Grilled Chicken Wings

By: Olivia Updated: 6/30/24

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Grilled chicken wings have a crispy exterior and juicy interior that is hard to resist! They are perfect for summer barbecues, game-day parties, or a quick and easy weeknight meal. So fire up the grill, grab a cold drink, and get ready to enjoy some delicious grilled chicken wings!

grilled chicken wings on a white platter next to greens and lemon slices

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If you love chicken wing recipes, be sure to check out this Baked Chicken Wing recipe, or this other Baked Chicken Wings or even this Air Fryer Chicken Wings too.

Grilled Chicken Wings

Grilled chicken wings are a popular finger food that can be served as a snack, appetizer, or main course. They are made by rubbing chicken wings in a flavorful mixture of spices and then grilling them until they’re crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Grilled chicken wings are a healthier alternative to fried wings, as they are not cooked in oil and have fewer calories.

You can also use different marinades and sauces to give your chicken wings a unique flavor profile, or you can keep it simple and make just salt and pepper chicken wings.

This grilled chicken wings recipe is easy to make and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch sauce, blue cheese, or barbecue sauce.

raw chicken wings in a glass bowl next to a white plate with bbq seasoning and a measuring cup

How to make Grilled Chicken Wings

When it comes to making delicious grilled chicken wings, the best way is to start with high-quality ingredients.

Here are the essential ingredients you’ll need to make perfect grilled chicken wings:

Ingredients

Chicken Wings: The star of the show, of course, is the chicken wings themselves. Choose fresh, high-quality chicken wings that are free from any signs of spoilage or discoloration. You can use either whole wings or drumettes and flats separated, depending on your preference.
Dry Rub: Seasoning your chicken wings is a great way to infuse them with flavor. This grilled wings recipe includes an excellent dry rub that’s the perfect balance of sweet and smokey. It includes chili powder, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and brown sugar. You can also use cayenne if you prefer more heat.
Oil: To prevent your crispy chicken wings from sticking to the grill grates and to help them develop a crispy, golden-brown exterior, you’ll need to toss them in a large bowl with oil before grilling. Use a neutral-flavored oil like canola or vegetable oil, or opt for a flavored oil like garlic-infused olive oil for extra flavor.

Instructions

Preheat the grill to medium heat.
Dry the chicken wings with a paper towel.
Toss the wings in the oil and seasoning.
Grill on both sides until they’re cooked through and tender.

raw chicken in a clear bowl and raw chicken on a grill

Recipe Tips

With the right wing tips and tricks, you can achieve perfectly cooked wings with maximum flavor every time.

Preheat your grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F to 400°F. This will help to cook them evenly and prevent sticking.
Season your wings: Season your whole chicken wings with a dry rub to add flavor. Be sure to pat them dry with paper towels before grilling to ensure crispy skin.
Cook the wings over indirect heat: Start cooking your chicken wings over indirect heat to prevent flare-ups and burning and close the grill lid. Move them to direct heat and a higher temperature for the last few minutes of cooking to crisp up the skin.
Use a meat thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to ensure that they are cooked to a safe temperature of 165°F. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the wing, away from the bone.

Recipe Variations

Try them with a side: They go well with a variety of side dishes. Some great options include potato salad, corn on the cob, baked beans, and mac and cheese.
Toss them in sauce after cooking: While grilled chicken wings are delicious on their own, they are even better when paired with a tasty sauce. Toss them with buffalo sauce, barbecue sauce, honey mustard sauce, or garlic butter sauce.
Use different cuts of chicken wings: Choose bone-in chicken wings that are fresh and, if frozen, thawed to room temperature. You can make drummettes or wings tips or a combination of both.
Baste the wings with sauce while cooking: Baste your chicken wings with your favorite bbq sauce during the last few minutes of cooking to add flavor and caramelization.

How To Store Leftovers

Refrigerator: Store your BBQ chicken wings in an airtight container or large resealable plastic bag in the fridge for up to five days.

Freeze: Allow them to cool down to room temperature. Then, place the grilled chicken wings to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Remove any excess air, seal tightly, and label with the date. Store the wings in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheat: Reheat them in the microwave or in a single layer in the air fryer for crispy wings.

What To Serve With Grilled Chicken Wings

Add a crunchy salad: Like this Sweet Potato Arugula Salad, Mediterranean Cauliflower Salad, Easy Broccoli Salad or Potato Salad.
How about some rice?: Try some Garlic Parmesan Rice or Leek Kalamata Rice.
A side of bread would be tasty too!: This garlic bread is easy and delicious. Or try a classic country white loaf.

Recommended Tools

Grill: You’ll need a grill to get that beautiful golden brown crust and distinct flavor this dish is famous for. Mine is this one from Napolean.

Large bowl: This is exceptionally handy to toss the wings, oil, and seasonings before grilling. I love these glass ones because they’re so versatile. I can use for pasta bowl, serving bowl, salad bowl and soup bowl.

Tongs: Tongs make flipping the wings super easy! You’ll want to have a pair or two on hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you grill chicken wings on a gas grill?

Grilling wings on a gas grill is a simple and straightforward process.
Brush your chicken wings with oil and season them with a dry rub.
Place the wings on the grill and cook them for 10-12 minutes per side. Or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Use tongs to flip the wings halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking on both sides. Brush them with your favorite sauce at the end.

How long should you grill chicken wings on a charcoal grill?

The cooking time for perfect chicken wings on a charcoal grill can vary depending on the size of the wings and the temperature of the grill.
As a general rule of thumb, plan on grilling the wings for 20-25 minutes, flipping them every 5-7 minutes.
Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the wings reaches 165°F before removing them from the grill.

Should you flip chicken wings while grilling them?

Yes, it’s important to flip them to ensure even cooking on both sides.
The easiest way to flip them is with tongs. Continue flipping until they are golden brown and cooked through.