Crispy Grilled Chicken Wings

Indulge in the irresistible taste of Crispy Grilled Chicken Wings that are perfect for any gathering or casual weeknight dinner. With a variety of flavor options like Old Bay seasoning, spicy hot sauce, and buttery garlic, these wings promise to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, watching the game, or simply enjoying a cozy meal at home, these grilled chicken wings are sure to impress your guests and leave everyone coming back for more!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: Each bite is bursting with flavor, whether you choose spicy hot sauce or savory garlic butter.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll have wings ready in no time.
• Versatile Options: Customize your wings with different seasonings to suit everyone’s taste preferences.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These wings are ideal for parties, game days, or just a tasty snack.
• Crispy Texture: Achieve that perfect crispy skin that everyone loves without frying.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your crispy grilled chicken wings, gather the necessary tools and equipment. This will streamline your cooking process and ensure you achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Tongs
• Large saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking rack (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Provides the high heat needed for achieving crispy skin and smoky flavor on the chicken wings.
• Tongs: Essential for flipping the wings easily without damaging their crispy exterior.
• Large saucepan: Perfect for coating the wings in sauce after grilling, ensuring every piece is flavorful.

Ingredients

Indulge in deliciously grilled chicken wings, featuring your choice of enticing flavors, including Old Bay seasoning, spicy hot sauce, or a buttery garlic blend. These wings are perfect for grilling, offering crisp skin and mouth-watering taste!

For the Wings

• 3 pounds chicken wings, cut into drumettes and flats (about 24 large pieces or 36 slender pieces)

For Seasoning and Sauce

• 2 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning
• ½ cup Frank’s Hot Sauce
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For Serving (Optional)

• Celery
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing

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How to Make Crispy Grilled Chicken Wings

Step 1: Prepare Your Grill

1. Preheat the grill to 400℉ (medium-high).
2. Optionally, prepare your baking rack by placing it on a rimmed baking sheet if you plan to refrigerate the wings before grilling.

Step 2: Season Your Wings

For dry-rubbed Old Bay wings:
1. Sprinkle the Old Bay evenly over both sides of the chicken wings.

For hot wings:
1. You can skip Old Bay or combine it with hot sauce for extra flavor.

Step 3: Grill the Wings

1. Place the seasoned wings on the grill.
2. Cook covered for 5 minutes.
3. Flip the wings over and cook for another 5 minutes.
4. Repeat this process until they reach a golden brown color and crisp texture (total cooking time should be about 15-20 minutes).

Step 4: Coat Your Wings

For hot wings:
1. Heat Frank’s Hot Sauce in a large saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
2. Once the wings are cooked thoroughly, transfer them to the saucepan and shake until coated.

For garlic butter wings:
1. Melt butter in a large saucepan with garlic powder.
2. Add optional hot sauce if desired.
3. Transfer grilled wings into this mixture and shake or toss until coated.

Step 5: Serve

1. Plate your crispy grilled chicken wings with celery sticks.
2. Serve alongside ranch or blue cheese dressing if desired.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Crispy Grilled Chicken Wings!

How to Serve Crispy Grilled Chicken Wings

Crispy grilled chicken wings are not only a delightful treat but also versatile and easy to pair with different sides or dips. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your wing experience.

Classic Pairings

• Celery Sticks – Crunchy celery sticks add a fresh contrast to the spicy wings.
• Carrot Sticks – Sweet and crunchy, they complement the heat of the wings nicely.

Dipping Sauces

• Ranch Dressing – Creamy ranch is a fan favorite that balances the flavors perfectly.
• Blue Cheese Dressing – Rich and tangy, blue cheese dressing enhances the wing’s flavor profile.

Flavor Enhancers

• Hot Sauce – For those who love extra spice, serve additional hot sauce on the side.
• Lemon Wedges – A squeeze of lemon can brighten up the flavors and add zest.

Garnishing Options

• Chopped Fresh Herbs – Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro for a touch of freshness.
• Sliced Jalapeños – For an extra kick, sliced jalapeños can be served alongside the wings.

How to Perfect Crispy Grilled Chicken Wings

Achieving perfectly crispy grilled chicken wings requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you get it right every time.

• Preheat Your Grill – Ensure your grill is hot enough before placing the wings on it. A temperature of 400℉ is ideal for achieving crispy skin.
• Use Baking Powder – Mixing baking powder with your seasoning helps draw moisture away from the skin, resulting in a crispier texture.
• Let Wings Rest Before Cooking – Allowing your wings to come to room temperature ensures even cooking and better texture.
• Flip Frequently – Regularly flipping the wings while grilling helps them cook evenly and achieve that golden brown hue.
• Use a Meat Thermometer – Ensure your wings reach an internal temperature of 165℉ for safe consumption while maintaining juiciness.
• Cool Down After Cooking – Letting the wings rest after grilling allows juices to redistribute, keeping them moist inside.

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Best Side Dishes for Crispy Grilled Chicken Wings

Crispy grilled chicken wings shine when paired with the right sides. Here are some delicious options that complement their flavor beautifully.

1. Coleslaw – A creamy coleslaw offers crunch and creaminess, balancing out the spice of the wings.
2. Potato Wedges – Crispy baked or fried potato wedges provide a hearty side that pairs well with flavorful wings.
3. Corn on the Cob – Grilled corn adds sweetness and char that enhances any summer meal featuring chicken wings.
4. Macaroni and Cheese – This cheesy comfort food brings richness that contrasts nicely with spicy chicken.
5. Baked Beans – Sweet and savory baked beans provide a delightful contrast to grilled chicken flavors.
6. Mediterranean Pasta Salad – A light pasta salad with fresh ingredients adds brightness and variety next to rich wings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Grilling chicken wings can be a delightful experience, but several common mistakes can hinder your results. Here are some pitfalls to avoid for perfect Crispy Grilled Chicken Wings.

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season your wings properly can result in bland flavors. Always coat your wings with your desired seasoning mix before grilling.
• Overcrowding the grill: Placing too many wings on the grill at once can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure there’s enough space for air to circulate around each wing.
• Not preheating the grill: Grilling on a cold surface will make it difficult to achieve crispy skin. Always preheat your grill to 400℉ before adding the wings.
• Flipping too often: Constantly flipping your wings can prevent them from developing a nice crust. Allow them to cook undisturbed for a few minutes on each side.
• Ignoring internal temperature: Cooking wings without checking their internal temperature can lead to undercooked or overcooked meat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165℉.
• Forgetting the resting time: Cutting into the wings immediately after grilling can release juices and make them dry. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover wings in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Crispy Grilled Chicken Wings

• Place cooled wings in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crispy Grilled Chicken Wings

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375℉, place wings on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, checking frequently until hot, though this may not keep them crispy.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until heated through and crispy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I achieve the best crispiness for my Crispy Grilled Chicken Wings?

To get extra crispy skin, consider refrigerating seasoned wings uncovered for several hours or overnight before grilling. This helps dry out the skin.

Can I use different seasonings for grilled chicken wings?

Absolutely! You can customize your Crispy Grilled Chicken Wings with various seasonings like BBQ rubs, lemon pepper, or even sweet teriyaki sauce.

What sides pair well with grilled chicken wings?

Crispy grilled chicken wings are fantastic with sides like celery sticks, carrot sticks, and dipping sauces such as ranch or blue cheese dressing.

How long does it take to grill chicken wings?

Typically, it takes about 15-20 minutes to grill chicken wings at medium-high heat (400℉), depending on their size and thickness.

Final Thoughts

These Crispy Grilled Chicken Wings are perfect for any gathering or casual meal. Their versatility allows you to customize flavors based on your preferences. Try experimenting with different seasonings and sauces for a unique twist!