Crispy Grilled Chicken Wings

We love chicken wings, and we've tried them in every way possible. We've fried them, baked them, air-fried them... but there's something special when chicken wings are grilled. They might not be as crisp as the fried ones, but they make up for it in smokiness, taste great straight off the grill, and are more convenient to cook!

These cook quickly (around 15 to 20 minutes), and the spice rub coating them is finger-licking good. The dipping sauce has a zing that kicks up any dish. If you have the chance, grill these over charcoal for added flavor instead of using a gas grill.
INGREDIENTS FOR THE WINGS
INGREDIENTS FOR THE WINGS

  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 tsp. smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 tsp. onion powder
  • 1 tsp. dried thyme
  • 1/4 tsp. cayenne
  • 2 lb. chicken wings
  • Vegetable oil, for grill
INGREDIENTS FOR THE SAUCE
  • 1/2 c. mayonnaise
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
  • 2 tsp. horseradish
  • 2 tsp. freshly chopped chives
  • 1 tsp. hot sauce, such as Crystal

INSTRUCTIONS FOR GRILLED CHICKEN WINGS
INSTRUCTIONS FOR GRILLED CHICKEN WINGS

  1. To make wings: In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon zest, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne. Then take the chicken wings and pat them until dry.
  2. Place them in a large bowl and add the spice mixture. Make sure you coat all of the chicken with it by tossing it around in the bowl.
  3. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium heat. Then, oil the grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Add wings and cook for 15-20 minutes until skin is crisp and meat is cooked through, stirring occasionally.
  4. Make the sauce by whisking the mayo, lemon juice, mustard, horseradish, chives, and hot sauce in a medium bowl.
  5. For best results, serve wings hot with dipping sauce.

Tips for making Grilled Chicken wings
Tips for making Grilled Chicken wings

Making perfect grilled chicken wings can be an easy task if you follow these tips:

  • Dry the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry before you start. This helps to get crispy skin.
  • Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to around 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Use Indirect Heat: Start grilling the wings on the indirect heat side of the grill. This helps to cook them evenly without burning them.
  • Flip Regularly: Flip the wings every few minutes to ensure they cook evenly and get a nice char on both sides.
  • Monitor Cooking Time: Grilling usually takes about 25-30 minutes, but this can vary depending on the size of the wings and the heat of your grill.
  • Apply Sauce at the End: If you're using a sauce, apply it towards the end of the cooking process to prevent it from burning.
  • Test for Doneness: The internal temperature of the wings should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit when they're done.

Sauces to pair Grilled Chicken wings
Sauces to pair Grilled Chicken wings

There are countless sauces that pair brilliantly with grilled chicken wings. Here are a few you might want to try:

  • BBQ Sauce: A classic choice, BBQ sauce adds a sweet and smoky flavor to your wings.
  • Buffalo Sauce: This tangy, spicy sauce is a traditional wing favorite.
  • Honey Garlic Sauce: This sweet and savory sauce adds a nice balance of flavors.
  • Green Jalapeño Hot Sauce: For those who love a kick, this spicy sauce can elevate your wings to the next level.
  • Maple-Chipotle Hot Sauce: This blend of sweet maple and smoky chipotle adds a unique and delicious flavor.
  • Marinara Sauce: If you're in the mood for something different, try dipping your wings in marinara. It works surprisingly well, especially with seasoned Italian wings.
  • Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: These are classic dips that help cool down the heat from any spicy sauce.
  • Alabama White BBQ Sauce: This tangy, creamy sauce is a Southern classic and pairs well with grilled wings.
  • Korean Sticky BBQ Sauce: With its combination of sweet, spicy, and umami flavors, this sauce will make your wings irresistible.

Side dishes to pair up with Grilled Chicken wings
Side dishes to pair up with Grilled Chicken wings

Pairing the right side dish with your grilled chicken wings can turn a simple meal into a feast. Here are some great options:

  • Sweet Potatoes: Whether mashed, turned into fries, or roasted, sweet potatoes provide a flavorful and healthy side dish.
  • Stuffed Mini Peppers: These bite-sized treats can be filled with cheese or other savory fillings for a great side dish.
  • Avocado Fries: For a healthier take on traditional fries, try avocado fries. They're crispy, delicious, and perfect for dipping.
  • Onion Rings: A classic side dish, onion rings offer a crunchy texture that pairs well with tender wings.
  • Mac & Cheese: This comfort food is a classic side for chicken wings, providing a creamy counterpoint to the wings' crispiness.
  • Potato Salad: A chilled potato salad can be a refreshing side dish, especially for spicy wings.
  • Vinegar Coleslaw: This tangy, crunchy side dish can help balance out the richness of the wings.
  • Mexican Street Corn Salad: This flavorful salad brings heat, sweetness, and creaminess — a perfect complement to grilled wings.
  • Grilled Corn: Grilled corn on the cob is a natural partner for grilled wings, especially with a sprinkle of parmesan and a squeeze of lime.

How long do I cook my Grilled Chicken wings?
Grilled chicken wings typically take about 18-30 minutes to cook, depending on their size and the heat of your grill. Here's a general guideline based on the search results:

  1. Start grilling the wings on medium heat for a few minutes with the lid closed.
  2. Then flip them every 3-5 minutes to ensure they cook evenly and get a nice char on both sides.
  3. The total grilling time should be around 18-25 minutes for smaller wings and up to 30 minutes for larger ones.
  4. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the wings. They're done when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Remember, these are just guidelines and actual cooking times may vary. Always monitor your wings closely while they're on the grill to prevent overcooking or burning.
Outdoor Kitchen Outlet
If you're looking for a way to make your grilled chicken wings even more delicious, look no further than Outdoor Kitchen Outlet! Our grills provide the perfect temperature to ensure that your wings come out crispy and juicy every time. Not only that, but our grills are built with durable materials so they can stand up to years of use. Visit our website today or give us a call at (888) 667-4986.