Perfect Bbq Chicken Wings: Tips And Tricks

BBQ chicken wings are a delicious treat, perfect for game night, a picnic, or as an appetizer. They can be baked, grilled, or cooked in an air fryer, and are best served with a side of sauce. Here's a step-by-step guide to preparing juicy, tender, and flavourful BBQ chicken wings.

Choosing a grill and preparing it for direct grilling

Grilling chicken wings is a straightforward process, but there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing and preparing your grill.

First, consider the size of your grill. If you are cooking for a large group, you may need a grill with a larger surface area, such as the Weber Genesis II, which has 669 square inches of grill space. This will ensure that you can cook all your wings at once without overcrowding the grill.

Next, you'll want to preheat your grill to the right temperature. For chicken wings, a temperature of around 350-425 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. This temperature range will ensure that your wings cook through evenly without burning.

Once your grill is preheated, you'll need to oil the grates to prevent the wings from sticking. You can use a high-heat cooking oil like avocado oil, or a cooking spray, for this step.

If your grill has multiple burners, it's a good idea to keep one burner off or on low. This will give you the option to move the wings to a cooler part of the grill if they start to char too much.

Finally, when it comes to placing the wings on the grill, be sure to leave some space between them. This will allow the heat to circulate evenly and ensure that they cook through properly.

Now that your grill is prepared, you're ready to start cooking! Place the wings on the grill, close the lid, and let them cook for a few minutes before flipping them over. Keep an eye on them and flip them regularly to ensure even cooking and browning. Depending on the size of your wings and the heat of your grill, they should be done in about 15-25 minutes.

Remember to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the wings has reached 165-175 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that they are cooked through and safe to eat.

Marinating the wings

Firstly, prepare the marinade. In a large bowl, combine your chicken wings with your chosen ingredients. You can use a variety of ingredients such as garlic, salt, pepper, Italian dressing, soy sauce, hot pepper sauce, or even apple cider vinegar for an extra kick. Experiment with different combinations to find your favourite flavour.

Next, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or place the wings and marinade in a large resealable plastic bag. Ensure that the wings are well coated in the marinade. If using a bowl, you can use your hands or a large spoon to mix everything together. Squeeze out any excess air from the bag or cover the bowl tightly to prevent oxidation and contamination.

Now, place the marinated wings in the refrigerator. The ideal marination time varies depending on the ingredients used and your preference. For a simple marinade with garlic, salt, and pepper, aim for at least 2 hours. However, if you're using ingredients like Italian dressing, soy sauce, and hot pepper sauce, 4 hours to overnight marination is recommended.

Remember, the longer the marination time, the more intense the flavour will be. But be cautious, as leaving the wings in the marinade for too long can make them mushy or overly salty. Always keep marinated chicken refrigerated to prevent bacterial growth.

Once the wings have finished marinating, remove them from the bag or bowl and pat them dry with paper towels before proceeding to the next steps of your BBQ chicken wing recipe. Enjoy the delicious, flavour-packed wings!

Cooking methods and temperatures

BBQ chicken wings can be cooked in the oven, on a grill, in an air fryer, or even in a slow cooker.

Oven-Baked Wings

For oven-baked wings, preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large baking pan with non-stick foil. Pat the wings dry with a paper towel and toss them with flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Place the wings on the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes. Flip them over and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

While the wings are baking, make your barbecue sauce by combining BBQ sauce, sriracha, and garlic in a small bowl. Set aside.

Remove the wings from the oven and increase the temperature to 450°F. Toss the wings with the BBQ sauce mixture and place them back on the baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce is thickened and browned. For an extra crispy glaze, broil the wings for about 3 minutes.

Grilled Wings

For grilled wings, preheat your grill to medium heat, about 350°F. Oil your grill racks and prepare the grill for direct grilling. Place the seasoned and oiled wings on the grill and cook for about 20-25 minutes, flipping occasionally.

The total cooking time for grilled wings is about 18-25 minutes. Start by leaving the wings on the grill with the lid closed for a few minutes, then use tongs to check underneath them. If some wings are starting to char too much, flip them over. Keep monitoring and flipping as they darken, moving them to a cooler part of the grill if they are browning too quickly.

Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the wings have reached an internal temperature of 165°F.

Air Fryer Wings

For air fryer wings, preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Toss the wings with a touch of oil, salt, and pepper. Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer and cook for 19 minutes, turning after 10 minutes. Toss the wings with the sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Slow Cooker Wings

Although less common, chicken wings can also be made in a slow cooker. One suggestion is to cook them in the slow cooker and then crisp them up under the broiler.

Making a barbecue sauce

To make the sauce, you will need:

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

Optional ingredients to add heat and smokiness:

• Hot sauce
• Cayenne pepper
• Garlic

Begin by placing all the ingredients in a saucepan and mixing them together. Heat the mixture over a medium-high heat until it reaches a boil. Then, reduce the heat and allow the sauce to simmer for around 5 minutes. Once the time is up, turn off the heat and set the sauce aside.

Toss your cooked chicken wings in the barbecue sauce, ensuring they are well coated. Serve immediately for the crispiest wings, as the barbecue sauce can soften the skin over time.

You can also serve the barbecue sauce on the side as a dip, which will keep the wings crispy for longer. This recipe makes approximately 2 cups of sauce, so you will have some leftover to use as a dip or to save for another meal.

Adding sauce to the wings

Once your sauce is ready, toss the cooked wings in a large bowl with the sauce. Start with 1/2 cup of sauce and toss the wings to coat them evenly. If the sauce has a strong flavour, you may not need to add more. However, if it's milder, you can add up to another 1/4 cup or more, as needed, until the wings are well-coated.

If you're grilling the wings, you can baste them with sauce during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. This will help the sauce stick to the wings and give them a nice glaze. Alternatively, you can serve the sauce on the side as a dipping sauce, which will keep the wings crispy.

For the best results, it's recommended to add the sauce to the wings after cooking, as BBQ sauce can burn and taste bitter if cooked for too long or at too high a heat.

Frequently asked questions