The Freshman Cook: North Carolina BBQ Wings/#FootballFood

It is finally time for “The Big Game”! Friends will be dropping by to eat and drink all kinds of yummy theme foods and cocktails, watch  commercials that are funny and produced for this very day, wear team themed shirts, and fun hats and have a great time! 
Make these North Carolina BBQ Wings part of your menu and fun! The sauce can be made a day or two ahead of time, so on game day, all you need to do is bake the wings! Simple and delicious!

North Carolina BBQ Wings

(printable recipe at end of page)

4 ounces Applewood Bacon (cut into large chunks)

3/4 cup Beef Stock

1 1/2 cups Apple Cider Vinegar

1/2 cup White Vinegar

1/4 cup packed Dark Brown Sugar

1/4 cup Ketchup

2 teaspoons Red Pepper Flakes

1 teaspoon Chipotle Chile Powder

1/4 teaspoon Salt

2 1/2 lbs raw Chicken Wings (thawed, if frozen)
Cut each slice of bacon into 4 chunks and place in a medium sauce pan. Add the beef stock, both vinegar’s, sugar, ketchup, red pepper flakes, chipotle chile pepper and salt. Bring the mix to a boil, then reduce to medium low heat. Simmer approx 15 minutes until the bacon renders its fat. Remove from heat and set aside for approx. 20 minutes to allow flavors to develop. Remove bacon from sauce and throw bacon away.
While you are waiting for the sauce to finish up, place the wings on a baking sheet. 
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Use a brush to spread sauce on each of the wings. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
Remove tray of wings from oven and spread another layer of sauce on wings. Return to oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes. Check the wings in a meaty part of the chicken, to make sure they are fully cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees. Also, be aware that the size of your wings may be smaller or larger than the ones I used here, so adjust your time accordingly. 
Enjoy your wings with a side of homemade chips, and a side of BBQ sauce for dipping!
Thank you for stopping by today!

Today I joined in with some blogging friends to celebrate the big game and share fun fixins’!  Check out what everyone made!~

  • 4 ounces Applewood Bacon (cut into large chunks)
  • 3/4 cup Beef Stock
  • 1 1/2 cups Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1/2 cup White Vinegar
  • 1/4 cup packed Dark Brown Sugar
  • 1/4 cup Ketchup
  • 2 teaspoons Red Pepper Flakes
  • 1 teaspoon Chipotle Chile Powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 2 1/2 lbs raw Chicken Wings (thawed, if frozen)
  1. Cut each slice of bacon into 4 chunks and place in a medium sauce pan.
  2. Add the beef stock, both vinegar’s, sugar, ketchup, red pepper flakes, chipotle chile pepper and salt. Bring the mix to a boil, then reduce to medium low heat. Simmer approx 15 minutes until the bacon renders its fat. Remove from heat and set aside for approx. 20 minutes to allow flavors to develop. Remove bacon from sauce and throw bacon away.
  3. While you are waiting for the sauce to finish up, place the wings on a baking sheet.
  4. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Use a brush to spread sauce on each of the wings.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
  6. Remove tray of wings from oven and spread another layer of sauce on wings. Return to oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes. Check the wings in a meaty part of the chicken, to make sure they are fully cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees. Also, be aware that the size of your wings may be smaller or larger than the ones I used here, so adjust your time accordingly.
  7. Enjoy your wings with a side of homemade chips, and a side of BBQ sauce for dipping!
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Noah Baker

Hi! I’m Noah Baker

Noah Baker is a California-born food blogger behind "FreshmanCook," whose culinary journey began in his tiny apartment kitchen experimenting with recipes that blend innovative techniques and personal passion. After leaving his graphic design career, Noah transformed his love for cooking into a vibrant online platform that celebrates accessible, creative cuisine, capturing food lovers' attention with his stunning photography and approachable recipes. When he's not crafting mouthwatering dishes or styling food for his blog, Noah lives in a cozy apartment with his rescue dog, Basil.

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