BBQ chicken wings are a classic appetizer that are always a hit. When cooked right, they have crispy skin with a sweet sticky BBQ glaze. The key is getting the technique just right, which involves a few simple steps. Here is a guide to making mouthwatering BBQ wings at home.
Ingredients
For the BBQ chicken wings, you will need:
- Chicken wings (about 2-3 lbs)
- BBQ sauce (1 cup of your favorite sauce)
- Olive oil (2 Tbsp)
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Spices like cayenne or smoked paprika (optional)
Prep the Wings
First, rinse the chicken wings and use paper towels to dry them completely. Make sure they are completely dry so that when you cook them, the skin gets nice and crispy.
Next, put olive oil on the wings and season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and anything else you like. Massage the seasoning all over the wings. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, let them sit for 2 to 6 hours.
Cook on a Hot Grill
Heat your grill to medium-high, around 400°F. Use direct heat so the wings get a nice sear. Put the wings right on the grill and cook them for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping them over every 5 minutes or so. The outside should be crispy, and the meat should be fully cooked and juicy on the inside.
Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. BBQ chicken wings are ready when they reach an internal temp of 165°F.
Brush on BBQ Sauce
Brush your favorite BBQ sauce all over the wings in the last five minutes of grilling. So the sauce can get sticky and caramelize on the wings. Be careful not to burn the sauce. Keep a close eye on them.
Serving Suggestions
Once done grilling, transfer the BBQ chicken wings to a platter Serve them hot off the grill. Provide extra BBQ sauce on the side for drizzling. Ranch or blue cheese dressing are also great dipping options.
Garnish with chopped parsley sliced green onions or sesame seeds. Enjoy the wings on their own or pair them with crispy fries or veggies.
Tips for Juicy, Crispy Wings
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Pat the wings very dry before seasoning for crispiest skin.
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Let them marinate for a few hours to boost flavor.
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Use direct heat on the grill and get a good char.
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Flip frequently while grilling to prevent burning.
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Brush on BBQ sauce at the end to avoid burning it.
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Check temperature using a meat thermometer for doneness.
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If grilling a large batch, use indirect heat on one side of the grill.
Make Ahead and Storage
BBQ chicken wings taste best freshly grilled. However, you can prep them 1-2 days in advance:
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Marinate wings up to 1-2 days ahead. Store covered in the fridge.
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Grill wings then refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 4 days.
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Reheat in a 400°F oven or grill again before serving.
Freezing is also an option. Freeze cooked wings for 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
With this easy method, you can enjoy restaurant-quality BBQ chicken wings anytime. Grill up a batch for your next game day party or summer barbecue!
How to Make Grilled Chicken Wings | Weber Genesis Gas Grill | Barlow BBQ
FAQ
How long do you cook chicken wings on the barbecue?
Put the wings in a single layer on the grill over the heat. You’ll be cooking the wings for about 18-25 minutes total. Start by leaving them on there, lid closed, for a few minutes. Then use big tongs to have look underneath them all.
How do you BBQ chicken wings crispy?
InstructionsPat chicken wings dry and toss in the seasoning. Add charcoal to the grill and create a direct and indirect zone. Cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the wings register 165°F. Transfer the wings to the direct heat over the charcoals and grill for 2-3 minutes until the skin becomes crispy and blistered.
What is the secret to grilling wings?
The trick with grilling wings is to cook them at a high enough heat to crisp the skins, but a low enough heat that you don’t burn the skins in the time it takes to cook the meat. BBQ-great, Malcom Reed uses the Weber Vortex to cook his grilled wings.