How to Grill The Best Chicken Wings

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Grilling chicken wings is a classic and delicious way to enjoy this popular appetizer or main course. When grilled, chicken wings develop a crispy outer skin and juicy meat on the inside, making them a favorite among many people. Grilling chicken wings is also a versatile cooking method as they can be seasoned with various spices and sauces, giving you endless flavor possibilities. In this guide, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to grill chicken wings, along with tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect crispy texture and delicious flavor. So, fire up your grill and get ready to make some mouthwatering chicken wings!

Grilling chicken wings is a great way to cook this popular appetizer or main course. Grilling chicken wings can create Here are the step-by-step instructions to grill chicken wings:

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken wings
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Prepare the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Per my normal recommendation a charcoal grill will give you the best, more smoky flavor on these wings, but any grill will work.
2. Prepare the chicken wings: Rinse the chicken wings under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Trim off the wingtips and discard them. Cut the wings in half at the joint.
3. Season the chicken wings: In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly with the seasoning mixture.
4. Grill the chicken wings: Place the chicken wings on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes on each side, or until they are crispy and golden brown on the outside and cooked through on the inside. You can also use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken wings has reached 165°F.
5. Serve the chicken wings: Remove the chicken wings from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. You can serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or blue cheese dressing. I like to garnish my wings with sliced green onions for an elegant display.

Tips:

1. Keep the grill lid closed as much as possible while cooking to maintain a steady temperature and prevent flare-ups.
2. Brush the chicken wings with a little oil or butter while cooking to prevent them from sticking to the grill grates.
3. For added flavor, you can marinate the chicken wings in your favorite sauce or seasoning blend for a few hours or overnight before grilling.
4. Don’t overcrowd the grill. Leave enough space between the chicken wings to allow them to cook evenly and get crispy.

On The Smoker

Smoking chicken wings gives us a whole new flavor than the grill alone. However, many people struggle with achieving that great crispy flavor we all over with the fried and grilled wings, so we have to finish with a higher temperature , rather than just smoking alone.

I like to use my Char Griller Akorn for this cook, which allows me to transition from smoking to grilling seamlessly. Any Kamado style grill works perfect for wings.

I prefer mixing cherry wood and apple with wings, my ultimate smoking wood guide is here.

Here are the step-by-step instructions to smoke chicken wings:

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken wings
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Wood chips of your choice (applewood, hickory, mesquite, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the smoker: Preheat your smoker to 225°F. Soak your wood chips in water for 30 minutes before using them. Drain the water before adding them to the smoker.
2. Prepare the chicken wings: Rinse the chicken wings under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Trim off the wingtips and discard them. Cut the wings in half at the joint.
3. Season the chicken wings: In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly with the seasoning mixture.
4. Smoke the chicken wings: Place the chicken wings on the smoker grates, and close the lid. Add the soaked wood chips to the smoker box or to the coals, if using a charcoal smoker. Smoke the chicken wings for 1 hours or until they are golden brown. This is where we will turn up the heat on our smoker to 400 degrees.
5. Cook at the higher temp until the internal temperature of the wings hits 165 degrees. You may need to flip and rotate the wings to assure they get crispy all over.
6. Serve the chicken wings: Remove the chicken wings from the smoker and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with green onions and enjoy!

Tips:

1. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken wings. The USDA recommends cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F.
2. Keep the smoker temperature consistent throughout the cooking process. Use a digital thermometer to monitor the temperature and make adjustments as necessary.
3. Experiment with different wood chips to achieve different flavors. Applewood, hickory, mesquite, and cherry wood are popular choices. If you are unsure of what wood to use, check out my guide on selecting smoking woods.
4. Allow enough space between the chicken wings on the smoker grates to allow the smoke to circulate and cook the chicken evenly.

Grilled chicken wings are a delicious and versatile dish that can be prepared in a variety of ways. Whether you prefer them smoky and flavorful from the grill or coated in a tasty sauce, there are endless possibilities when it comes to preparing chicken wings. By following the tips and recipes provided, you can achieve perfectly grilled chicken wings every time. From choosing the right type of wings to marinating or seasoning them before grilling, the key to making mouthwatering chicken wings lies in attention to detail and taking the time to properly prepare them. So fire up the grill, get creative with your seasonings and sauces, and enjoy this classic finger-licking dish with family and friends.