This comprehensive guide will show you how to grill the most delicious, crispy chicken wings using either a charcoal or gas grill, set at the perfect temperature for ultimate flavor and texture. Serve these golden-brown beauties dry with their incredible seasoning, or toss them in your favorite BBQ, buffalo, or ranch sauce for an irresistible treat.
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If you’ve ever struggled to achieve that perfect balance of crispy skin and succulent, juicy meat when grilling wings, you’re certainly not alone. Many home cooks face the challenge of burnt exteriors or dry interiors. The secret to truly outstanding grilled chicken wings lies in maintaining consistent heat and mastering the timing. With years of experience sharing simple, reliable recipes, I’ve perfected a method that guarantees wings that are wonderfully crispy on the outside, incredibly tender and juicy on the inside, and infused with that irresistible smoky flavor only a grill can provide. They’re perfect for any occasion and ready to be customized with your favorite sauces.
Prefer not to grill? Explore my Dry Rub Chicken Wings recipe for a delicious non-grilled alternative.
Table of Contents
Best Type of Wings For Grilling
When it comes to grilling chicken wings, the type you choose can significantly impact your results. I highly recommend using “party wings,” which are chicken wings already split into two sections: drumettes and flats. These sections cook more evenly and are easier to handle on the grill compared to whole chicken wings.
If you prefer whole chicken wings, they can certainly be used. Just be aware that they might require a slightly longer cooking time and a bit more attention to ensure they cook through without burning. Always ensure they are patted thoroughly dry before seasoning for the crispiest skin!
How to Season Chicken Wings
Proper seasoning is the foundation of flavorful grilled chicken wings. For this recipe, I use my signature Homemade BBQ Rub and Seasoning, which infuses the wings with a rich, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor. This blend consists of:
- Brown Sugar or Sweetener: Essential for that beautiful caramelization and a hint of sweetness that balances the savory notes.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a foundational aromatic flavor.
- Onion Powder: Complements the garlic, providing depth.
- Smoked Paprika: Delivers a beautiful red hue and a crucial smoky essence, enhancing the grilled flavor.
- Salt: A key flavor enhancer.
- Pepper: For a subtle bite.
While a dry rub provides fantastic surface flavor, I often pair it with a liquid marinade to ensure the meat remains tender and juicy. This combination results in wings that are perfectly crispy on the outside and incredibly succulent within. My preferred liquid marinade includes:
- Liquid Smoke: Boosts the smoky flavor, especially useful on a gas grill.
- Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Don’t underestimate this ingredient! It adds a fantastic umami depth and helps tenderize the chicken without making it overly salty. The flavor and results are truly remarkable.
For alternative flavor profiles, you might also enjoy my Homemade Ranch Seasoning or Homemade Blackening Seasoning for these grilled chicken wings.
Why Marinate Grilled Wings?
While marinating is technically optional, I highly recommend it for chicken, especially when grilling. Here’s why a good marinade can elevate your grilled chicken wings:
- Enhanced Flavor: A well-crafted marinade penetrates deep into the meat, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor, not just the surface. This creates a more complex and satisfying taste profile.
- Protection During High-Heat Grilling: Grilling at high temperatures can sometimes lead to the formation of certain harmful compounds. Marinades, particularly those with an acidic base like soy sauce or vinegar, have been shown to help reduce the creation of these substances, making your grilled food potentially healthier.
- Preventing Dryness and Boosting Juiciness: Marinades contain acids and enzymes that gently break down the muscle fibers of the chicken. This tenderizing process allows the meat to retain more moisture during cooking, preventing it from drying out and ensuring each wing is incredibly juicy.
For more detailed insights, you can read about How to Marinate Chicken.
Grilling Chicken Wings: Step-by-Step
Achieving perfectly grilled, crispy chicken wings is simpler than you think with the right technique. Detailed measurements and instructions are available in the recipe card at the bottom of this post, but here’s an overview of the process:
- Prepare the Wings: Begin by patting your chicken wings thoroughly dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps achieve maximum crispiness. Then, drizzle them with liquid smoke and soy sauce, ensuring each wing is lightly coated. Finally, sprinkle your homemade (or store-bought) BBQ rub generously over all the wings, massaging it in for even coverage. For best results, allow the wings to marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour, or even up to 24 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
- Prepare the Grill: Before preheating, make sure your grill grates are clean. Then, using a cooking brush or a paper towel lightly soaked in olive oil, coat the grill grates to prevent the wings from sticking.
- Preheat and Grill: Preheat your grill (gas or charcoal) to medium-high heat, aiming for an internal temperature of around 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Once hot, carefully place the seasoned wings on the prepped grates. Grill for approximately 15-20 minutes, turning the wings every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking, beautiful browning, and consistent crispiness on all sides.
- Check for Doneness: The most important step is ensuring the wings are cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part of the chicken wing (without touching the bone) reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you desire extra crispy skin or a slight char, you can continue grilling for a few more minutes after reaching 165°F, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked to your liking, remove the wings from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum succulence. Serve them dry, or toss them immediately in your favorite sauce.
Ideal Grill Temperature for Wings
Understanding your grill’s temperature is paramount for perfect grilled chicken wings. For this dish, a medium-high heat setting, translating to approximately 425 degrees Fahrenheit (around 220 degrees Celsius), is optimal. This temperature allows the wings to cook through evenly while developing a crispy skin without drying out the meat.
Many modern grills feature built-in temperature gauges, making this easy to monitor. If your grill lacks a thermometer, you can use a simple hand test: hold your hand about 5 inches above the grates. If you can only hold it there for 3-4 seconds, your grill has reached medium-high heat. While the hand test is a good estimation, I always recommend using a dedicated grill thermometer for the most accurate readings. You can learn more about How to Check the Temperature of Your Grill here.
How Long To Cook Grilled Chicken Wings
The cooking time for grilled chicken wings typically ranges from 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of the wings and the consistency of your grill’s heat. The key to ensuring they cook nicely and crisp up evenly is to flip them regularly, ideally every 5 minutes. This prevents one side from burning while the other cooks too slowly, ensuring a beautiful golden-brown color and perfectly crispy texture all around.
To confirm that your wings are safely cooked and delicious, always rely on a food thermometer. According to the USDA, chicken should reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to destroy any harmful bacteria. Insert your meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken wing, being careful not to touch the bone, as bones can give a false high reading.
Charcoal Grill vs Gas Grill for Wings
Both charcoal and gas grills are excellent for making crispy chicken wings, and your choice often comes down to personal preference and convenience.
Gas Grills: I personally lean towards using a gas grill most often. They offer unparalleled convenience, heating up quickly and providing precise temperature control, which is crucial for preventing burnt skin while ensuring the meat cooks through. Clean-up is also generally much simpler with a gas grill. The consistent heat makes it easier to achieve that perfect crispy texture.
Charcoal Grills: For those who crave an intense smoky flavor, a charcoal grill is unbeatable. Charcoal imparts a deep, authentic smokiness that is hard to replicate. While they require a bit more effort to set up and manage the heat, the flavor payoff is often worth it. If using charcoal, consider a two-zone cooking method: a hot zone for searing and crisping, and a cooler zone for indirect cooking to ensure even doneness without charring. This method offers more control and allows for more nuanced cooking, leading to incredibly flavorful results.
Grilling Chicken Wings From Frozen
Grilling chicken wings straight from the freezer is entirely possible, but it requires a slightly different approach to ensure they cook safely and thoroughly. Instead of medium-high heat, set your grill to medium heat, around 350°F (175°C).
Frozen wings will take significantly longer to cook, typically 30-40 minutes, but cooking time will vary based on their size and your grill’s performance. It’s crucial to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Regarding seasoning, you’ll need to wait until the wings have thawed somewhat on the grill and have released some of their moisture. Trying to apply a rub to frozen wings won’t work effectively. Once they’ve softened and developed a bit of a crust, usually after about 10-15 minutes, you can then apply your dry rub. Continue grilling and flipping until fully cooked and crispy.
Sauce Ideas For Enjoying This Grilled Chicken Wings Recipe
These grilled chicken wings are so flavorful on their own that they truly don’t need any sauce, especially for cookouts where their smoky, crispy goodness shines. However, if you love a good dipping or drizzling sauce, here are some fantastic ideas to complement their taste:
- Homemade BBQ Sauce: A classic pairing. The sweet and tangy notes of BBQ sauce perfectly complement the smoky wings.
- Homemade Ranch: Cool, creamy, and herbaceous, ranch dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
- Honey BBQ Sauce: For a sticky, sweet, and savory glaze, combine ¼ cup BBQ sauce with 2 tablespoons of honey. Brush this on the wings during the last few minutes of grilling, or toss the cooked wings in it.
- Buffalo Sauce: If you love a spicy kick, a classic buffalo sauce is always a hit.
- Garlic Parmesan: Melted butter, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese tossed with the hot wings create a savory, aromatic coating.
- Lemon Pepper Wet: A simple mix of lemon juice, melted butter, and black pepper for a zesty, bright finish.
Tip: If you’re planning to toss your wings in sauce, do so immediately after removing them from the grill while they are still hot. This helps the sauce adhere better and warm through. If brushing on, apply during the last 5 minutes of grilling to prevent the sauce from burning.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Chicken Wings
Leftover grilled chicken wings are a delicious treat! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Proper storage ensures they remain fresh and safe to eat.
How to Reheat Grilled Wings
To bring your leftover wings back to life with their original crispiness, avoid the microwave if possible, as it can lead to a chewy texture and a noticeable change in flavor. My preferred methods for reheating are:
- Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the wings in a single layer and cook for 5-8 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
- Grill: If your grill is already on, reheat the wings on indirect medium heat (around 350°F/175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until warmed and crisp.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the wings on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping once, until they are hot and the skin is crisp again.
Freezer Storage Tips for Cooked Wings
Cooked grilled chicken wings can be frozen for longer storage. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They will keep well for up to a few months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating using one of the methods above.
What Goes With Grilled Chicken Wings?
Grilled chicken wings are a crowd-pleaser and pair beautifully with a variety of classic side dishes. Here are some of my favorite accompaniments that perfectly complement their smoky, savory flavor:
- Southern Macaroni Salad: Creamy, tangy, and a staple for any BBQ.
- Southern Coleslaw Recipe: A fresh and crunchy side that cuts through the richness of the wings.
- Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad: A hearty and flavorful pasta salad that’s always a hit.
- Southern Baked Beans: Sweet, savory, and wonderfully comforting.
- Air Fryer Hush Puppies: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside – perfect for dipping.
- Southern Potato Salad: A creamy and satisfying classic.
- Easy Spaghetti Salad: A unique and refreshing twist on pasta salad.
- Creamy Cucumber Salad: Light and refreshing, ideal for balancing heavier flavors.
- Lobster Mac and Cheese: For an indulgent and decadent side.
More BBQ and Grilling Recipes
Expand your grilling repertoire with these other delicious BBQ and grilling recipes:
- Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon
- How to Grill the Best Burgers
- Grilled Cedar Plank Shrimp
- Grilled Asparagus in Foil
- Mushroom Swiss Burgers
- Queso Burgers
- Traeger Smoked Salmon
- Traeger Smoked Chicken Breast
- Grilled Cod in Foil
More Chicken Wings Recipes
If you’re a true chicken wing enthusiast, you’ll love exploring these other fantastic wing recipes:
- Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
- Cajun Chicken Wings
- Thai Chili Chicken Wings
- Honey Hot Wings
- Garlic Parmesan Wings
- Honey BBQ Wings
- Keto Low Carb Chicken Wings (Maple BBQ)
- Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Crispy Ranch Chicken Wings
- Jerk Chicken Thighs
- Sweet Chili Chicken Wings
- Traeger Smoked Chicken Wings
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Homemade Crab Rangoon
- Air Fry Frozen Chicken Wings
- Homemade Onion Rings in Air Fryer
- Southern Style Cabbage
- Traeger Turkey Recipe
- Seafood Stuffing Recipe
- How To Make Mango Habanero Sauce
- Hot Honey Chicken Wings
- Chili Wings
- Panda Kung Pao Chicken
- Seasoning for Collard Greens
- Stuffed Chicken Breasts in Oven
- Traeger Smoked Wings
- Smoked Whole Duck
- Cajun Seafood Gumbo
- Recipe for Smoked Turkey Wings
- Traeger Whole Smoked Chicken
- Salmon In Cast Iron
Grilled Chicken Wings on the Grill
Author: Brandi Crawford
This easy recipe will show you how to grill crispy chicken wings using a charcoal or gas grill set at the perfect temperature. Serve these dry or drizzle them in BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or ranch.
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Equipment
- Grill
- Meat Thermometer
Ingredients
- 3 pounds chicken wings (I used split party wings. You can use whole wings if preferred.)
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (I use low sodium. See notes.)
- olive oil (for grill grates)
Homemade BBQ Rub (Feel free to use a store-bought rub if you wish)
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar or sweetener
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly. Drizzle the wings with liquid smoke and soy sauce, then sprinkle the BBQ rub evenly over all surfaces. Massage the rub into the wings to ensure good coverage. For best flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken in the fridge for at least one hour, or up to 24 hours. (Marinating is optional but highly recommended).
- Prior to grilling, coat your clean grill grates lightly with olive oil using a cooking brush or paper towels to prevent any sticking.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for an internal temperature of 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220°C).
- Once the grill is preheated, carefully place the seasoned chicken wings on the grates. Grill for 15-20 minutes in total, ensuring to flip the wings every 5 minutes. Continue grilling until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74°C). Always use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the wing, avoiding the bone.
- If you prefer your wings with a slightly charred appearance and extra crispiness, you can leave them on the grill for a few additional minutes after they’ve reached the appropriate internal temperature, keeping a close watch to prevent burning.
- Remove the grilled wings from the grill. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the juices settle. Enjoy dry or tossed in your favorite sauce!
Video
Notes
- Liquid aminos or coconut aminos can be excellent substitutions for soy sauce if you are looking for alternatives.
- Liquid smoke and soy sauce are included to enhance optimal texture and flavor. However, they are optional and can be omitted if you prefer. Remember, soy sauce is acidic, which contributes to tenderizing the meat.
- Feel free to use your preferred store-bought BBQ rub or seasoning blend. Ensure you use approximately 2 tablespoons, or enough to thoroughly coat all the chicken wings.
- Monitoring your grill’s temperature is critical. Chicken wings, being relatively small, are prone to cooking errors. If the heat is too high, the outside may crisp and cook quickly while the inside remains raw. Consistent temperature control and the indispensable use of a meat thermometer are key to perfectly cooked wings.
- You can marinate chicken for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Always discard any used or reserved marinade that has come into contact with raw chicken to prevent cross-contamination.
Nutrition
Calories: 320 kcal
Carbohydrates: 1 g
Protein: 31 g
Fat: 21 g
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
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