How Long Does It Take to Grill Chicken Wings to Perfection?

Chicken wings are a beloved appetizer and party food, especially when they come off the grill with crispy skin and juicy meat. But grilling wings can be tricky – undercook them and they’re unsafe to eat, overcook them and they become dry and tough. So how long does it really take to grill chicken wings just right? Let’s break it down step-by-step.

The Prep Work Sets You Up for Success

Before you even start grilling there are a few key things you need to do to ensure your wings cook evenly and develop that crave-worthy texture

• Start with good wings. New wings with smooth skin and lots of meat will cook better on the grill than old wings that are drying out. Go for drumettes, flats, or whole wings.

• Dry off the wings. This makes the skin really crispy on the grill. Be sure to thoroughly dry each wing with paper towels.

• Season generously – A simple dry rub of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne does the trick. Apply it right before grilling so it sticks.

• You could marinate the wings (optional). Soaking them in a zesty marinade for two to twelve hours makes them taste so much better.

Grilling Temperature Matters

The ideal temperature for grilling wings is 350-450°F. This relatively high heat helps:

• Crisp up the skin nicely
• Cook the wings through in a timely manner
• Add char for enhanced flavor

On a gas grill, use all burners on high. Fill the grill’s chimney with hot coals and place them under one side of the grate.

Direct Grilling for Crispy, Charred Wings

The best way to grill wings is by direct grilling – placing them right over the heat source. This exposes them to the high temps needed for browning and crisping.

• Place the wings on the hot side of the grill, arranging them so they don’t overlap.
• Grill for 8-12 minutes until deep grill marks appear.
• Flip and grill the other side for another 8-12 minutes.
• Keep flipping every few minutes for even exposure to the heat.

How Long Does it Take?

When direct grilling chicken wings at around 400°F, the approximate cook times are:

• Small wings – 20-25 minutes
• Average sized wings – 25-30 minutes
• Large wings – 30-40 minutes

However, the total time can vary based on factors like your grill’s temp and how crowded the grill is. To be sure they’re done, you need to check the internal temperature.

Use a Thermometer For Doneness

The only way to accurately determine when chicken wings are fully cooked is to use a thermometer.

Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of a wing, avoiding bone. Wings are safely cooked when the internal temp reaches 165°F.

If the wings hit 165°F early, you can grill them a bit longer to amplify the crispiness. But never go below 165°F.

Indirect Grilling For Juicy, Tender Wings

For plumper, juicier wings, use the indirect grilling method. This gently cooks the wings next to the heat source, not directly over it.

• Set up your grill for indirect heat, placing a drip pan in the middle under the wings.
• Grill over medium heat (300-350°F) for 25-40 minutes, flipping occasionally.
• Finish over direct high heat to crisp the skin.

Add Sauce For Extra Flavor

Brushing on your favorite wing sauce during the last 5-10 minutes gives them a sticky glaze. Try classic Buffalo or sticky BBQ sauce. Just keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Don’t Forget To Rest Them

Once wings come off the grill, always let them rest for 5-10 minutes before eating. This allows the juices to redistribute so they don’t leak out when you bite in.

Common Grilling Mistakes

It’s easy to go wrong when grilling chicken wings. Watch out for these pitfalls:

• Cooking over too-low heat resulting in soggy skin and underdone meat.
• Cooking over too-high heat that chars the outside before the inside cooks.
• Letting the wings burn because the grill flared up. Be ready to move them.
• Neglecting to use a thermometer to check for 165°F doneness.
• Skipping the resting period, causing juicy wings to turn dry.

Grilled Chicken Wings Are Worth the Effort

Perfectly grilled wings require a little work – thoroughly drying, proper seasoning, cooking over direct heat, monitoring temperature, and resting. But it’s so worth it when those piping hot wings come off the grill with caramelized, crispy skin and juicy meat.

So for your next cookout when making these crowd-pleasing appetizers, don’t fret over how long chicken wings take to grill. Just follow the tips above for tender and delicious results every time. Your patience will be rewarded with wings that look and taste like they came from your favorite restaurant. Who’s ready for some wings?!