
Chicken wings are a versatile dish that can be cooked in a variety of ways, from grilling to deep frying. Grilled chicken wings are a delicious alternative to their deep-fried counterparts, offering a different texture and taste experience. In this article, we will explore the art of grilling chicken wings to perfection, achieving the perfect char and flavour. We will also delve into different sauce options, from classic BBQ to spicy Buffalo, to take your grilled wings to the next level. So, get your grill ready and let's dive into the world of BBQ chicken wings!
How to BBQ Chicken Wings
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Preparation time | 5 minutes |
Cooking time | 18-30 minutes |
Total time | 23-60 minutes |
Yield | 4-10 servings |
Chicken wings | 10-12 whole wings |
BBQ sauce | 1/2-3 cups |
Grill temperature | 350-425ºF |
Grill type | Weber Genesis II |
Grill space | 669 square inches |
Grill heat output | 39,000 BTU |
Internal wing temperature | 165-175ºF |
What You'll Learn
Grill preparation
Oil the grill
Lightly oil your grill racks and prepare your grill for direct grilling over medium heat, about 350ºF. If you're using a charcoal grill, pile the coals on both sides for indirect cooking. You can also keep one burner off or on low in case some wings are cooked before others.
Preheat the grill
Preheat your grill to 425ºF. A fully preheated grill is essential for achieving crispy wings.
Prepare the chicken wings
Pat the wings dry with paper towels. Spray or drizzle the wings with avocado oil or another high-heat cooking oil. Season the wings with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on all sides. You can also season them with a rub or marinade, but this is optional.
Grill the wings
Place the chicken wings directly on the grill grates. Grill the wings for 15-25 minutes, flipping every 3-5 minutes to prevent burning and ensure even cooking. Keep a close eye on the wings to avoid flare-ups or charring. Use tongs to lift the wings and check their progress.
Check the internal temperature
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the wings. The FDA recommends a minimum internal temperature of 165ºF for chicken. However, some recipes suggest cooking the wings to a higher temperature of 170-175ºF for a fall-off-the-bone texture.
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Chicken wing sauces
Chicken wings are a versatile food that can be paired with a variety of sauces to create different flavour profiles. Here are some mouth-watering sauce options to consider for your chicken wings:
BBQ Sauce
A classic option for chicken wings, BBQ sauce can be store-bought or made from scratch. It is typically sweet and tangy, with a deep red colour. BBQ sauce can be used as a marinade before grilling or added after cooking for a sticky, finger-licking finish.
Buffalo Sauce
This sauce is perfect for those who enjoy a spicy kick. It typically includes hot sauce, butter, and spices, with variations including garlic, cayenne pepper, or molasses. Buffalo sauce can be tossed with cooked wings or served as a dipping sauce on the side.
Honey Mustard Sauce
A combination of honey, spicy brown mustard, and other spices creates a sweet and tangy sauce with a bit of heat. This sauce is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and is perfect for game day or as an appetizer.
Spicy Butterscotch Sauce
For something unique, try a spicy butterscotch sauce. This sauce infuses heat from Sriracha and crushed red pepper flakes, balanced by the rich sweetness of butterscotch. It's an unexpected combination that is sure to impress.
Lemon-Pepper Butter Sauce
This simple sauce combines butter with lemon-pepper seasoning for a creamy, bright flavour. For a more pronounced lemon flavour, add grated lemon zest to the butter mixture. This sauce is perfect for those who enjoy a tangy, citrusy kick.
Asian-Inspired Sauces
Explore the flavours of Asia with sauces like peanut sauce, made with creamy peanut butter, curry powder, honey, and soy sauce. Or try a gochujang-based sauce, a Korean condiment that blends sweet, spicy, and salty flavours. For a punch of heat, add some chilli peppers or chilli oil.
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Chicken seasoning
There are many ways to season chicken wings, and it's important to remember that the seasoning can make or break the dish. Here are some tips and tricks for seasoning your chicken wings to perfection:
Dry Rub
A dry rub is a mixture of dried herbs, spices, and other flavourings that are rubbed onto the surface of the chicken wings before cooking. This method is perfect for adding a flavourful crust to the wings. When creating a dry rub, it's essential to consider the balance of flavours. A good rule of thumb is to include a base note (such as paprika or cumin), a sweet note (such as brown sugar or honey powder), and a spicy or savoury note (such as cayenne pepper or garlic powder). Here's a simple recipe for a dry rub:
> Ingredients:
> - 1 tablespoon paprika
> - 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper
> - 2 teaspoons brown sugar
> - 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper
> Mix all the ingredients together and rub generously over the chicken wings. Let the wings sit for at least 30 minutes before cooking to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat.
Brine
Brining is a technique where the chicken wings are soaked in a salt and water solution, often with other flavourings added, such as sugar, herbs, or spices. This process helps to tenderise the meat and add flavour. It's especially useful for chicken wings, which can easily dry out during cooking. Here's a basic brine recipe:
> Ingredients:
> - 1/4 cup salt
> - 1/4 cup sugar
> - 4 cups water
> - Optional: 1 tablespoon each of dried oregano and black pepper
> Dissolve the salt and sugar in the water, adding any optional ingredients. Soak the chicken wings in the brine for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Remove the wings from the brine and pat them dry before cooking.
Marinade
A marinade is a liquid mixture that the chicken wings are soaked in, usually for a longer period, to add flavour and moisture. It can be as simple as a store-bought Italian salad dressing or a more complex combination of ingredients. Here's a recipe for a tangy barbecue marinade:
> Ingredients:
> - 18 ounces of barbecue sauce (Open Pit Original BBQ Sauce is recommended)
> - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
> - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
> - 1/2 teaspoon each of onion powder and garlic powder
> - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
> - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
> - 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Chinese Five Spice
> Combine all the ingredients and mix well. Adjust the spices to your preference, tasting as you go. Add the chicken wings to the marinade and let them sit for at least 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
Seasoning During Cooking
In addition to pre-cooking seasoning, you can also add flavour during the cooking process. For grilled chicken wings, this might involve dipping a wad of paper towels in oil and rubbing it on the grill grates before placing the wings on the grill. For baked wings, brushing the wings with melted butter or oil during cooking can help to crisp the skin and add flavour.
Remember, the key to successful chicken wing seasoning is to be creative and adjust the flavours to your taste preferences. Experiment with different combinations of herbs, spices, and sauces to find your perfect blend.
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Grilling the wings
Grilling chicken wings is a straightforward process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Firstly, prepare your grill by oiling the grill racks and preheating to a medium heat of around 350ºF. You can also keep one burner off or on low in case some wings cook faster than others, allowing you to move them to a cooler part of the grill to prevent burning.
Next, prepare your chicken wings. You can buy them pre-cut, or you can cut them yourself. If cutting them yourself, start by cutting off the tip, then cut between the drum and the wing part, separating the sections at the joints. Season the wings with salt and pepper, or a seasoning of your choice. You can also marinate the wings before grilling, although this is not necessary as the wings are already tender, and the marinade may be overpowered by the sauce.
Now you're ready to grill the wings. Place them in a single layer on the grill and cook for a total of 18-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them and use tongs to flip them over and move them around as needed to ensure even cooking and browning. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the wings have reached an internal temperature of 165ºF.
Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a bowl and add your chosen BBQ sauce. Toss the wings to coat them evenly, adding more sauce if needed. You can use a store-bought sauce or make your own. For example, you could try a seasoned Buffalo sauce by melting butter with garlic and stirring in hot sauce, salt, onion powder, chili powder, and sugar.
Your grilled BBQ chicken wings are now ready to serve!
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Serving suggestions
BBQ chicken wings are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetiser, a main course, or a snack for game day or a party. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of your BBQ chicken wings:
As a Main Course
Serve the BBQ chicken wings with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic vinegar and honey, or a quinoa salad with fresh corn, tomatoes, avocado, and lime. These sides will add a fresh and healthy element to your meal while complementing the flavours of the wings.
For a Hearty Snack
If you're serving the wings as a snack for game day or a party, consider providing a variety of dipping sauces on the side. In addition to the classic BBQ sauce, you could offer a creamy buffalo sauce, a garlic parmesan sauce, or a honey BBQ sauce. This will allow your guests to customise their wings and find their favourite flavour combinations.
As an Appetiser
For a more elegant and refined presentation, consider serving the wings as an appetiser. Arrange the wings on a platter with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. This will add a touch of sophistication to your dish while still offering the delicious flavours of BBQ chicken wings.
For a Customisable Meal
When serving BBQ chicken wings, consider providing a variety of sauces and toppings so that your guests can create their own flavour combinations. In addition to the BBQ sauce, you could offer options such as Chinese Five Spice, honey, or soy sauce. This will allow your guests to experiment with different flavours and find their favourites.
For a Well-Rounded Plate
To make your BBQ chicken wings a more substantial meal, consider serving them with a side of crispy tandoori chicken drumsticks or grilled bacon jalapeno wraps. These additional dishes will add variety to your meal and ensure that your guests leave feeling satisfied.
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Frequently asked questions
Grill the chicken wings for 15-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165-175°F. Flip the wings every 3-5 minutes to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
Marinating chicken wings is not necessary, especially if you plan to use a flavorful sauce. However, if you prefer to marinate, combine the wings with a mixture of soy sauce, Italian dressing, salt, and pepper, and let them sit for a few hours or overnight.
There are several sauces that pair well with grilled chicken wings. Some popular options include:
- BBQ Sauce
- Buffalo Sauce
- Honey BBQ Sauce
- Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- Spicy Asian-Inspired Sauce