Name: Grilled BBQ Chicken Wings
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-486124H2M2S
Total time: PT-486124H2M2S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 chicken wings (flats and drumettes); 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Optional: 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or cayenne for extra spice

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Juicy chicken wings grilled to perfection with a smoky char and drenched in a rich, caramelized barbecue glaze—an irresistible favorite for outdoor gatherings and weekend cookouts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Smoky and caramelized: Grilling adds an authentic smokiness and crisply seared skin.
Flavor-packed: The barbecue glaze is sweet, tangy, and glazed to perfection.
Crowd-pleasing: Versatile finger food that’s perfect for parties, tailgates, or casual dinners.
Minimal fuss: Easy to prep with bold flavors and straightforward grilling.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken wings (flats and drumettes)
Barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
Olive oil
Salt and black pepper
Garlic powder
Optional: smoked paprika or cayenne for extra spice

directions

Preheat your grill to medium-high (about 200–220 °C / 400–425 °F) and lightly oil the grates.
In a bowl, toss wings with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and optional smoked paprika or cayenne.
Place wings on the grill in a single layer, skin side down.
Grill 5–7 minutes per side, until skin is golden and slightly charred.
Brush wings generously with barbecue sauce and cook 2–3 minutes per side, allowing the glaze to caramelize.
Remove from grill and let rest 5 minutes to set the glaze before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 (approx. 12 wings)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Grill time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: 30–35 minutes

Variations

Spicy kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne powder to the rub.
Smoked flavor: Use liquid smoke or grill chips for deeper smokiness.
Sticky-sweet glaze: Mix in honey or maple syrup for extra sheen and sweetness.
Tangy twist: Blend barbecue sauce with a touch of apple cider vinegar or mustard.

storage/reheating

Refrigeration: Store cooled wings in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze in sealed bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating (oven): Bake at 180 °C (350 °F) for 10 minutes until heated through and crispy.
Reheating (grill): Warm on low heat, turning occasionally until heated, then brush with a bit more sauce.

FAQs

Are these wings fully cooked when they come off the grill?

Yes, but always check that the internal temperature reaches 74 °C (165 °F).

How do I get the skin crispy?

Keep grill heat medium-high and avoid overcrowding. Let skin render before glazing.

Can I bake them instead?

Yes—bake at 200 °C (400 °F) on a rack-lined tray, about 30 minutes, then glaze and broil for 2–3 minutes.

What sides go well with these wings?

Classic pairings include coleslaw, corn on the cob, potato salad, or grilled veggies.

Can I prep wings ahead?

Season wings up to 2 hours before grilling. Sauce just before or during grilling for best results.

Is it better to marinade or rub?

Both work well—a marinade gives deeper flavor, while a rub crisps the skin more.

Can I use drumsticks instead?

Absolutely—just increase grilling time by 5–10 minutes, checking internal temperature.

How to avoid flare-ups?

Trim excess fat, manage flare-ups by moving wings to cooler spots, and keep a brush of water handy.

Can I use sauce from a bottle?

Yes—opt for a thick, high-quality sauce that caramelizes well; thin sauces may burn.

Is it safe to reuse leftover sauce?

No—avoid contamination. Reserve a separate portion to brush on grilled wings.

Conclusion

These grilled BBQ chicken wings deliver bold, smoky flavor and finger-licking goodness with minimal effort. Perfect for any gathering or casual night in, they bring the classic taste of outdoor grilling right to your table. Enjoy them hot off the grill with your favorite sides for a satisfying feast.

Grilled BBQ Chicken Wings

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Juicy chicken wings grilled to perfection with a smoky char and drenched in a rich, caramelized barbecue glaze—an irresistible favorite for outdoor gatherings and weekend cookouts.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 30–35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (approx. 12 wings) 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Units Scale

12 chicken wings (flats and drumettes)
1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or cayenne for extra spice

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Instructions

Preheat your grill to medium-high (about 200–220 °C / 400–425 °F) and lightly oil the grates.
In a bowl, toss wings with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and optional smoked paprika or cayenne.
Place wings on the grill in a single layer, skin side down.
Grill 5–7 minutes per side, until skin is golden and slightly charred.
Brush wings generously with barbecue sauce and cook 2–3 minutes per side, allowing the glaze to caramelize.
Remove from grill and let rest 5 minutes to set the glaze before serving.