Step 1

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil, place a baking rack on top of the foil-lined sheet, and spray the rack with nonstick cooking spray. Set the baking sheet aside.

Step 2

Place your chicken wings in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle them with salt, black pepper, and baking powder. Use your hands to toss the wings and ensure the wings are completely coated in the baking powder. You may wear gloves if you like.

Step 3

Place the wings on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each wing. Bake the wings in the prepared oven for 40-50 minutes, until they are very crispy.

Step 4

While the wings are baking prepare your barbecue sauce. In a medium saucepan, cook the chopped onion in a tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat until softened, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 5

Add the garlic, tomato sauce, vinegar, maple syrup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, molasses, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, and liquid smoke and stir everything together with a wooden spoon.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the sauce, covered, for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all the flavors have come togetehr and the sauce has thickened.

Step 7

Remove the wings from the oven and transfer them to a large mixing bowl using silicone-tipped kitchen tongs. Pour the sauce over the wings in the bowl and gently toss the wings with gloved hands or tongs, being sure to coat all the wings in sauce.

Step 8

Using the tongs, transfer the wings to a serving dish. Serve the wings with a side of ranch for dipping if desired. Enjoy!