Perfectly Grilled Chicken Wings: Timing For Bbq Success

Chicken wings are a versatile dish that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baking, grilling, and air frying. They are a popular choice for gatherings and game days, offering a range of flavours and textures. When grilling chicken wings, it is essential to maintain a consistent temperature and regularly flip the wings to ensure even cooking. The ideal grill temperature is around 350ºF to 425ºF, and the total cooking time is approximately 18 to 30 minutes. The key to achieving crispy skin on grilled wings lies in preparing the grill, regularly monitoring and flipping the wings, and using a delicious sauce to enhance the flavour.

How to get crispy chicken wings on the BBQ

Preparation

Firstly, you'll want to get your grill nice and hot. Preheat your BBQ to around 250°F, setting it up for indirect cooking. You can also add wood chips to the charcoal for a hint of smoke.

Next, prepare your wings. Remove them from their packaging and pat them dry with a paper towel. You can also trim any excess skin from the wings, leaving most of the skin intact. If the wingtips are still attached, you can remove them, but some people like to keep them on.

Now, it's time to season your wings. In a small bowl, mix together your chosen seasonings. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like onion salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the wings, ensuring each wing is well-coated.

Cooking the Wings

Place the seasoned wings on the cooler side of the grill and close the lid. Allow the wings to cook for about 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, increase the grill's temperature to around 400°F. If you're using charcoal, move the wings to the hotter side of the grill. Continue cooking the wings for an additional 15 to 20 minutes.

Keep an eye on your wings, especially if they vary in size. Smaller wings may be done in as little as 10 minutes, while larger wings may take up to 20 minutes or more to reach the desired level of doneness.

Finishing Touches

Remove the wings from the grill when they reach an internal temperature of 170°F to 180°F. Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy.

At this point, you can choose to serve the wings as-is or add a dry rub or sauce. For classic BBQ wings, toss the wings in your favorite barbecue sauce. You can also serve the sauce on the side as a dip.

And there you have it! Crispy, juicy, BBQ chicken wings, perfect for any game day or get-together.

BBQ sauce recipes for chicken wings

Chicken wings are a delicious snack and a great addition to any social gathering. While grilling chicken wings, it is important to maintain a consistent temperature and flip them regularly to ensure even cooking.

Now, let's talk about some mouth-watering BBQ sauce recipes that will take your chicken wings to the next level:

Honey BBQ Sauce

This sauce is perfect for those who like their wings sweet and sticky. The combination of honey and barbecue sauce creates an irresistible flavour that will keep your guests coming back for more. This sauce can be made by mixing the following ingredients:

• BBQ sauce
• Honey

Creamy Buffalo Sauce

If you prefer your wings with a kick of spice, then this sauce is the perfect choice. Buffalo sauce and chicken wings are a classic duo that will satisfy any craving.

Garlic Parmesan Sauce

For those who want a smooth and flavourful option, this sauce is a great choice. It has no heat but is packed with the delicious flavours of garlic and Parmesan cheese.

Nicky's Kitchen Sanctuary BBQ Sauce

This sauce has the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. The key ingredients include tomato ketchup, dark brown sugar, honey, white wine vinegar, and smoked paprika. This sauce is then tossed with the wings and served immediately for the ultimate crispiness.

Tasty's BBQ Sauce

This sauce has a unique blend of spices, including chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder. The wings are coated in flour and spices, baked until crispy, and then tossed in a mixture of BBQ sauce and honey.

All the Healthy Things BBQ Sauce

This sauce has a touch of honey added to barbecue sauce, creating a sweet and smoky flavour. The wings are seasoned with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and chili powder, and then baked to perfection. The warm honey barbecue sauce is then poured over the wings, creating a delicious glaze.

Chicken wing cooking times and temperatures

Chicken wings are a versatile dish that can be cooked in an oven, air fryer, or on a barbecue. Here is a guide to help you cook the perfect chicken wings, with a focus on barbecue cooking.

Preparation

Before cooking, you should prepare your chicken wings. If they are frozen, be sure to thaw them first and then pat them dry with paper towels. You can then season the wings with a dry rub of your choice. A simple option is to use salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add a high-heat cooking oil, such as avocado oil, before seasoning.

Cooking Times and Temperatures

When cooking chicken wings on the barbecue, preheat your grill to a medium heat of around 350°F (176°C). Place the seasoned and oiled wings on the grill and cook for approximately 20–22 minutes, flipping them occasionally to ensure even cooking. You can also baste the wings with your chosen sauce during the final 2–3 minutes of cooking.

If you want crispier wings, you can preheat your grill to a higher temperature of 425°F (218°C). Place the wings on the grill grates and cook for 15–20 minutes, flipping them every 3–5 minutes to prevent burning and ensure even cooking. The wings are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to 175°F (79°C).

Saucing

You can add extra flavour to your chicken wings by tossing, dipping, or drizzling them in sauce. For ultimate crispiness, it is recommended to add the sauce after cooking the wings. If you are using a barbecue sauce, be cautious as the high sugar content can cause it to burn if cooked for too long or over too high a heat.

Chicken wing marinade ideas

Chicken wings are a delicious snack and a must-have for any social gathering. While some people prefer to grill their wings, others opt for baking or frying. Regardless of the cooking method, a good marinade can elevate the flavour of your chicken wings. Here are some mouth-watering marinade ideas to try:

Spicy, Sweet and Tangy Marinade

This marinade combines salty, sweet and spicy ingredients to create a sticky caramelized perfection. It is simple and easy to make, requiring only a few basic ingredients:

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Tamari (or soy sauce/coconut aminos for a gluten-free option)
• Maple syrup
• Minced garlic
• Minced ginger
• Lime juice
• Sriracha (optional)

Asian-Style Marinade

For an Asian twist, try this marinade with a combination of sweet, tangy and savoury flavours:

• Tomato ketchup
• White wine vinegar
• Dark brown sugar
• Black treacle or molasses
• Honey
• Vegetable oil
• Worcestershire sauce
• Mustard powder
• Smoked paprika
• Black pepper

Savory-Sweet Marinade

This easy-to-make marinade is both savoury and sweet, and perfect for baking or grilling your chicken wings:

• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Dry sherry
• Prepared yellow mustard
• Garlic powder

Classic Buffalo Sauce

For a classic option, go for the traditional Buffalo sauce. It pairs perfectly with chicken wings and is a must-have for any platter:

• Buffalo sauce
• Ranch dressing (optional)

Garlic Parmesan Sauce

If you're looking for a smooth and cool wing sauce, try this garlic Parmesan sauce. It's a family-friendly option with no heat but tons of flavour:

• Garlic
• Butter
• Ground Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley
• Brown sugar
• Apple cider vinegar
• Honey
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Black pepper

Honey BBQ Sauce

For a sticky, sweet and gooey option, try this Honey BBQ Sauce. It's perfect for kids and adults alike:

• Honey
• Your choice of BBQ sauce

How to store and reheat BBQ chicken wings

Storing Your Chicken Wings

To keep your chicken wings fresh, it's important to store them properly. Place them in an airtight container and put them in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. This will ensure they stay fresh and flavourful for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.

Reheating Your Chicken Wings

There are several ways to reheat your chicken wings, and the best method will depend on your personal preference and the equipment you have available. Here are some of the most common ways to reheat BBQ chicken wings:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Take your wings out of the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature for about 15 minutes. Place the wings on a baking sheet lined with aluminium foil or parchment paper, making sure they are in a single layer with a little space between each wing. Spritz the wings with water to keep them moist (optional). Put the wings in the oven for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Take your wings out of the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature. Place the wings in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Spritz the wings with cooking spray. Reheat for up to 10 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Stovetop/Skillet: Let your wings come to room temperature for about 15 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of oil to a large skillet and heat on high. Add the wings to the hot oil and heat for 2-3 minutes, turning them halfway through. Check that the wings have reached an internal temperature of 165°F before removing them from the pan.
• Microwave: Line a microwave-safe plate with a damp paper towel. Place your wings on the plate and cover them with another damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, being careful not to overheat, as this will dry out the wings.
• Grill/Smoker: Get your grill or smoker going and heat it to about 350°F. Place the wings on top of aluminium foil (optional) and reheat for 10-15 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Tips for Reheating

• If your wings are saucy, the oven and air fryer methods will work well. However, if you want the meat to stay in its sauce better, try the stovetop/skillet method, but be careful as saucy wings can stick to the pan and burn.
• To keep your wings from drying out, spritz them with water before reheating.
• For crispy wings, heat a thin layer of oil in a pan and carefully add your wings, frying for 2-3 minutes per side.
• If you're short on time, the microwave is a quick option, but your wings may lose their crispiness.

Frequently asked questions