The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
Bj’s Root Beer Glazed Wings Recipe
Wings are the MVP of any appetizer spread, and when they’re glazed in a sticky, smoky root beer reduction watch out. This BJ’s Root Beer Glazed Wings recipe is a perfect fusion of bold flavor and finger-lickin’ goodness. With just a few pantry staples, you’ll be on your way to making a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’ll rival any restaurant wing plate.
What makes this recipe so special is the use of root beer yes, the soda! Paired with brown sugar, smoked paprika, and chipotle chili powder, it transforms into a caramelized glaze with rich depth. Each bite gives you a hint of sweetness, a kick of spice, and just the right amount of crunch.
Whether it’s football night, a backyard get-together, or a weeknight treat, these wings are your new go-to. They’re oven-baked, not fried, but you’d never guess from the crispy skin and tender meat and I love to enjoy this wings, pairing with Brussel Sprouts. Let’s get into it!
My Personal Experience With this Bj’s Root Beer Glazed Wings Recipe
When I first tried this BJ’s-style root beer glazed wing recipe, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’m a die-hard wing lover, but root beer? That seemed unusual. But wow one bite in and I was hooked. The glaze gave the wings a glossy finish and a sticky-sweet richness that felt gourmet.
What I loved most was how simple it was. No fancy techniques just bold flavors and smart layering. Prepping everything took less time than I thought, and the oven did most of the heavy lifting. The aroma? Unbelievable. Like BBQ night met soda pop heaven.
After tossing the wings in that glossy glaze and taking the first bite, I knew these would be a regular on my party menu, like the Bj’s Jambalaya. My guests were impressed, and honestly, I was too!
Ingredients Required for Bj’s Root Beer Glazed Wings Recipe
Before you start, make sure you have all the following ingredients listed below for this Bj’s Root Beer Glazed Wings Recipe
- 4 lbs chicken party wings (washed and patted dry)
- 2 cups A&W Root Beer (or your favorite brand)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp kosher salt (divided use)
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper (divided use)
- 1 tsp chipotle chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet with wire rack
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Oven mitts
- Tongs or spatula
- Basting brush (optional)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: ~55 minutes
Recipe for Bj’s Root Beer Glazed Wings
Just follow these easy steps to make your own Bj’s Root Beer Glazed Wings at home
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with a wire rack to allow heat to circulate under the wings for crispiness.
Step 2: Season the Wings
In a large bowl, toss 4 lbs of chicken wings with kosher salt and black pepper, making sure each piece is well-coated. Give it a second round of seasoning to ensure even flavor distribution.
Step 3: Bake the Wings
Arrange the wings on the rack with a little space between each. Bake for 20 minutes, flip them, and bake for another 10–12 minutes until golden brown and slightly crispy.
Step 4: Make the Root Beer Glaze
In a saucepan, combine 2 cups root beer, ½ cup brown sugar, chipotle chili powder, and smoked paprika. Simmer on medium heat until slightly thickened. Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with a splash of root beer to make a slurry, then whisk it into the glaze. Cook until smooth and glossy.
Step 5: Toss in Glaze
Transfer the baked wings to a large bowl and pour the glaze over them. Toss well to coat each wing evenly.
Step 6: Final Bake
Place the glazed wings back on the rack and bake for an additional 8–10 minutes. This helps the glaze caramelize and stick for that irresistible, sticky finish.
What to Pair and Serve with Bj’s Root Beer Glazed Wings
1. With Buttery Cornbread on the Side
We’ve served these wings with a warm slice of buttery cornbread, and let me tell you the sweet-and-savory combo is unmatched. That slightly crumbly texture soaks up the glaze beautifully, almost like dessert with your wings.
2. On a Game Day Platter with Fries and Sliders
This one’s a no-brainer. For one of our Sunday football parties, we paired these wings with seasoned curly fries and mini sliders. The wings held their own even up against bacon cheeseburgers!
3. With Creamy Coleslaw for a Refreshing Crunch
We’ve learned that pairing these with a tangy coleslaw cuts right through the sweet glaze. It’s refreshing, creamy, and adds that perfect crunch factor. Try a vinegar-based slaw too it works wonders.
4. With Ranch or Blue Cheese Dip (Extra Sauce on the Side!)
You have to try this with ranch or blue cheese dip we’ve dipped, double-dipped, and even drizzled. The creamy coolness balances the glaze perfectly. Plus, keeping a side bowl of extra root beer glaze? Chef’s kiss.
5. As a Wing & Waffle Combo (Yep, We Did It!)
Okay, we went full brunch mode once and served these over crispy waffles with a drizzle of maple syrup. Wild? Maybe. Delicious? Absolutely. It’s sweet, salty, crunchy, and indulgent.
6. With Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
One cozy evening, we served these wings alongside garlicky mashed potatoes and gravy and it turned into a soul food moment we still talk about. That glaze and that creamy mash? Fire.
7. With a Charred Corn & Black Bean Salad
We tried this at a summer BBQ and it was perfect. The smoky corn, fresh lime, and cilantro in the salad cut through the richness of the wings and made the whole plate feel bright and balanced.
8. Stacked in a Wing Tower with Toothpicks for Parties
For a birthday bash, we stacked the wings vertically (yes, like a tower!) with skewers. Guests went nuts. It was a visual centerpiece and a flavor bomb. Bonus: it makes serving super easy.
9. Tossed in a Bowl of Crispy Onion Strings
One time we got fancy and laid the wings over a bed of crispy fried onion strings. The texture was next level. Trust us, it’s worth the extra effort if you want to impress.
10. With Ice-Cold Root Beer Floats
This might sound crazy, but we tried serving these wings alongside root beer floats and it worked. The wings bring the heat, and the float brings that nostalgic cool sweetness. It’s a full-circle flavor moment.
Some Tips on This Bj’s Root Beer Glazed Wings Recipe
1. Wash your wings first!
Give your chicken a good rinse and pat them dry with paper towels. Dry wings cook better!
2. Use your favorite root beer.
A&W is great, but any root beer you love will work just fine. Sweet and fizzy is best!
3. Don’t skip the salt and pepper.
This makes your wings tasty even before the glaze goes on. Sprinkle and mix well.
4. Leave space on the pan.
Let each wing have its own room on the tray so they get crispy and not soggy.
5. Flip the wings halfway.
Cook one side, then flip! This helps both sides get brown and yummy.
6. Let the glaze bubble gently.
Don’t let the sauce boil too much. Just a soft bubble helps it get thick and sweet.
7. Mix the cornstarch well.
Stir it with a little root beer before adding to the pot. This keeps it smooth no lumps!
8. Toss wings in a big bowl.
After baking, use a big bowl to coat the wings with glaze. It’s fun and easy!
9. Bake them again after glazing.
A short bake after glazing helps the sauce stick and makes them extra tasty.
10. Eat them warm!
They taste the best when they’re hot and sticky just be careful, they’re finger-lickin’ good!
How to Store Bj’s Root Beer Glazed Wings Properly?
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes to restore crispiness avoid microwaving to keep them from getting soggy.
FAQs on Bj’s Root Beer Glazed Wings Recipe
Here are some common questions I’ve got you covered about the Bj’s Root Beer Glazed Wings Recipe.
1. Can I use any brand of root beer for this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! We personally love using A&W Root Beer for its smooth vanilla notes, but we’ve also tried brands like Barq’s and Mug they work great too. Just make sure you’re using regular root beer, not diet, because the sugar helps the glaze caramelize properly.
2. How do I make the Bj’s Root Beer Glazed Wings extra crispy?
We’ve tested a few ways, and here’s what works best: pat the wings dry thoroughly, space them out on a wire rack, and bake at 450°F. If you want extra crunch, toss the wings with a touch of olive oil before seasoning and baking. That combo gives the skin a nice crisp without frying.
3. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, and we often do! The glaze holds up really well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just warm it gently on the stove before tossing it with the wings it’ll loosen right back up.
4. Is this Bj’s Root Beer Glazed Wings Recipe spicy?
It’s got a mild smoky kick from the chipotle chili powder, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. If you like more heat, you can easily crank it up with cayenne pepper or a touch of hot sauce. When we serve these at parties, they’re usually a hit with both spice-lovers and spice-lightweights.
5. Can I use drumsticks or thighs instead of wings?
Definitely! We’ve tried this glaze on drumsticks and even boneless chicken thighs, and it works beautifully. Just adjust the baking time based on the size of your cuts larger pieces may need 10–15 extra minutes.
6. What can I serve these Bj’s Root Beer Glazed Wings with?
We usually serve them with ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery sticks, and extra glaze on the side. For something more filling, they pair well with mac and cheese, cornbread, or baked beans. Trust us they’re versatile!
7. Can I grill these wings instead of baking them?
Yes, and they’re fantastic on the grill! We bake them more often for convenience, but when we want that smoky char, grilling is the way to go. Grill them over medium heat, then glaze in the last few minutes to avoid burning the sugar.
8. How do I keep the glaze from burning in the oven?
Great question! We learned the hard way that timing is key. Only apply the glaze after the wings are mostly cooked, then return them to the oven for 8–10 minutes max. Watch them closely during this step high sugar content can burn fast.
9. Can I freeze these Bj’s Root Beer Glazed Wings after cooking?
You can, but the texture does change slightly. We’ve frozen leftovers and reheated them in the oven they’re still tasty, but not as crisp. If you freeze them, store in an airtight container and reheat at 375°F until warmed through.
10. How do I thicken the glaze if it’s too runny?
We always use a cornstarch slurry to control the glaze’s thickness. Just mix equal parts cornstarch and root beer (or water), whisk it into the simmering sauce, and cook for a few more minutes. It thickens quickly, so add it gradually and keep whisking.
There you have it BJ’s Root Beer Glazed Wings recipe that delivers smoky, sweet, sticky perfection in every bite. Whether you’re hosting or just treating yourself, this dish is guaranteed to wow. Try it once, and it’ll become a staple at your game-day or party table. If you loved this recipe, share it with a fellow wing-lover and don’t forget to tag us with your creations. Enjoy!
I’d love to hear your thoughts-leave a comment on the blog and let me know How it came out! Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest, Facebook and YouTube for more delicious updates. Your support truly means everything to me.
