Chargrilled Chicken Wings Recipe

---

Get ready to upgrade your cookout game with these simple Chargrilled Chicken Wings that will leave everyone craving more. I make these grilled wings every year, and people think I did more to them than I did. In this post, I’ll guide you through selecting the right chicken wings, marinating them for maximum flavor, grilling them to perfection, and adding flair with seasonings and sauces. Trust me; your guests will thank you for giving them a taste of these mouth-watering wings.

Choose the Right Chicken Wings

To ensure that your chargrilled chicken wings are finger-licking good, you need to start by choosing the right chicken wings. There are generally two types of chicken wings: the drumettes (the part that looks like a mini drumstick) and the flats (the part that looks like a mini wing). Some people have their preference, but in terms of cooking, the drumettes are easier to handle and cook faster than the flats. 

When buying chicken wings, you can choose between fresh and frozen wings. Fresh wings are usually better quality, but frozen wings are more convenient and can be stored longer. Whichever you choose, inspect the wings for any signs of discoloration, odor, or sliminess. These are clear indications that the wings are not fresh and may be unsafe to eat. 

Finally, consider the number of wings you need. Generally, you can estimate that each person will eat about 6-8 wings (I can only put down 5), so plan accordingly. With the right chicken wings, you’re already on your way to hosting an epic cookout. Let’s move on to the next step and learn how to marinate your wings for maximum flavor.

Marinate Your Wings for Maximum Flavor

Now that you’ve selected the perfect chicken wings for your cookout, it’s time to elevate their flavor with a delicious marinade. Marinating your wings adds complexity to the taste and keeps them tender and juicy during cooking. 

There are countless marinade recipes, but a classic combination of marinade ingredients is:

• Extra Virgin Olive oil
• Lemon juice or Apple Cider Vinegar
• Lemon zest
• Garlic Cloves
• Salt and pepper
• Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

You can also add soy sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, or hot sauce to give your marinade a unique twist.

To marinate your wings, combine the ingredients in a ziplock bag or a shallow dish or a large mixing bowl, add the wings, and toss to coat evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight. The longer your wings marinate, the more flavorful they will be.

Once you’re ready to cook, remove the wings from the marinade and discard any excess liquid. Pat the wings dry with paper towels to ensure they cook evenly and don’t stick to the grill. Your marinated wings are ready to be perfectly grilled and served with your favorite dipping sauce.

For this recipe, I made a homemade dry rub, which I let the wings sit in for a while. I used simple seasonings such as:

• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Smoked Paprika
• Kosher Salt
• Black Pepper
• Chili Powder
• Italian Seasoning

The flavors penetrate deep into the meat of the chicken wings and make them really flavorful.

Grill Your Wings to Perfection

With your marinated wings in hand, it’s time to fire up the grill and cook them to golden-brown perfection. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the wings on the grill, skin side down, and cook for 8-10 minutes per side or until they’re crispy and cooked through.

Baste the wings with any remaining marinade during cooking to keep them moist and add extra flavor. Be careful not to use any marinade that has come into contact with raw chicken to avoid foodborne illness.

Once your wings are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the wings to cool slightly, making them easier to handle. Serve with a variety of dipping sauces, and watch as your guests devour every last wing.

Grill Your Wings to Perfection

You must perfect your grilling technique to upgrade your summer cookout game. The key to cooking chicken wings is to cook them low and slow over indirect heat to ensure they are fully cooked without being dry. Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, then move your wings to the cooler side of the grill to cook for 10-15 minutes or until an internal temperature of 165 F is reached, flipping occasionally. 

Baste the wings with any remaining marinade during cooking to keep them moist and add extra flavor. Be careful not to use any marinade that has come into contact with raw chicken to avoid foodborne illness. Once your wings are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the wings to cool slightly, making them easier to handle.

Now that you have perfectly chargrilled chicken wings, it’s time to add some flair with seasonings and sauces.

Seasonings and Sauces

Now that you have mastered the art of grilling chicken wings, it’s time to take your summer cookout game to the next level with some flavorful seasonings and sauces. Here are a few options to consider:

1. Dry Rubs: A dry rub is a mixture of herbs and spices that can be applied to the wings before grilling. You can experiment with combinations to find the perfect flavor for your taste. Some popular options include BBQ, garlic and herb, and Cajun.

2. BBQ Sauce: BBQ sauce is a classic choice for chicken wings. You can choose from a wide range of store-bought options or make your own using your favorite ingredients. Brush the sauce onto the wings during the last few minutes of grilling to give them a sticky, sweet coating.

3. Buffalo Sauce: Buffalo sauce is a spicy, tangy sauce perfect for chicken wings. You can use a store-bought sauce or make your own by combining hot sauce, melted butter, and garlic powder. Toss the wings in the sauce after grilling to coat them evenly.

4. Honey Mustard Sauce: A honey mustard sauce is a great option if you want something sweet and tangy. You can make your own by combining honey, mustard, and other ingredients. Brush the sauce onto the wings during the last few minutes of grilling.

Whatever seasoning or sauce you choose, serve your wings with plenty of napkins and cold drinks. With these simple upgrades, your guests will beg for the recipe at your next summer cookout.

Commonly Asked Questions

Similar Recipes

If you like recipes like this, you will enjoy the flavorful chicken dishes below:

• Chipotle Apricot Grilled Chicken
• Easy Grilled Chicken Wings with Hot Pepper Glaze
• Garlic and Rance Baked Chicken Wings
• Crispy Chicken Cutlets with Lemon Rosemary Butter Sauce

Print