This easy recipe will show you how to grill crispy chicken wings using a charcoal or gas grill set at the perfect temperature. Serve these dry or drizzle them in BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or ranch.
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Nothing screams summer more than chicken wings on the grill. These are perfect for your next cookout, BBQ, or tailgate!
Table of Contents
What Type of Wings to Use
I love to use party wings that are already split as opposed to whole chicken wings. Party wings will cook at a more even temperature. Feel free to use whole chicken wings if you like.
How to Season the Meat
I use my Homemade BBQ Rub and Seasoning for these. It's a combination of the following:
I like to use a dry rub in conjunction with a liquid marinade to tenderize the meat. Chicken is served best when crispy on the outside, and tender and juicy on the inside. For the liquid marinade I use:
- Liquid Smoke
- Low Sodium Soy Sauce (Trust me, you will love the flavor and results)
You may also enjoy my Homemade Ranch Seasoning and Homemade Blackening Seasoning for these.
Do You Have to Marinate them?
Marinating is completely optional. When it comes to chicken, I prefer to marinate. Here are a few reasons why:
- Flavor: A good marinade will penetrate into the meat, which results in amazing flavor on the inside and outside.
- A plus when grilling at high heat: Excessive heat can result in the creation of harmful substances while cooking. A marinade with an acidic base can help reduce the formation of these chemicals.
- Dry Chicken: Marinades will tenderize the chicken by breaking down the tissues of the meat, which helps keep it from drying out.
You can read more about How to Marinate Chicken here.
How to Grill the Best Chicken Wings
Detailed measurements and instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Drizzle the wings in liquid smoke and soy sauce. Sprinkle the BBQ rub throughout.
- Coat the grill grates in olive oil using a cooking brush or towels to prevent sticking.
- Grill.
Grill Temperature
Getting to know your grill is important. Most modern and newer grills will display the temperature. For this dish, medium-high heat and 425 degrees is optimal.
If you don't have a temperature dial you can do a hand test to see if the grill has reached medium-high. You can read more about How to Check the Temperature of Your Grill here.
Cook Time/How Long Do You Grill the Wings
How do you know when the wings are done? Wings can take anywhere from 15-20 minutes to grill. I like to flip them every 5 minutes to ensure they crisp up nicely. The wings should brown on both sides when finished cooking.
According to the USDA, chicken should be cooked to a safe minimum internal temperature to destroy harmful bacteria that may be present. Use a food thermometer to be sure they have reached a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F.
When testing with a meat thermometer, insert it into the thickest area of the chicken wing.
Charcoal Grill vs Gas Grill
You can use either grill for this recipe. I personally use a gas grill most often. They are just so convenient, there's less clean-up, and they preheat very quickly.
Grilling Frozen Chicken Wings
Frozen wings should be cooked on medium heat, around 350 and for 30-40 minutes. Cook time will vary. Use a meat thermometer and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. You will also need to wait and season the wings once they have thawed some on the grill.
Sauce for Dipping or Drizzling
For cookouts, I prefer my wings without any sauce. They don't need them because there's so much flavor, but here are some ideas!
- Homemade BBQ Sauce
- Homemade Ranch
- Honey and BBQ Sauce (¼ cup BBQ sauce and 2 tablespoons of honey)
- Buffalo Sauce
Leftover Wings
You can store leftovers in the fridge, tightly covered for 3-4 days.
How to Reheat
I like to use the air fryer, grill, or oven. I'm not a fan of using the microwave for these (there's a change in flavor), but you can.
For the grill, air fryer and oven, I reheat on 350 degrees until warm.
Freezer Tips
Cooked wings can be frozen for later, tightly sealed and covered, up to a few months.
Pair These Wings With These Recipes
Southern Macaroni Salad
Southern Coleslaw Recipe
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Southern Baked Beans
Air Fryer Hush Puppies
Southern Potato Salad
Easy Spaghetti Salad
Creamy Cucumber Salad
Lobster Mac and Cheese
More BBQ and Grilling Recipes
Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon
How to Grill the Best Burgers
Grilled Cedar Plank Shrimp
Grilled Asparagus in Foil
Mushroom Swiss Burgers
Queso Burgers
Traeger Smoked Salmon
Traeger Smoked Chicken Breast
Grilled Cod in Foil
More Chicken Wings Recipes
Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Cajun Chicken Wings
Thai Chili Chicken Wings
Honey Hot Wings
Garlic Parmesan Wings
Honey BBQ Wings
Keto Low Carb Chicken Wings (Maple BBQ)
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Crispy Ranch Chicken Wings
Jerk Chicken Thighs
Sweet Chili Chicken Wings
Traeger Smoked Chicken Wings
How to Grill Chicken Wings
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I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 pounds chicken wings I used split party wings. You can use whole wings if preferred.
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce I use low sodium. See notes.
- olive oil
Homemade BBQ Rub (Feel free to use a store-bought rub if you wish)
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar or sweetener
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Pat the chicken wings dry. Drizzle the wings in the liquid smoke and soy sauce. Sprinkle the BBQ rub throughout. Marinate the chicken in the fridge for at least an hour. (You can refrain from marinating if you wish).
- Coat the grill grates in olive oil using a cooking brush or towels to prevent sticking.
- Preheat the grill to 425 degrees.
- Place the wings on the grill. Grill for 15-20 minutes (flip the wings every 5 minutes) or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Use a meat thermometer.
- I like for my wings to have a little char and I like them crispy. I ensure the wings have met the appropriate internal temperature and from there I leave the wings on the grill until crisp.
- Remove the wings. Cool before serving.
Video
Notes
- Liquid aminos or coconut aminos may be substituted for soy sauce.
- Liquid smoke and soy sauce are optional and used for optimal texture and flavor. Omit if you wish. Soy sauce is acidic which will tenderize the meat.
- Feel free to use your favorite BBQ rub or seasoning. Use 2 tablespoons or enough to fully coat the wings.
- Take note of the temperature on the grill. Chicken wings are more prone to error because they are so small. If you cook the wings at too high a heat, you may notice they are fully cooked and crisp on the outside and raw on the inside. Proper temperature and use of a meat thermometer is key.
- You can marinate chicken up to 24 hours. Do not save used/reserved marinade.
- Flavor: A good marinade will penetrate into the meat, which results in amazing flavor on the inside and outside.
- A plus when grilling at high heat: Excessive heat can result in the creation of harmful substances while cooking. A marinade with an acidic base can help reduce the formation of these chemicals.
- Dry Chicken: Marinades will tenderize the chicken by breaking down the tissues of the meat, which helps keep it from drying out.
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
Felicia says
Brandi is the queen of wings so I knew this one was going to be good. The instructions and all of the tidbits of information are so helpful. This recipe was foolproof. The wings were amazing! Only bad news is there were none left. Definitely a keeper. Thank you for a great recipe and all of these grilling tips. I made a batch of the bbq seasoning so I’m ready for next time.
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm so glad you enjoyed them.
Katie says
I just used this guide to grill up wings tonight and it worked perfectly. I usually roast them, but it was too hot to deal with that. Thank you for the comprehensive tips!
staysnatched says
You’re welcome. I’m glad you enjoyed them.
Brittany says
Bomb.com!!! So I made these on my indoor grill and they were to die for. Didn’t get to have left overs because the hubs ate about 15. Can’t wait to make them on our outside grill once we move!!!!
staysnatched says
Yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed them.
Caroline Brown says
I used Brandi’s homemade dry rub recipe and loved it!! Everyone was saying how perfect it was. Also love that she took the time to give such good directions for every step!!! Thank you girl!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad it worked out.
Veronica says
Can the wings be cooked in the oven? If so, what temperature and for how long? Thank you.
staysnatched says
Yes on 350 degrees until they reach an internal temp of 165 degrees. Use a meat thermometer.
K. Phillips says
A great marinade for any type of chicken! Bookmark this one!
staysnatched says
Yay! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Ashley says
Football season just started so you KNOW that means I’m going to be making Brandi’s wings every weekend. These grilled wings with the home made rub are a fan favorite for game day!
staysnatched says
Yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed them!
Cassandra says
I love these wings and so did everyone else!
I usually make my wings in the air fryer, but we were celebrating so I tried this recipe and it’s so worth it! If you want to grill wings this is the only recipe you will ever need!
staysnatched says
That's so good to hear!
Melissa says
I knew the wings would not disappoint! The rub was perfect and the detailed instructions were appreciated.
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm glad you enjoyed them.
Sherene says
I thought I had a chicken wings recipe but turns out this is THE chicken wings recipe. I may never make chicken wings any other way again. SO simple and SO good. The flavor. The ease. Thank you for this.
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm so glad you enjoyed them.
Timothy Weaver says
@staysnatched,
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
2 tablespoons soy sauce I use low
sodium.
Is that typo.. is that per wing?
staysnatched says
No it's not a typo. Two tablespoons is far too much for 1 wing.
Heather says
I hadn’t grilled wings in a while and couldn’t remember how long and at what temp they turned out best, so obviously I came straight back here. Just made these on my gas grill using a dry rub I already had. Turned out juicy, crispy, and PERFECT after 15 minutes. Thank you as always!!!
staysnatched says
You’re welcome!
Jen says
Perfect wings! Mine looked just like the picture! Made them for the superbowl yesterday. I tossed them in buffalo sauce at the end. Thanks!
staysnatched says
Glad to hear it!
Shunta Grant says
I made wings on the grill for the first time and turned to my recipe google aka Stay Snatched and it was exactly what I needed. Not only were the wings amazing but we reheated two days later in the air fryer and they were as good as day one! 10/10 per usual!
staysnatched says
Yay! So glad to hear it.