Grilled chicken wings are tasty, crispy, and perfect for any gathering! Coated in your favorite sauce, they pack a flavorful punch with every bite!
Making them is easy; just marinate, throw them on the grill, and enjoy. I love serving them with cool dips—who doesn’t love a little ranch with wings? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: Fresh or frozen wings work well. If you can’t find wings, drumsticks or thighs make a tasty alternative. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is great for grilling, but you can also use vegetable or canola oil if you prefer something with a higher smoke point.
Spices: The blend of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder is key for flavor! You can swap smoked paprika with regular paprika or even chipotle for a different kick. If you’re out of garlic powder, fresh minced garlic is a good substitute.
Cayenne Pepper: This adds heat but can be omitted or replaced with a milder spice like paprika if you want a less spicy version. Adjust based on your taste!
Honey: Honey adds sweetness to balance the spices. If you don’t have honey, brown sugar or maple syrup can work too, but honey is my favorite for that glaze!
How Do I Get My Chicken Wings to Be Crispy on the Grill?
Getting crispy wings is all about proper heat and technique. Here’s how to achieve that perfect crunch:
- Make sure to preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This helps to sear the wings nicely.
- Turn the wings often, every 5-7 minutes. This prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Monitor the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F for safe eating.
- Brush on the honey glaze during the last few minutes. This caramelizes the sugar and adds a beautiful finish.
Don’t skip letting the wings rest for a few minutes after grilling. This way, they stay juicy inside! Enjoy your perfectly crispy grilled chicken wings!
How to Make Grilled Chicken Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon honey (for glaze)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep time plus a minimum of 30 minutes for marinating. The grilling itself will take around 20-25 minutes. Altogether, you can expect to have your tasty grilled chicken wings ready in about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on how long you choose to marinate them.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This step is important as it ensures your wings will cook evenly and get that nice, crispy texture.
2. Prepare the Chicken Wings:
In a large bowl, mix the chicken wings with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper if you like a bit of heat. Make sure every wing is well-coated in the spice mix. This will help to lock in flavor during cooking!
3. Marinate the Wings:
For the best flavor, let your wings marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. If you have time, letting them sit for up to 2 hours will enhance the taste even more. Just cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge.
4. Grill the Wings:
After marinating, place the wings on the grill. Cook them for about 20-25 minutes, turning them occasionally. You want them crispy and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
5. Glaze with Honey:
In the last few minutes of grilling, brush the wings with honey for a delicious sweet glaze. This step adds a lovely caramelization to the wings.
6. Rest and Garnish:
Once the wings are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy. Before serving, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the wings hot and enjoy your flavorful grilled chicken wings with family and friends. They’re perfect for a party or a cozy night in!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings for This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw them first! The best way to thaw frozen chicken wings is to leave them in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can use the cold water method: place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water for about an hour, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed. Pat them dry before seasoning.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken Wings?
You can marinate the chicken wings for as little as 30 minutes for a bit of flavor, but for best results, let them sit in the fridge for up to 2 hours. Just make sure not to exceed 24 hours, as the meat can start to break down and become mushy if left too long.
Can I Make a Different Marinade?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your marinade. You can substitute the spices with your favorites, like teriyaki sauce, barbecue sauce, or even a homemade spicy marinade with sriracha. Just keep the olive oil as a base and adjust the salt accordingly with any additional sauces you use.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled chicken wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help keep them crispy!
