Crispy Grilled Chicken Wings are a game-changer for any backyard barbecue. I stumbled upon this recipe while seeking a way to please a crowd, and it quickly became a staple at every gathering I host. The tang of the spices mingled with the smoky goodness from the grill creates an irresistibly crunchy exterior that’s bursting with flavor on the inside. Whether it’s game day, a summer cookout, or just a way to spice up a weeknight dinner, these wings are always a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
These crispy chicken wings are not just delicious; they offer a treasure chest of benefits that make them perfect for any occasion. They are budget-friendly, quick to prepare, and most importantly, kid-approved! The unique blend of spices creates a flavor profile that seamlessly pairs with any dipping sauce, making them a versatile addition to your meal rotation.
“I made these for a family gathering, and everyone was raving about how crispy they were! Best wings I’ve ever made!” — A Happy Home Cook
How to Make Crispy Grilled Chicken Wings
Creating the perfect batch of crispy grilled chicken wings is straightforward. First, you’ll prepare the marinade, followed by seasoning the wings generously. Next, the wings will hit the grill for some delightful cooking. It’s all about achieving that crispy skin while ensuring they’re juicy and tender inside. To finish, you’ll let them rest before serving. Ready? Let’s dive in!
What You’ll Need
- 15-20 chicken wings and drummies
- Kosher salt
- Ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano leaves
- ½ tablespoon kosher salt (more as desired)
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon coriander
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
If you’d like to customize, you can easily swap out spices for your favorites or even use fresh herbs instead of dried, keeping in mind that you may need to adjust the quantities.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400-450℉. Don’t forget to clean those grill grates!
- In a bowl, combine dried oregano, kosher salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, turmeric, black pepper, cumin, coriander, and ginger.
- Pat the chicken wings dry to ensure they crisp up nicely. Then, generously season them with the dry rub or simply salt and pepper.
- Place the wings on the grill. Cook flat wings for about 8-12 minutes and drummies for 12-16 minutes. Be sure to flip them halfway through to achieve even grilling. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 163℉.
- Once done, remove the wings from the grill and let them rest for about 10 minutes to reach the safe temperature of 165℉.
- Serve them plain or with your choice of dipping sauce.
How to Serve Crispy Grilled Chicken Wings
These wings are delicious on their own, but a simple dipping sauce can elevate them even further. Think buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, or a tangy BBQ sauce for a sweet and spicy kick. Pair them with crispy veggies or a side of coleslaw for a fun and vibrant platter. Add a refreshing drink—perhaps an ice-cold beer or a fizzy lemonade—to round out the experience.
Recommended Kitchen Tools
Professional Knife Set
A sharp and reliable knife set is essential for prepping your chicken wings and cutting up any accompanying sides. The right knife makes all the difference!
Bamboo Cutting Board Set
This durable cutting board set offers a practical surface for all your chopping needs. Easy to clean and gentle on your knives, it’s a must-have in the kitchen!
Dual Basket Air Fryer
If you’re craving crispy wings without firing up the grill, a dual basket air fryer allows for faster, healthier cooking while achieving that perfect crunch.
How to Store
Storing leftovers is simple! Allow the chicken wings to cool completely before placing them in an airtight food storage container. They can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them; they can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When reheating, the oven is your best bet: set it to 350℉ and warm the wings for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Tips to Make It Perfect
- For extra crispy skin, consider patting the wings dry with a paper towel before seasoning. The less moisture on the skin, the better!
- Try letting the wings marinate in the spice mix for a few hours or overnight; the flavor will penetrate deeper.
- Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your wings reach at least 165℉, ensuring they are safe to eat.
Recipe Variations
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few fun variations to try:
- Spicy Buffalo Wings: Add cayenne pepper to the spice mix for a fiery kick.
- Honey Garlic Wings: Toss the finished wings in a mixture of honey and minced garlic for a sweet and savory glaze after grilling.
- Citrus Herb Wings: Incorporate lemon or lime zest in the seasoning mix for a refreshing twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to cook chicken wings on the grill?
Grilling time varies depending on the wing type. Flat wings typically take 8-12 minutes, while drummies require about 12-16 minutes. Always check for the internal temperature.
Can I use fresh herbs in place of dried ones?
Yes! Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor profile, but remember to adjust the amounts since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Can I reheat grilled chicken wings?
Yes, wings can be reheated in an oven or air fryer for optimal crispiness. Just set the oven to 350℉ and warm for 10-15 minutes.
Crispy Grilled Chicken Wings
These crispy chicken wings are perfect for any barbecue or gathering, bursting with flavor and sure to please a crowd.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Ingredients
- 15–20 chicken wings and drummies
- Kosher salt
- Ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano leaves
- ½ tablespoon kosher salt (more as desired)
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon coriander
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400-450℉. Don’t forget to clean those grill grates!
- Combine dried oregano, kosher salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, turmeric, black pepper, cumin, coriander, and ginger in a bowl.
- Pat the chicken wings dry to ensure they crisp up nicely. Then, generously season them with the dry rub or simply salt and pepper.
- Place the wings on the grill. Cook flat wings for about 8-12 minutes and drummies for 12-16 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve even grilling.
- Check for an internal temperature of 163℉ using a meat thermometer.
- Remove the wings from the grill and let them rest for about 10 minutes to reach a safe temperature of 165℉.
- Serve them plain or with your choice of dipping sauce.
Notes
For extra crispy skin, pat the wings dry before seasoning. Marinating the wings in the spice mix for a few hours or overnight enhances flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg