This is the best way to enjoy grilled chicken wings. The recipe is simple, using only a few ingredients, and they cook until juicy, tender and simply falling off the bone! These chicken wings have a smoky, charred taste from grilling combined with a salty, juicy, garlicky flavor in every bite!
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When it comes to get-togethers and social events you can never go wrong with serving up chicken wings! They're perfect for tailgating, summer fun, football watching, and more!
The only problem -- you never know how everyone likes to sauce up their wings which makes these chicken wings on the grill perfect. They are simply seasoned with enough flavor to enjoy on their own and you can serve them up with a variety of sauces so everyone can dip them in their favorite! It also makes them kid-friendly and perfect for picky eaters.
If you love cooking on the grill you've got to try this grilled turkey and my grilled salmon recipe. If smoking is more you're thing then you will love these smoked chicken quarters and smoked chicken legs.
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Ingredients
It all starts with combining the ingredients to make the best grilled chicken wings! Here's a look at what you need:
- Chicken wings: Use a mix of fresh chicken drumettes and flats! My favorite place to buy chicken wings is at Costco. They sell bags of the two pieces already separated in a bag. You can also find them in the refrigerator section at your grocery store.
- Extra virgin olive oil: The wings are tossed in oil first to help the rub stick to the wings and also keep the chicken wings from sticking to the grill.
- Seasoning blend: I use a simple blend of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to add flavor to your grilled wings.
See the recipe card for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
Substitutions and Variations
Here are some quick and easy swaps and changes you can try when making charcoal-grilled chicken wings.
- Frozen Chicken Wings: It's best to use thawed, fresh chicken wings for this recipe to ensure even cooking and better flavor absorption. However, if you must use frozen wings, make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking and pat them dry.
- Other Oils: You can easily replace the olive oil with another neutral-flavored vegetable oil.
- Use Different Seasonings: Feel free to change up the flavors however you prefer. Try adding your favorite herbs, spices, or sauces to the wings during the tossing step. Be creative and make the recipe your own.
- Add a Marinade: While this recipe doesn't include a traditional marinade, you can marinate the wings in your preferred sauce or chicken marinade before grilling. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as marinated wings may cook faster.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Wings
Here's a look at the main steps involved in making this simple chicken wings recipe. Be sure to check the recipe card for the full details.
- Place the chicken wings in a large bowl and add the olive oil. Toss to coat all the chicken wings well.
- Sprinkle the salt, garlic powder, pepper, and paprika over the wings in the bowl.
- Toss the wings until the spices are evenly distributed over all the wings.
PRO TIP: Push the prepared coals to one side of the grill to create direct high heat at a temperature of about 450° F. The other side of the grill without any hot coals will be set up for indirect heat.
- Sear each side of the wings over the direct high heat for 1-2 minutes or until the desired color is achieved. Do not cover the grill during this step.
- Move the chicken wings to the opposite side of the grill to finish over indirect heat until the temperature reads 165-185 degrees. This will take about 8-12 minutes with the grill covered.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Before storing leftovers, allow the grilled wings to cool down to room temperature. Place the wings in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Seal the leftover chicken wings in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag and store for to 2-3 months in the freezer.
- Reheat: You can use an oven or microwave. I find the oven works best to keep their original crispiness. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Serving Ideas
Grilled chicken wings make the perfect snack or appetizer for groups and parties of all sizes! You can also enjoy them for a fun meal as well! Here are a few serving ideas:
- Serve them up with a sauce for dipping. They go great with Ranch, Spicy Ranch, BBQ sauce, Buffalo sauce, or any other dip you enjoy!
- For parties serve them up with this cheesy hot shrimp dip, spicy deviled eggs, and bacon Brussels sprouts.
- Serving them for a meal? This red skin potato salad, watermelon feta salad, oven roasted green beans, and tortellini pasta salad all make great side dishes!
Expert Tips
- For Perfectly Cooked Wings. Be sure to cook the wings UNCOVERED during the sear and COVERED while finishing the wings.
- Cook a Little Longer. The chicken is ready to eat at 165° F, but for wings I like to cook them a bit longer, up to 185° F, so they fall off the bone.
- Make Sure Your Wings Are Dry. This way the oil and spices stick perfectly to the wings and they cook up nice and crisp.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can use a gas grill for this recipe. Just make sure to preheat one side of the gas grill to high heat and the other side to medium or low heat, mimicking the direct and indirect heat setup of a charcoal grill.
Searing the wings over direct high heat quickly browns the outside, creating a flavorful crust. It's an essential step for achieving that grilled texture and flavor. After searing, you move the wings to indirect heat to finish cooking through without burning the surface.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the wings. They are safe to eat when the temperature reaches 165-185 degrees Fahrenheit (74-85 degrees Celsius). The juices should also run clear, and the meat should no longer be pink.
More Best Chicken Recipes
Did you try this recipe? Please leave a star rating in the recipe card right below! You can also write a review in the comment section further down the page I always appreciate your feedback. And don’t forget to tag me @freshcoasteats in your photos on social media, I'd love to see your results!
Grilled Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 20 chicken wings drumettes and flats, separated
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- n a large bowl, toss the wings in olive oil until well coated.
- Sprinkle the salt, garlic powder, pepper and paprika over the wings and toss until evenly distributed over the wings. Set aside until the grill is ready.
- Prepare one side of the grill for direct high heat. (450 degrees)
- Sear each side of the wings over the direct high heat briefly, until desired color is achieved. (1-2 minutes, grill uncovered)
- Move the chicken wings to the opposite side of the grill to finish over indirect heat until the temperature reads 165-185 degrees. This will take about 8-12 minutes in a covered grill.)
- Remove from the grill and serve.
Notes
- For Perfectly Cooked Wings. Be sure to cook the wings UNCOVERED during the sear and COVERED while finishing the wings.
- Cook a Little Longer. The chicken is ready to eat at 165° F, but for wings I like to cook them a bit longer, up to 185° F, so they fall off the bone.
- Make Sure Your Wings are Dry. This way the oil and spices stick perfectly to the wings and they cook up nice and crisp.
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