These Carolina Mustard BBQ Chicken Wings are inspired by South Carolina’s signature golden BBQ sauce — a bold blend of tangy mustard, vinegar, and honey with a hint of spice. The wings are baked or grilled to crispy perfection, then tossed in this irresistible sauce for the ultimate finger-lickin’ treat!
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Equipment
- Baking sheet or grill
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Tongs
Ingredients
For the Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, split and tips removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce:
- ½ cup yellow mustard
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey (or keto honey substitute)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional for extra sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Ingredient Notes
- Yellow Mustard: The classic Carolina base — tangy and bright.
- Vinegar: Adds that signature Southern BBQ sharpness.
- Honey or Brown Sugar: Balances the tang with a touch of sweetness.
- Cayenne: Optional, for a little heat kick.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven (or Grill):
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat your grill to medium-high.
Line a baking sheet with foil and a wire rack (for extra crispiness). - Season the Wings:
Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until evenly coated. - Bake or Grill:
- Oven: Bake for 40–45 minutes, turning halfway, until crispy and golden.
- Grill: Grill for 20–25 minutes, flipping occasionally, until cooked through and charred in spots.
- Make the Sauce:
While wings cook, whisk together all BBQ sauce ingredients in a small saucepan.
Simmer on low heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. - Toss and Serve:
Place cooked wings in a large bowl, pour sauce over top, and toss until evenly coated.
Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side!
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 330
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
Tips and Variations
- Air Fryer Option: Cook wings at 390°F (200°C) for 20–22 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Spicy Version: Add extra cayenne or a splash of hot sauce to the BBQ mix.
- Keto Version: Use sugar-free honey or monk fruit syrup instead of honey and skip the brown sugar.
- Make-Ahead Sauce: Sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to 1 week — great for burgers or pulled pork too!
