Looking for the best grilled chicken wings recipe that delivers crispy skin, juicy meat, and bold flavor every time? These easy grilled chicken wings are seasoned with a smoky BBQ rub, cooked to perfection on a pellet grill, and tossed in a buttery buffalo sauce for the ultimate game day or backyard barbecue snack. Whether you're a grill master or a beginner, this step-by-step guide will show you how to make chicken wings on the grill that rival your favorite wing joint—right at home.
Best Grilled Chicken Wings Recipe: Crispy, Juicy & Full of Flavor
Tom Jackson
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Appetizer
Cuisine
American
Servings
4
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Calories
420
If you're looking for the ultimate grilled chicken wings recipe that's easy, delicious, and guaranteed to please a crowd, you've found it. These wings are seasoned to perfection, grilled over hardwood for unbeatable flavor, and finished with a buttery hot sauce that brings the heat. Whether it's game day, a backyard barbecue, or a casual dinner, these wings are the star of the show.
Why This Grilled Chicken Wings Recipe Works
- Bold Flavor: A combination of savory and spicy elements from the seasoning and sauce.
- Crispy Skin: High-heat grilling crisps the skin while keeping the meat juicy.
- Quick and Easy: Simple prep and short cook time mean more time to enjoy.
Ingredients
-
2 lb chicken wings (whole or separated into drums and flats)
-
2 tbsp yellow mustard
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6 tbsp Meat Church Holy Voodoo Rub (or your favorite BBQ rub)
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2 tsp Noble Saltworks Hickory Smoked Finishing Salt
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½ cup butter
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2 tbsp Kosmo’s Q Wing Dust (Buffalo Hot or your preferred flavor)
For the Chicken Wings
For the Wing Sauce
Directions
Prep instructions
- Dry and Trim: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Trim any excess skin or fat.
- Coat with Mustard: In a large bowl, toss wings in yellow mustard to help the rub stick.
- Season Generously: Sprinkle with BBQ rub until evenly coated.
How to Grill Chicken Wings
- Preheat Your Grill: Set your grill to 450°F with indirect heat. For best results, use a pellet grill like the Yoder Smokers YS640s for consistent temperature and smoky flavor.
- Grill Indirectly: Place wings on the indirect side of the grill. Close the lid and cook for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Check Internal Temperature: Wings are done when they reach an internal temp of 175°F–185°F and the skin is crispy.
How to Make the Buffalo Wing Sauce
- Melt Butter: In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
Add Salt, Hot Sauce, and Wing Dust: Stir in hot sauce and wing dust until fully combined.
- Toss to Coat: Transfer grilled wings to a large bowl, pour sauce over them, and toss until fully coated.
Recipe Note
Tips for Perfect Grilled Wings
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensures wings are cooked safely and remain juicy.
- Finish Over Direct Heat (Optional): For extra crispiness, sear wings over direct heat for 1–2 minutes per side.
- Try Different Rubs and Sauces: Make it your own by experimenting with flavors like honey garlic, chipotle, or lemon pepper.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get crispy skin on grilled wings?
First, pat the wings completely dry and lightly coat them with oil before seasoning. Grill initially over direct heat to crisp, then move to indirect heat to finish cooking.
What internal temperature indicates wings are done?
Grill until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part—this ensures the chicken is safe and juicy.
Can I prepare the wings ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can trim, dry, and rub the wings in advance. Refrigerate up to overnight, then grill when ready.
Should I sauce the wings during grilling?
For best texture, grill the wings through first, then apply sauce in the last few minutes so it caramelizes without burning and retains crispiness.
Can I cook these indoors?
We rate these as a 3 out of 5. Works indoors with adjustments, but the grill is recommended.
Nutrition
Nutrition
- Serving Size
- 8 oz
- per serving
- Calories
- 420
- Carbs
- 3 grams
- Protein
- 28 grams
- Fat
- 30 grams
- Saturated Fat
- 12 grams
- Sodium
- 1200 milligrams
- Cholesterol
- 125 milligrams
