Grilled chicken wings are a beloved snack for gatherings, BBQs, or a casual meal. When prepared properly, they offer the perfect balance of crispy skin, juicy meat, and smoky flavor. This recipe will guide you to creating perfectly grilled wings that are sure to impress your guests. With the right marinade and grilling technique, you’ll get wings that are flavorful inside and out. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a weekend BBQ, these chicken wings will be the star of the show.
Ingredients:
- 12-16 chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for spice)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F to 400°F). If you’re using a charcoal grill, set up two zones: one for direct heat and one for indirect heat.
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Stir until well mixed.
- Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss them to ensure they’re evenly coated with the seasoning mix. Let the wings marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- While the wings are marinating, prepare the glaze by mixing honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl. Stir until the honey dissolves completely, and set the glaze aside.
- Once the grill is ready, place the wings on the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat) to cook through slowly. Cover the grill and let them cook for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- After the wings are cooked through, move them to the hotter side of the grill (direct heat) for the final 5-7 minutes. This step will give them that irresistible crispy skin. Make sure to turn the wings often to avoid burning.
- During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the wings with the honey glaze to add a sweet and tangy layer of flavor. Allow the glaze to caramelize slightly as the wings cook.
- Once the wings are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish the wings with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Serve the wings hot with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Perfectly grilled chicken wings are a great addition to any meal or party. The smoky flavors combined with the sweet and tangy glaze make these wings a crowd-pleaser. The key to success is ensuring the wings are cooked over indirect heat first to get them tender, and then finishing them with direct heat to achieve that crispy, golden exterior. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert griller, these wings will never disappoint. Enjoy every bite!