Introduction
Wings are a classic party food and backyard barbecue staple. When cooked properly, wings are crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside with the perfect amount of spicy, sticky sauce. While grilling wings may seem simple, there are some tips and techniques to follow for getting perfect, fall-off-the-bone wings every time. This guide will walk you through how to barbecue chicken wings from start to finish.
Ingredients and Supplies Needed
To make delicious BBQ wings, you will need:
- Chicken wings (drumettes and/or flats)
- BBQ sauce or rub
- Oil or butter for greasing the grill
- Tongs, spatula, and basting brush
- Oven mitts or grill gloves
- A gas or charcoal grill
- Wood chips or chunks (optional)
- Aluminum foil
Essential grilling tools:
- Instant-read thermometer – to check doneness
- Grill brush – for cleaning the grates
- Spatula and tongs – for turning and moving wings
- Basting brush – for saucing wings
How to Prep the Wings
Follow these steps for getting the wings grill-ready:
- Choose wings – Buy whole wings or separate drumettes and flats. Inspect wings and remove any feathers or stray bones.
- Wash the wings – Give the wings a good rinse under cold water and pat them completely dry. Wet wings won’t sear or crisp up properly.
- Season the wings – Season generously all over with salt, pepper, spices or dry rub at least 30 minutes prior to grilling. Letting them sit allows the flavors to penetrate.
- Coat with oil or butter – Lightly coat wings all over with vegetable oil, olive oil or melted butter. This helps them get crispy.
How to Grill Juicy, Tender Wings
Grilling wings involves both direct and indirect heat for crisp, caramelized exterior and moist interior.
- Prepare the grill – Heat your gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat. Clean the grates and brush them with oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the wings – Place the wings on the hot side of the grill meaty side down. Grill for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip the wings – Flip the wings and cook 5 minutes more to brown the other side.
- Move to indirect heat – Transfer the wings to the cooler side of the grill with the bone side facing up.
Optional step – Add wood chips or chunks to the coals for smoky flavor.
- Cook using indirect heat – Cover the grill and cook for 15-25 minutes until wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Pro tip: Use aluminum foil to create an indirect heat zone if your grill doesn’t have one.
How to Sauce BBQ Wings
Adding sauce is the final step for finger-licking wings.
- Heat the sauce – Simmer your favorite bbq sauce in a small pot on the grill’s side burner or stove.
- Baste the wings – Use a basting brush to coat the wings with sauce during the last 5-10 minutes of grilling time.
- Toss in sauce (optional) – When done grilling, toss the hot wings in a bowl with more sauce to evenly coat.
Serving Suggestions
Juicy bbq wings taste great on their own but serving them with sides is always a good idea:
- Fresh veggie sticks like celery and carrot
- Herbed blue cheese or ranch dressing
- Crispy fries or roasted potatoes
- Coleslaw, potato salad or macaroni salad
- Corn on the cob
- Watermelon slices
Garnish wings with chopped scallions, sesame seeds or fresh parsley. Enjoy immediately for the hottest and crispiest wings! Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to crisp them back up.
FAQs about Grilling Wings
How long does it take to grill chicken wings?
It takes 35-45 minutes total to grill bone-in chicken wings allowing enough time for searing and cooking over indirect heat. Grill for 8-10 minutes per side directly over the heat, then finish cooking for 15-25 minutes using indirect heat with the grill covered.
What temperature should you grill wings?
The grill should be heated to medium high, around 400-450°F to start. Sear the wings over direct heat then move them to indirect heat, maintaining a temperature of 350°F, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
How do you know when wings are done grilling?
Wings are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. The bones should twist out easily and the meat should be opaque throughout. Visible juices should run clear. The skin will look crispy and caramelized when they are fully grilled.
Should you flip chicken wings when grilling?
Yes, it is important to flip the wings at least once while grilling. After searing the first side over direct heat for 8-10 minutes, flip wings and sear the second side for 5 minutes. Then move them bone side up to indirect heat to finish cooking.
What is the best wood for smoking chicken wings?
Hickory and apple wood chips or chunks are ideal for smoking wings. The hickory provides a strong, bacon-like flavor while apple wood lends a sweeter, milder taste. Mesquite or cherry wood chips also pair well with chicken.
Conclusion
Grilling wings is easy once you know the proper technique. Allow enough time for searing and indirect cooking and keep a close eye on wings as they grill. Use an instant-read thermometer to guarantee they reach a safe internal temperature. Serve hot, saucy wings immediately for the perfect balance of sticky, messy deliciousness. Experiment with different rubs and bbq sauces to put your own spin on this classic grilled appetizer. Enjoy your delicious, smoky backyard wings all summer long!