These grilled chicken wings are easy to prepare, full of smoky flavor, and incredibly versatile. The grilling method ensures the skin turns crispy while keeping the meat juicy inside. Whether served plain, tossed in buffalo sauce, or glazed with honey garlic, these wings are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, they cook quickly and can be made ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
chicken wings olive oil garlic powder onion powder paprika salt black pepper lemon juice optional sauces for tossing (buffalo, BBQ, honey garlic, etc.)
Directions
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F).
In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes for best flavor.
Place the wings on the grill in a single layer. Grill for about 20-25 minutes, turning every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and crispy skin.
Check for doneness – the internal temperature should reach 165°F, and the skin should be golden brown and crisp.
If desired, toss the grilled wings in your choice of sauce just before serving or serve with sauces on the side.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings. Prep time: 10 minutes Marinating time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended) Cook time: 25 minutes Total time: 40-60 minutes
Variations
Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade for extra heat.
Asian-Inspired: Use soy sauce, ginger, and garlic in the marinade, then glaze with teriyaki or hoisin.
Lemon Herb: Swap paprika for dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano with extra lemon zest.
Dry Rub Only: Skip the oil and use a dry spice blend for a crispy, seasoned crust.
Sauced After Grilling: Toss in buffalo, BBQ, or garlic parmesan sauce after grilling for added flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover grilled chicken wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and skin crisps up again. Avoid microwaving if you want to retain the crispy texture.
FAQs
How do I keep grilled chicken wings from sticking to the grill?
Make sure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled before placing the wings down. Also, don’t move the wings too early – let them sear and release naturally.
Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, but thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating to ensure they cook evenly and crisp up.
Do I have to marinate the wings?
Marinating enhances flavor but isn’t required. You can season and grill immediately, though marinating for at least 30 minutes is recommended.
What’s the best grill temperature for wings?
A medium-high heat of about 375-400°F is ideal. It allows the skin to crisp up without burning the outside before the inside is cooked.
Can I cook them on a gas or charcoal grill?
Both work well. Charcoal adds a smokier flavor, while gas grills offer easier temperature control.
How do I know when the wings are done?
Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F. The skin should be crispy and golden brown.
Should I grill wings with the lid open or closed?
Keep the lid closed for even cooking and to maintain a steady temperature, opening occasionally to flip and check.
Can I use a dry rub instead of a marinade?
Absolutely. Dry rubs add tons of flavor and help the skin get crispy without extra moisture.
What are good sauces for grilled wings?
Buffalo, BBQ, honey garlic, garlic parmesan, or even a spicy mango glaze all pair well with grilled wings.
Can I make these in advance?
Yes. You can marinate the wings overnight and even grill them ahead, then reheat in the oven before serving.
Conclusion
Grilled chicken wings are a flavorful, crispy, and satisfying choice for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, game-day snack, or main course, they’re always a hit. With endless options for seasoning and sauces, this recipe is as flexible as it is delicious. Fire up the grill and enjoy the irresistible taste of perfectly grilled wings.
Grilled chicken wings are smoky, savory, and crispy – perfect for backyard barbecues, game day snacks, or casual dinners. Marinated and grilled to perfection, they’re juicy inside and customizable with your favorite sauces or rubs.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:40-60 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Appetizer
Method:Grilling
Cuisine:American
Ingredients
2 pounds chicken wings
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: sauces for tossing (buffalo, BBQ, honey garlic, etc.)
Instructions
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F).
In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Let the wings marinate for at least 30 minutes for best flavor (optional but recommended).
Place the wings on the grill in a single layer.
Grill for 20-25 minutes, turning every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and crispy skin.
Check for doneness – internal temperature should reach 165°F and skin should be golden brown and crisp.
If desired, toss the grilled wings in your choice of sauce before serving or serve sauces on the side.
Notes
Marinating the wings adds more depth of flavor but can be skipped if short on time.Make sure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.Let wings sear before flipping to help them release naturally from the grill.Use a meat thermometer to ensure wings reach 165°F internally.Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat in oven to retain crispiness.
