Mastering Chicken Wings On A Gas Bbq

Chicken wings are a versatile dish that can be cooked in a variety of ways, but grilling them on a gas barbecue is one of the best options for a quick, easy, and tasty meal. This method is perfect for social gatherings, game days, or simply enjoying juicy and crispy wings at home. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the best results.

How to set up your gas grill for cooking chicken wings

Step 1: Prepare the grill

Firstly, oil your grill racks and then set up your grill for indirect heat. You can do this by turning on at least one burner and leaving at least one burner off, adjusting the burners until the internal temperature reaches 350°F with the lid closed. If your grill has three or more burners, keep the middle burner off and turn the side burners on. This will allow for even heat on both sides of the wings. If you only have a two-burner grill, you may need to rotate the wings as they cook.

Step 2: Prepare the wings

Place the wings on a baking sheet and pat them dry with paper towels. You can then add a dry rub, sprinkling it evenly over the wings. For added flavour, place the wings on a baking sheet over a rimmed sheet pan, season, and leave uncovered in the refrigerator overnight.

Step 3: Grill the wings

Place the wings in a single layer on the preheated grill on an upper rack (if you have one). If you don't have an upper rack, place them on the grill grate over the area where the burner is off. Close the lid and grill the wings for 30-45 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 195-205°F.

Step 4: Sauce the wings (optional)

You can serve the wings dry, or toss them in a sauce of your choice. Place the cooked wings in a large bowl and toss them in buffalo sauce, hot sauce, or barbecue sauce. Serve with carrot sticks, celery, and a selection of dipping sauces.

How to season chicken wings

Seasoning chicken wings is a crucial step in the cooking process, adding flavour and moisture to the meat. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season chicken wings effectively:

Step 1: Choose Your Seasoning

You can opt for a dry rub, a liquid marinade, or a combination of both. A dry rub typically consists of spices and herbs that are mixed and rubbed onto the surface of the chicken wings. Examples of common spices used in a dry rub include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chilli powder, and brown sugar. On the other hand, a liquid marinade can be made using ingredients such as soy sauce, olive oil, or canola oil. The liquid marinade helps to tenderise the meat and add moisture, resulting in juicy and flavourful chicken wings.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Wings

Before applying the seasoning, it is essential to pat the chicken wings dry using paper towels. Removing excess moisture from the surface of the wings will help the seasoning adhere better and promote crispier skin during cooking.

Step 3: Apply the Seasoning

Evenly sprinkle or rub the chosen seasoning all over the chicken wings, ensuring that every surface is coated. For a dry rub, a general guideline is to use about 1 tablespoon of rub for every 1 pound of chicken wings. If using a liquid marinade, drizzle or brush the marinade over the wings, ensuring that all surfaces are coated.

Step 4: Allow Seasoning to Penetrate (Optional)

While this step is optional, allowing the chicken wings to rest with the seasoning for a period of time can enhance the flavour and texture. Place the seasoned wings on a baking sheet or wire rack and leave them uncovered in the refrigerator. For optimal results, it is recommended to let the wings rest for at least a couple of hours or even overnight. During this time, the seasoning will penetrate the meat, adding flavour, and the dry environment of the refrigerator will help remove moisture from the skin, resulting in crispier wings when cooked.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken Wings

Once the wings have been seasoned and allowed to rest (if desired), they are ready to be cooked. You can grill, bake, or fry the chicken wings, following your preferred cooking method.

By following these steps and choosing your desired seasonings, you can create delicious and flavourful chicken wings that will be a hit at any gathering or as a tasty treat for yourself!

The best temperature to grill chicken wings

The ideal temperature for grilling chicken wings is between 350ºF and 425ºF. This temperature range will ensure that your chicken wings are cooked through and have a nice char on the outside.

Setting up the grill

When setting up your gas grill, it is important to create an indirect heat zone. This can be done by turning on at least one burner and leaving at least one burner off, or by using the warming rack. The burner setting will vary depending on your grill, but the goal is to reach an internal temperature of around 350ºF with the lid closed.

Grilling the wings

Place the seasoned wings on the preheated grill, either on an upper rack or over the area where the burner is off. Close the lid and grill the wings for 30-45 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 195-205ºF. The wings should have golden brown, crispy skin when they are done.

Tips for success

• Pat the chicken wings dry before seasoning to remove excess moisture.
• Use a dry rub and/or a liquid marinade to add flavor and help tenderize the meat.
• Coat the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.
• Flip the wings regularly (every 3-5 minutes) to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the wings, as this is the most accurate way to determine doneness.

How long to grill chicken wings for

Chicken wings are a delicious and easy dish to cook on your gas grill. The total cooking time will depend on the temperature of your grill, the size of your wings, and your desired level of crispiness. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you grill chicken wings to perfection.

Step 1: Prepare the Grill

Firstly, oil your grill racks to prevent sticking, and preheat your grill to a medium heat of around 350°F. If your grill has multiple burners, it is recommended to turn off or set one burner to low, creating an indirect heat zone. This will allow you to move the wings to a cooler area if they start to char too much.

Step 2: Place the Wings on the Grill

Arrange the wings in a single layer on the grill over the heat. Close the lid and let them cook for a a few minutes before checking on them. Use tongs to lift and inspect the wings, and flip them over if they are starting to char too much. Keep monitoring and flipping the wings as they cook, ensuring even browning on all sides.

Step 3: Check the Temperature

After about 15 minutes of cooking and flipping, use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the wings. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the wing. The wings are safe to eat when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. However, for optimal taste and texture, you may want to cook them to a higher temperature. Some recipes suggest cooking the wings until they reach 170-175°F for tender meat that easily pulls away from the bone. Others recommend cooking them to 195-205°F for the crispiest skin.

Step 4: Finish Cooking

Depending on your desired level of crispiness and the temperature of your grill, the total cooking time for your wings will be around 18-25 minutes, or up to 30-45 minutes if you're aiming for the higher temperature range. Once the wings have reached your desired internal temperature, remove them from the grill and let them cool before serving.

Tips for Grilling Chicken Wings:

• Consistent temperatures and regular flipping are key to achieving crispy wings.
• Fully dry the wings with paper towels before seasoning and grilling.
• Spray or drizzle the wings with a high-heat cooking oil, such as avocado oil, before seasoning.
• Flip the wings frequently (every 3-5 minutes) during cooking to prevent burning and ensure even cooking and crisping of the skin.
• Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature and ensure the wings are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

How to get crispy chicken wings

Preparation

Before grilling your chicken wings, there are a few preparation steps you can take to ensure crispiness. Firstly, pat the wings dry with paper towels. This will help remove excess moisture. You can also place the wings on a wire rack or baking sheet and leave them uncovered in the refrigerator for a few hours or even overnight. Doing so will help dry out the skin, leading to crispier wings. Additionally, you can lightly coat the wings with baking powder before cooking, as this will further absorb moisture.

Grill Setup

When setting up your gas grill, it is recommended to use indirect heat. If your grill has three or more burners, keep the middle burner off and turn on the side burners. This setup allows you to grill the wings in the centre, ensuring even heat distribution. If you have a two-burner grill, you may need to rotate the wings during cooking to achieve even cooking. Alternatively, you can use the warming rack, which is an elevated grill rack at the back of the grill. With this method, you can turn on all the burners, but the rack may be smaller and hold fewer wings.

Temperature and Timing

Preheat your grill to a temperature between 350°F and 425°F. The ideal temperature may vary depending on your specific grill, so it's important to monitor the heat. Grill the wings for about 15 to 20 minutes, flipping them every 3 to 5 minutes to prevent burning and ensure even cooking. The wings are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F to 205°F. For fall-off-the-bone texture, some people prefer cooking the wings to a higher temperature of 170°F to 175°F.

Saucing

If you want your wings to stay crispy, it's best to serve the sauce on the side or add it towards the end of the cooking process. Tossing the wings in sauce before serving will soften the skin. However, if you prefer saucy wings, go ahead and coat them generously!

Frequently asked questions