Yes! You can cook up perfectly crispy chicken wings on your outdoor griddle for your next party. Here’s how.
Chicken wings are a quintessential BBQ food. They are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and full of flavor when they are done cooking. Even though it may seem easy to grill wings, there are some tricks and tips you can use to make them even better. You’ll learn everything you need to know to make great grilled chicken wings in this full guide.
Picking the Best Wings
You can’t go wrong with fresh high-quality chicken wings. Look for wings that are evenly colored with no blemishes. Organic and free-range wings cost more, but they taste better and are worth the extra money. The wings can be grilled whole or split into drums and flats. Whole wings take a little longer to cook, but they’re the best for holding in your hand. Separated drums and flats cook more evenly.
The Importance of Seasoning
Seasoning is important for making food taste good and getting the skin crispy. A simple dry rub of salt and pepper makes the chicken taste better. Use a spice mix like jerk or Cajun seasoning for stronger flavors. Brine the wings for added moisture and seasoning penetration. It’s just saltwater mixed with something else that helps keep the meat from drying out. Adding hot sauce, soy sauce, or other savory liquids to the brine makes the wings taste even better.
Grilling Techniques for Perfect Wings
Grilling over direct high heat is best to render the fat and make the skin crispy If you’re using a charcoal grill, spread the hot coals evenly across the bottom. For gas grills, turn all burners to high and preheat. Clean the grates thoroughly so the wings don’t stick Place the wings skin-side down and cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes until golden brown, flipping once halfway through. This high heat cooks the skin to crispy perfection.
To finish cooking the wings, move them to indirect heat. If using charcoal, push the coals to the sides. For gas, turn the center burner to low/medium heat. Baste the wings with sauce and cook for 5-10 more minutes until the meat is fully cooked. The indirect heat makes it easier to control the temp and avoid burning the sauce.
Sauce Those Wings
Sauce adds tons of flavor and should be applied during the last few minutes of grilling. Classic Buffalo sauce is always a favorite, made with hot sauce, butter, and spices. Barbecue sauces like tangy mustard BBQ or sweet and smoky bourbon BBQ are delicious too. For ultimate customization, serve wings with sauces on the side for dipping.
Handling a Large Batch
Grilling wings for a big crowd? Use a grill basket to easily move and flip multiple wings at once. Rotate the basket 180 degrees partway through grilling to ensure even cooking. Have all your sauces ready for easy basting. Keep wings warm in a cooler wrapped in foil if your grill can’t handle them all at once.
Get Creative with Flavors
One of the best things about wings is how customizable they are. Try new twists like teriyaki, lemon pepper, or Cajun dry rubs. Toss sauced wings in grated Parmesan, sesame seeds, or cilantro for extra flavor. Make a fusion sauce melding flavors like Sriracha buffalo or honey soy. Marinate wings in a Mexican adobo sauce before grilling. The possibilities are endless!
Nail the Temperature
A digital meat thermometer is the best way to make sure wings are cooked all the way through without being overcooked. If you separate the wings, they should be done at 175°F, not 165°F. Before you serve the wings, let them sit for 5 minutes to let the juices soak back in. This helps keep the meat incredibly moist and juicy.
Extra Crispy Skin
For ultra crispy skin, dip the seasoned wings in cornstarch before grilling. The cornstarch forms a thin crust that gets super crunchy. You can also deep fry the wings for a few minutes before grilling to jumpstart the crisping process. Just pat dry and grill as usual to finish.
Lock in the Juices
Brining helps wings retain moisture, but you can take it a step further. After brining, pat the wings dry and let them air dry in the fridge uncovered for up to 8 hours. This helps draw moisture to the surface which will evaporate on the grill, leaving you with concentrated flavorful juice locked inside.
The Sidekicks
Great wings need great accompaniments. Classic choices like celery and carrots with blue cheese or ranch dip never go out of style. Fry up some homemade French fries in the remaining wing fat. Make quick pickled veggies for a tangy crunch. Mac and cheese, coleslaw, and cornbread also pair perfectly.
Get Ready to Get Your Hands Dirty
The joy of eating wings is tearing into them with your bare hands. Supply plenty of wet wipes and napkins. Have cold beers or other favorite beverages chilled and ready. You may also want to set out disposable gloves for folks who don’t want to get messy. The bottom line – grilled wings are fun, flavorful finger food meant to be devoured.
Grilling wings does require some technique, but you’ll pick it up quickly. The more you make them, the more you’ll learn your grill’s hot and cool spots and refine your methods. Soon you’ll have a go-to recipe that yields awesome wings worth bragging about every time. Get outside and fire up the grill – your crispy, saucy, melt-in-your-mouth wings await!
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How to serve griddle-cooked wings
Place your wings on a platter with celery sticks, carrots sticks and ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing. You can also add a side of extra sauce.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Reheat wings in the microwave, air fryer or back on the outdoor griddle.
How to cook chicken wings on a griddle
- STEP ONE: Pat the wings dry with a paper towel. Toss with kosher salt, garlic powder and baking powder. You can put them on a pan or in a big bowl and leave them out overnight in the fridge.
- STEP TWO: Heat the griddle to medium. Add a little oil to the wings and put them on the grill.
- STEP THREE: Cook for 25 to 30 minutes, turning them over a lot so all sides get brown. You can add more oil as needed.
- STEP FOUR: Take plain wings off the grill and serve. Add your favorite seasoning or sauce to make it taste even better, and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Wings | Weber Genesis Gas Grill | Barlow BBQ
FAQ
How long does it take to cook chicken wings on the grill?
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.
Do you grill chicken wings covered or uncovered?
Grill the wings over direct medium heat, with the lid closed, until browned on both sides, 10 to 15 minutes, turning once or twice.
Should you coat wings in oil before grilling?
Oil is crucial when prepping chicken wings. It works as a binding agent but more importantly the fat helps crisp up the skin on the grill. I like using olive oil but any type here will work.