Grilled Chicken Wings

Grilled Chicken Wings are the perfect combination of smoky flavor, crispy skin, and juicy meat. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, tailgating with friends, or simply craving a savory snack, these wings are a crowd-pleaser. With a simple marinade and easy grilling technique, you can achieve the perfect wings with minimal effort. These wings can be customized with your favorite seasonings or sauces, making them the ideal dish for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Grilled Chicken Wings are deliciously smoky on the outside and tender on the inside. The grilling process gives the wings a perfect balance of crispy skin and juicy meat. The marinade infuses the wings with flavor, and you can easily adjust the spices to suit your taste, from tangy to spicy or sweet. They’re easy to make, require minimal prep time, and are perfect for sharing with friends and family. Plus, grilling the wings adds an extra layer of depth that can’t be achieved by baking or frying alone.

Ingredients

• 10-12 chicken wings (drumettes and flats)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

• ½ teaspoon salt

• Optional: 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for spice)

• Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.

2. Marinate the wings: Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss them in the marinade until they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for more intense flavor.

3. Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F-400°F). If you’re using a charcoal grill, allow the coals to heat up until they are glowing red and have a layer of white ash. If you’re using a gas grill, make sure it’s preheated before placing the wings on the grates.

4. Grill the wings: Place the marinated chicken wings on the grill. Cook for 20-25 minutes, turning every 5-7 minutes, until the wings are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If the wings are getting too dark too quickly, move them to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking.

5. Serve: Once the wings are cooked through, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce (like ranch or blue cheese).

6. Enjoy: Dig in and enjoy your perfectly grilled chicken wings!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Marinating time: 1-4 hours

• Cook time: 20-25 minutes

• Total time: 30 minutes to 4 hours (depending on marinating time)

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover grilled chicken wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the wings in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or reheat them on the grill for a few minutes until heated through and crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken wings?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings. However, make sure to thaw them completely before marinating and grilling. For the best results, defrost them in the fridge overnight.

2. Can I use a different marinade?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the marinade to your taste. You can use barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce, teriyaki sauce, or any other flavor combination you like. Just make sure to adjust the marinating time based on the ingredients used.

3. Can I bake these wings instead of grilling them?

Yes, if you prefer to bake the wings, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the wings on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

4. How do I ensure the wings are crispy?

To achieve crispy wings, make sure to grill them over direct heat and avoid overcrowding the grill. Turning the wings frequently ensures even cooking and crisping. If the wings are getting too dark on the outside before they’re fully cooked inside, move them to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking.

5. Can I make these wings spicier?

Yes! To add more heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the marinade, or drizzle the wings with a spicy sauce like sriracha or hot sauce after grilling.

6. Can I make the wings ahead of time?

While grilled chicken wings are best served fresh, you can prep the wings and marinate them in advance, up to 4 hours ahead of time. Once grilled, leftover wings can be stored and reheated.

7. Can I use a gas grill?

Yes, a gas grill works perfectly for these wings. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and follow the same cooking instructions as for a charcoal grill.

8. Can I cook these wings on a skillet?

Yes, if you don’t have a grill, you can cook the wings in a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Cook the wings for about 5-7 minutes per side until crispy and cooked through.

9. What dipping sauces go well with grilled wings?

Grilled chicken wings pair well with a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch, blue cheese dressing, honey mustard, buffalo sauce, or barbecue sauce.

10. Can I add a glaze to these wings?

Yes! You can brush your wings with a glaze like barbecue sauce, honey garlic sauce, or teriyaki sauce during the last 2-3 minutes of grilling to add extra flavor and a nice shiny finish.

Conclusion

Grilled Chicken Wings are a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their crispy skin, smoky flavor, and juicy meat, these wings are sure to be a hit at your next barbecue or family dinner. The marinade can be customized to suit your tastes, and the grilling process adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. Whether you like them spicy, tangy, or sweet, grilled wings are a delicious treat everyone will love!