How to BBQ Chicken Wings - Outdoor Cabinets

Introduction

Juicy, saucy chicken wings fresh off the grill are a delicious summer treat that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or party snack. Mastering how to BBQ chicken wings takes a little skill, but the payoff is well worth the effort. With just a few simple tricks, you’ll be able to make perfectly cooked wings with crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat every time.

Benefits of Grilled Chicken Wings

There are many advantages to making your chicken wings on the grill rather than in the oven or deep fryer:

Grilling imparts delicious smoky barbecue flavor that can’t be achieved otherwise. The char from the grill adds great texture and taste.
Grilled wings have significantly less fat and calories compared to deep fried wings since you don’t need to submerge them in oil.
Quick cooking time on a hot grill makes wings fast and easy to prepare for a party or game day.
You can better control the level of crispiness and add creative spice rubs and glazes.

Follow these simple steps to learn how to BBQ chicken wings so they turn out incredibly moist, tender and full of flavor every time you grill them.

Choose High Quality Chicken Wings

The starting point for fantastic grilled wings is using top quality chicken. Look for plump wings with smooth skin and no blemishes or tears. Both drumettes and flats work well, so choose whichever you prefer or buy a package with a mix. Avoid pre-seasoned wings since they often have a breading or coating that can burn. Go for fresh, plain chicken wings you can season yourself.

Tips for Selecting Wings:

Choose fresh, never frozen wings for the best texture.
Size does matter! Opt for medium or large. Small wings overcook too quickly.
Buy party wings, drummettes or wing flats based on your preferences.
Organic and free-range wings have more flavor.
Inspect wings to ensure there’s no sliminess or off odors.

Prep the Wings for the Grill

To get the skin crispy and allow the smoke and spice flavors to penetrate, it’s important to prep the chicken wings properly before grilling:

Rinse the wings under cold water and pat very dry with paper towels. Eliminate excess moisture for better browning.
Puncture the skin side of each wing multiple times with a fork. This allows the fat to drain while grilling.
Season generously with salt, pepper and any other dry spices desired. Rub over entire wing.
Chill for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. The colder they are before grilling, the crispier they get.
Coat lightly with oil – A light brushing with oil helps crisp the skin. Use avocado, grapeseed or other high smoke point oil.

Grill Chicken Wings Over Direct High Heat

The key to perfect grilled wings is using high, direct heat. Avoid slow, indirect cooking or the skin will never fully crisp up. Follow these steps:

Prepare grill for direct cooking over high heat. For charcoal, let coals get very hot. For gas, turn to highest temperature.
Clean grates and brush with oil to prevent sticking.
Place wings skin-side down directly over the heat source. Crowd together to prevent burning.
Grill for 8-12 minutes without moving to sear the skin and render the fat. Listen for sizzling.
Flip and cook on second side for 6-8 minutes until browned.
Check for doneness by cutting into thickest part. Clear juices mean they’re done.
Transfer wings to a platter and let rest 5 minutes before tossing with sauce.

Add Flavor with Dry Rubs, Sauces and Glazes

One of the best things about grilled wings is you have lots of flavor options. Consider these ways to add tons of taste:

Dry Rubs:

BBQ spices – Chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder
Herbs and garlic – Rosemary, thyme, oregano, garlic, lemon pepper
Spicy blends – Cayenne, chili flakes, black pepper, crushed red pepper
Tangy flavors – Lemon zest, vinegar powders, mustard, ginger

Sauces and Glazes:

Classic BBQ Sauce – Sweet and tangy, great on grilled wings. Toss with sauce just before serving.
Hot Sauces – Frank’s RedHot, Buffalo, sriracha. Mix with melted butter.
Honey Glazes – Equal parts honey and hot sauce. Brush on during last few minutes of grilling.
Asian Glazes – Hoisin, chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar.

Serve Grilled Chicken Wings Hot and Crispy

After all your effort to grill the most tender, juicy and crispy wings, you’ll want to keep them perfect until serving:

Let wings rest 5-10 minutes before tossing with sauce to allow juices to settle.
Sauce wings just before serving while still hot. Sauce gets sticky as they cool.
Place grilled wings on a platter, never stacked, to maintain crispiness.
Serve with an abundance of napkins and cold drinks to quench the spice!
Provide extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Refrigerate leftover wings and reheat in a hot oven, never the microwave which makes them soggy.

Now that you’re armed with the essential tips for grilling the perfect chicken wings, it’s time to fire up the barbecue! Adjust the recipes to suit your preferences and wow your family or guests with your amazing grilled wings this summer. Just be prepared for lots of requests for seconds!

Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Chicken Wings

How long should I grill chicken wings?

Grill for a total of 16-20 minutes. Sear skin-side down over direct heat for 8-12 minutes first. Then flip and cook 6-8 minutes on the second side. Check for doneness before removing from grill.

What temperature should I grill wings?

Use high, direct heat between 450-550°F. Preheat gas grill on highest temp or let charcoal get very hot. The high heat ensures crispy skin.

How do I keep chicken wings moist on the grill?

Choose larger wings which stay juicier. Puncture skin before grilling. Don’t overcook – remove when juices run clear. Let rest before tossing with sauce.

Can I grill frozen chicken wings?

It’s best to thaw wings first for food safety and so seasoning penetrates. If grilling frozen, use indirect heat and add at least 10 extra minutes to prevent burning.

What is the best sauce for grilled chicken wings?

Classic BBQ sauce, Buffalo sauce, honey sriracha, and Asian glazes all pair well with grilled wings. Toss with sauce just before serving to prevent sticking.

How do I stop wings from sticking to the grill?

Use a clean, well-oiled grate. Don’t move the wings for that first 8-12 minutes so the skin can properly sear and release. Use tongs and spatula to gently flip.

What do I serve with grilled chicken wings?

Cool, creamy dips like ranch, blue cheese and guacamole balance the heat of spicy wings. Celery, carrots, fresh fruit, or green salad lighten the meal. And plenty of cold beer!

Can I grill chicken wings on a skewer?

Skewering wings helps them cook evenly and prevents flare ups. Thread through the two joint points, not the meat. Remove from skewers before saucing and serving.

Conclusion

From choosing the best wings to nailing the prep, grilling techniques and flavors, you now have all the information needed to make insanely delicious BBQ chicken wings at home. The initial sear over direct high heat is key for getting that crispy skin. Take advantage of the smoky charcoal or gas flavors. Experiment with creative rubs, sauces and glazes to discover new favorite flavors. Enjoy your perfectly grilled wings all summer long and you’ll never miss having to order takeout wings again!