wings thoroughly with paper towels.

Season wings with sea salt, paprika, and poultry seasoning.
Place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
Spray with non-stick coconut oil spray.

Bake for 45–50 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Finish under the broiler for 5 minutes to achieve a crispy skin.

🍓 Make the Strawberry Barbecue Sauce

While the wings are finishing in the oven:

In a saucepan, combine:
- 1 ½ cups barbecue sauce
- ½ cup strawberry preserves
- ¼ cup hot sauce
Simmer on low heat for 5–7 minutes until blended and slightly thickened.
Set aside to cool slightly before tossing with the wings.

💡 Tips for Maximum Flavor and Crispiness

Want your Strawberry Barbecue Hot Wings to be ultra-flavorful with that irresistible crispy finish? These pro tips will help you elevate your wings from good to unforgettable.

🔥 Before Baking

Dry Thoroughly: Pat the wings completely dry with paper towels before seasoning. Removing surface moisture is essential for crispy skin.
Use Baking Powder (Not Baking Soda!): Toss wings with a light coating of aluminum-free baking powder and seasoning. This creates a crisp, golden crust as they bake.

Even Spacing: Arrange wings in a single layer with enough space between them. Crowding leads to steaming instead of roasting.

🍯 During Cooking

Bake on a Wire Rack: Elevating the wings allows hot air to circulate underneath, helping them crisp evenly on all sides.
Flip Halfway Through: Turn the wings at the halfway point (about 25 minutes in) to ensure both sides become equally crispy.

Finish Under the Broiler: In the last 5 minutes, broil the wings on high to caramelize the skin and give them that extra crunch.

🍓 After Baking

Toss in Warm Sauce: Wait until the wings are fully cooked and crispy before tossing them in the strawberry barbecue sauce. This prevents sogginess and allows the glaze to cling beautifully.
Reheat with Care: Use an oven or air fryer to reheat wings and preserve their texture—avoid microwaving if crispness is a priority.

By following these tips, you’ll serve up sweet, spicy, and satisfyingly crispy wings every single time.

🥗 Serving Suggestions & Garnishes

Make it a full experience with fun presentation and sides:

Garnish Ideas

Fresh strawberry slices

Thinly sliced scallions
Crushed red pepper or chili flakes

Side Pairings

Crunchy celery sticks

Carrot sticks
Ranch or blue cheese dressing
Crispy fries or sweet potato wedges

🍓 Sauce Variations

Want to tweak the flavor? Try these variations:

Add chipotle peppers or smoked paprika for a smoky profile.
Use fresh strawberries blended with a bit of honey and balsamic for a gourmet glaze.

Prefer it sweet and mild? Omit the hot sauce and add a squeeze of lemon juice instead.

🍗 Recipe Variations: Creative Twists on Strawberry Barbecue Hot Wings

The beauty of Strawberry Barbecue Hot Wings lies in their versatility. Whether you’re looking for a plant-based version, a different protein, or just want to experiment with textures and flavors, these variations will keep your meals exciting and fresh.

🌿 Vegan or Vegetarian Version

Skip the chicken and try cauliflower florets or crispy tofu cubes instead. Coat your plant-based protein with a mix of olive oil and cornstarch, then roast until golden. Once crisp, toss with the same strawberry barbecue glaze for a sweet and spicy meatless option.

💡 Pro Tip: Cauliflower tends to absorb sauce more quickly, so bake it a little longer to maintain some crunch.

🍗 Boneless Options

If you prefer boneless wings, swap traditional wings for chicken tenders or chopped chicken breast. These are easier to eat and great for serving at parties or to kids. Prepare them using the same seasoning and baking method, then toss in the sauce for all the flavor without the bones.

🍽️ Air Fryer Version

To cut down on cook time while achieving an ultra-crispy finish, use an air fryer:

Preheat to 375°F
Air fry wings for 22–25 minutes, flipping halfway
Finish with a 2-minute high-temp crisp and toss in the sauce

🌶️ Flavor Profile Twists

Add a smoky note with chipotle peppers or smoked paprika in the sauce
For extra heat, stir in some Sriracha or a few dashes of cayenne pepper
Make it sweeter by replacing hot sauce with a spoonful of honey or maple syrup

With these variations, your Strawberry Barbecue Hot Wings can cater to nearly any dietary need or flavor preference—without losing that crave-worthy appeal.

🧠 Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

Based on 6 servings

Calories: ~388

Protein: 16g
Fat: 14g
Sugar: 38g

Carbs: 50g
Sodium: 3000+ mg (can reduce with low-sodium BBQ sauce)

To make this dish healthier, opt for:

Low-sugar strawberry preserves
Homemade BBQ sauce with no high-fructose corn syrup
Air fryer method instead of oven-baked

🎉 Perfect Occasions for Strawberry Barbecue Hot Wings

These wings bring the wow-factor to:

Super Bowl and sports parties
Summer BBQs and cookouts

Valentine’s Day appetizers
Girls’ night in or potlucks

🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips

Properly storing and reheating your Strawberry Barbecue Hot Wings is key to maintaining their crispiness and bold flavor. Follow these tips to enjoy leftovers that are just as satisfying as when they were fresh out of the oven.

🧊 How to Store

Refrigeration: Allow wings to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container or wrap tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
Sauce Note: If possible, store the strawberry barbecue sauce separately from the wings to keep them from getting soggy during reheating.

🔥 How to Reheat

To bring back that crispy, caramelized finish:

Oven (Best Method): Preheat to 375°F. Arrange wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Heat for 12–15 minutes, flipping once for even crispiness.
Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 5–7 minutes. This method restores crisp texture quickly.

Microwave (Last Resort): While not ideal, you can microwave in short bursts (30 seconds at a time) with a damp paper towel over them. The wings will be hot but may lose crispiness.

For best results, brush or toss reheated wings with a little extra strawberry BBQ sauce to refresh flavor and moisture.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Barbecue Hot Wings

Q1: What goes well with strawberry barbecue sauce?

Great with grilled chicken, pork chops, turkey meatballs, or even roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts.

Q2: Can I make strawberry wings less spicy?

Absolutely. Reduce or eliminate the hot sauce and skip the cayenne pepper. Add a dash of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.

Q3: How do I thicken the strawberry BBQ sauce?

Simmer longer on the stove or add a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken it.

Q4: Are strawberry hot wings gluten-free?

Only if your BBQ sauce and strawberry preserves are labeled gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels.

Q5: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of preserves?

Yes! Blend thawed frozen strawberries with a tablespoon of honey and simmer until thick.

Turn taco night up a notch with these Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos — sweet, savory, and irresistibly juicy.

✅ Final Thoughts: Strawberry Barbecue Hot Wings

Strawberry Barbecue Hot Wings aren’t just a novelty — they’re a delicious evolution of the classic wing experience. By blending the sweet richness of strawberry preserves with the bold heat of your favorite hot sauce, this recipe offers a dynamic balance of flavors that’s perfect for both casual get-togethers and standout party spreads.

Whether you’re hosting a game day event, firing up the grill for a summer BBQ, or just craving something new, these wings are guaranteed to turn heads and satisfy cravings. Plus, since they’re oven-baked, not fried, you get all the crispy goodness without the extra grease.

Best of all, the recipe is flexible. Want it hotter? Add cayenne. Prefer a sweeter finish? Dial back the heat and load up the jam. You can even pair them with sides like ranch dip, celery sticks, or a refreshing strawberry smoothie for the full flavor experience.

So next time you’re tempted to grab a basic buffalo wing recipe, remember — a little strawberry twist can go a long way. One bite of these wings, and you might just find your new favorite go-to dish.