Its that time to fire up the coals and set the stage for the Best Charcoal Grilled Chicken Wings. Smokey goodness and tender juiciness ready in 45 minutes!.
This recipe is inspired by my Grilled Chicken Legs (Drumsticks) and pairs well with almost any side dish. Its grilling season, so lets get into some popular side dishes during this time of the year. think:
At the very least, this recipe requires a generous amount of kosher salt and black pepper but thats not good enough if youre looking to take your charcoal grilled chicken wings to the next level. For the best tasting wings season with:
If your wings are frozen, make sure to thaw them completely before adding your seasoning and before grilling.
How Long Does It Take to Grill Chicken Wings with Charcoal? The Ultimate Guide
Chicken wings are a barbecue staple that everyone loves. When cooked over charcoal, they develop an irresistible smoky flavor and crispy skin. But getting the cooking time right can be tricky. Undercook them and the meat will be rubbery, overcook and they’ll dry out. So how long should you grill chicken wings for the perfect texture and taste?
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about grilling chicken wings over charcoal, such as:
- Ideal grill temperature
- Cooking times for different wing types
- Tips for crispy skin and juicy meat
- How to check for doneness
- Flavor enhancements like sauces and rubs
Follow these tips and you’ll be serving restaurant-quality charcoal grilled chicken wings in your own backyard. Let’s get started!
Set Up Your Charcoal Grill for Success
Achieving the ideal temperature is key for crispy, properly cooked wings. Aim for a grill temperature of around 350°F to 375°F. This allows the fat under the skin to render slowly so the wings get crispy without burning.
Use a charcoal chimney starter to evenly light your briquettes. Spread the coals out in a single layer for direct grilling once they are hot and covered. You can also make a two-zone fire by only putting coals on one side. This makes a hot area for searing and a cool area for cooking without direct heat.
Before you start cooking, leave the oiled grill grate over the hot coals for at least 10 minutes. This warms it up so that the wings sear quickly when you add them. Now your charcoal grill is ready for some mouthwatering wings!.
How Long to Grill Different Wing Types
Cooking times can vary based on the size and cut of your wings
- Whole wings: 24-30 minutes
- Drumettes only: 20-25 minutes
- Wingettes only: 15-20 minutes
- Boneless wings: 12-15 minutes
For food safety, always use a meat thermometer to confirm wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Let’s look at some tips for each wing type.
Whole Wings
These take the longest to cook since you’re dealing with multiple wing sections. Grill for 24-30 minutes, flipping occasionally for even cooking. The drumette and wingette will finish around the same time.
Drumettes
The “drumstick” section of the wing contains the most meat. Grill drumettes for 20-25 minutes until the juices run clear. Their higher fat content means they can pick up lovely smoky notes from the charcoal.
Wingettes
These are the middle wing section. Grill wingettes for 15-20 minutes, flipping once. Don’t rush the cooking or they can overcook and dry out.
Boneless Wings
Since there’s no bone, these pieces cook fastest. Grill for 12-15 minutes, turning frequently. Watch closely to avoid overcooking.
For any wing type, sear over direct heat before moving to indirect heat to finish cooking. This helps render the fat and crisp the skin.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Wings Every Time
Follow these handy tips and tricks for finger-licking good charcoal grilled chicken wings:
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Pat wings dry before seasoning – this helps them get extra crispy.
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Use indirect heat to cook wings through without burning.
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Flip wings frequently while grilling for even cooking.
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Brush wings with sauce only during the last few minutes of grilling so it doesn’t burn.
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Transfer cooked wings to a baking sheet, don’t pile them up or steam will make the skin soggy.
Your wings are done when the juices run clear and they reach an internal temp of 165°F. Now it’s time for flavors!
Add Delicious Flavor to Your Wings
A good marinade or spice rub before grilling adds tons of flavor. For marinades, buttermilk and hot sauce are a classic combo. Spice rubs with chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, and paprika are always a hit.
After grilling, you can toss the wings in flavorful sauces. Try buffalo, barbecue, lemon pepper, garlic Parmesan, teriyaki, honey mustard – the options are endless. Don’t forget sides like crispy celery and carrot sticks and dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese.
With the ideal charcoal grill setup and cooking times, you’ll be amazed at how quick and easy it is to make restaurant-worthy wings at home. Just be prepared for the whole neighborhood to start showing up when that irresistible aroma begins wafting from your backyard. Enjoy your new status as the destination for the best charcoal grilled chicken wings around!
How to Make Charcoal Grilled Chicken Wings
- Is that what you do? Wash your chicken wings and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Season them generously with dry rub.
- Preheat your charcoal grill.
- Place wings on grill grates.
- Close lid
- Close the lid, flip the wings over, and grill the other side.
- Place the wings on the grill for another 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°. Flip the wings over after 25 minutes. The wings will turn a beautiful caramel color and have a smokey flavor.
- Apply BBQ sauce with a basting brush a few minutes before taking the wings off the grill. Then, cover the grill and cook for a few more minutes, until the sauce is hot and slightly sticky.
- Take the wings off the grill and put them on a service tray so your family and friends can enjoy them.
Dont be afraid to get creative with some of your favorite spice blends.
For wings that taste like teriyaki, mix coco aminos, a sweet soy sauce substitute, with water, fresh ginger, garlic cloves, and ginger. Use this as a marinade and a glaze. For inspiration check out my Grilled Teriyaki Pork Ribs Recipe.
Cilantro lime wings: Blend together avocado oil or grapeseed oil with kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, fresh cilantro, fresh lime juice, fresh garlic, and the green parts of green onion. Use this as your marinade.
Lemon pepper wings: Coat your wings generously with lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes and dried parsley (optional). I like to use parsley to add a pop of color.
For this charcoal grilled chicken wings recipe I used:
- A charcoal grill
- Charcoal
- Lighter fluid
- As an easy-to-clean way to prepare the chicken wings and move them to and from the grill, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Tongs for flipping the wings on the grill
Follow these simple tips for storing and reheating your charcoal grilled chicken wings.
To store, place any leftover chicken wings in an airtight container with a tight fitting lid or in a ziploc bag and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To warm the wings, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F, and heat them until they are warm throughout.
- For the best flavor, sprinkle the meat with a lot of the dry rub and kosher salt.
- Do not add salt to the dry rub at this time. This will let you control the amount of salt later.
- Cover the chicken wings with BBQ sauce at the end and heat them until they’re warm or a little sticky.
- If the wings are frozen, put them in the fridge overnight to defrost or put them in a large bowl of cold water and let them sit there for 45 minutes, or until they are completely defrosted.
- When you grill, it’s helpful to set up two areas: one with direct heat and one with indirect heat.
- Heat Zones: 1) The direct heat zone is the side of the grill that is directly over the hot coals. 2) The indirect heat zone is the cooler, unlit side of the grill that will keep your food from burning or cooking too quickly.
- If you’re not sure, use a meat thermometer to find out what the temperature is inside. Putting the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken without touching the bone is how this is done. After the chicken wings have reached 165°F on the inside, they are done.
Grill chicken wings between 40 to 45 minutes at 300°F on a charcoal grill until no longer pink. The most accurate way to check for doneness is to insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the wing avoiding the bone. The USDA suggests an internal temperature of 165 degrees. But, if you feel your wings needs a few extra minutes, continue to grill.
Yes, its important that wings are dried before grilling. This will ensure that 1) the seasoning adheres to the wings really well; 2) the wings are able to get the beautiful grill marks; 3) the wings get nicely charred. Use clean paper towels to pat dry chicken wings thoroughly.
Make sure the chicken wings are dried thoroughly, your grill is set to the proper temperature before placing the wings on the grill grates, grill with the skin-side down, and do not sauce the wings before grilling.
For a well-rounded dinner menu, serve your wings with these easy side dishes.
Looking for a refreshing option to add to your dinner menu try this:
Looking for easy dessert options? These are sure to be a hit:
Did you make this recipe?
If so, let me know how it went. Leave a Star Rating within the recipe card down below and/or TAG @cookingwithbliss on Instagram. I cant wait to see how it turned out.
How to Grill CRISPY Wings over Charcoal
FAQ
Can you cook chicken wings on a charcoal grill?
Cooking chicken wings on a charcoal grill offers exciting methods to achieve smoky, flavorful results. Employing direct and indirect heat techniques will enhance your grilling expertise. Direct heat cooking involves placing wings directly over the heat source. This method produces a nice char and crispy skin. Here are the steps:
How long do you cook chicken wings on the grill?
Place chicken wings onto grill, skin side up, and cook for about 10-15 minutes. Turn chicken wings and cook until internal temperature registers about 180º F, about another 10 minutes.
How to cook chicken wings on a gas grill?
It takes about 20 minutes to cook chicken wings on a gas grill on direct medium-high heat flame or 425 degrees F. Grill the chicken wings and serve them instantly by squeezing some grilled lemons on their top, if desired.
How long does it take to cook chicken wings?
Another method is to observe the wings; fully cooked wings pull away from the bone more easily. Cooking time typically ranges from 20 to 30 minutes, depending on heat levels and wing size. Let the wings rest for a few minutes before serving, allowing juices to redistribute. To achieve that crispy skin you crave, follow these steps.
What temperature do you cook wings on a grill?
Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Direct heat cooking is fantastic for quick bites and maximum crispiness. Indirect heat cooking utilizes the grill’s perimeter, allowing wings to cook slowly, resulting in juicy meat and a smoky flavor. Here’s how to do it:
How long do you cook chicken wings in a crock pot?
Prepare the Wings: Season your wings with your preferred rub or marinade. Place the Wings: Position the wings over the hot coals. Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning frequently for even cooking. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
How long do I cook chicken wings on a charcoal grill?
Chicken wings on a charcoal grill typically take 30-45 minutes to cook, but the exact time depends on the grill temperature, wing size, and desired level of crispiness. It’s recommended to cook them over indirect heat for most of the time and then sear them over direct heat at the end.
How long should chicken take on a charcoal grill?
How long to cook chicken on a charcoal grill? It generally takes 12-15 minutes to cook chicken on a charcoal grill. The chicken will be turned over every three minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165F and the juices run clear.
How often should I flip wings on a charcoal grill?
Season your wings liberally with BBQ rub. Spread them out on the grill in a single layer. Cook with the lid off for 4 minutes, then turn them over. (Use an Extra Big & Loud Timer to keep track of the time. ).
How do you know when chicken wings are done on the grill?
Place the lid on the grill and let them finish cooking through. Depending on the size of the wings, they should take about 8 to 10 minutes to finish cooking. Use your digital meat thermometer to make sure they’ve hit the internal temperature of 175°F.