Crispy Dominican BBQ Chicken Wings

Step 1 - Make the sauce: Combine the sugar-free ketchup, sugar-free honey, soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, fresh thyme, and hot sauce in a bowl. Whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust - more hot sauce for heat, more honey if you want it sweeter.

Step 2 - Marinate the wings: Pat the wings dry with paper towels. This is important - dry wings absorb the sauce better and crisp up faster. Season with salt and pepper, then pour the sauce over the wings and toss to coat completely. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Overnight is even better.

Step 3 - Set up the oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F on roast setting. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. The rack is not optional - it is what gives you crispy wings instead of soggy ones.

Step 4 - Arrange and cook: Place the wings on the rack in a single layer. Do not crowd them. Cook for 20 minutes on the first side, then flip every wing and cook for another 25 minutes. The sauce will caramelize and the edges will char slightly - that is exactly what you want.

Step 5 - Rest and serve: Let the wings rest for 5 minutes before serving. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F.