Perfectly Grilled Chicken Wings marinated in a smoky dry rub. They're delicious, easy to make, and ready in 45 minutes.
We absolutely love chicken wings, in fact, we have them at least once a week. They're so juicy and flavorful and pair well with almost any side like these grilled veggies. If we're not grilling them, we're definitely, frying or baking them until they're crispy on the outside but juicy on the inside.
So, if you're obsessed with chicken wings just as much as we are, you'll love this recipe. It's easy, fool-proof, and a great way to jump start this grilling season. Oh, and this recipe doesn't require brining because unlike chicken breast, wings do not have the tendency of looking or tasting dry.
Recipe Ingredients
- Chicken wings
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
Dry rub
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Red pepper flakes
- Cayenne
- Cumin
- Dried herb (optional)
Recipe Essentials
- Charcoal grill
Preparation process
Before grilling, it's imperative that the chicken wings are prepped beforehand to get the maximum flavor.
First, you'll need to wash and pat dry the wings with paper towels.
As mentioned in a previous post, there is debate around whether or not you should wash chicken. It's been stated that when washing chicken in the sink, bacteria from the chicken can splatter in the sink and onto the counter top which can then cause cross-contamination. However, I grew up with my family washing chicken in the kitchen sink and then sanitizing the sink thereafter. So, this is what I continue to do today.
Season the wings with kosher salt, black pepper, and a generous amount of dry rub over the entire surface of each wings. Cover the seasoned wings in an airtight container or a ziploc bag and allow the wings to marinade from 30 minutes up to 24 hours in the fridge.
After marinating, remove the marinated wings from the fridge and allow them to come to room temperature. Meanwhile, preheat your charcoal grill to 300°F.
How to make grilled chicken wings
When the desired temperature has been reached, position the chicken wings on the grill gates and close the lid. After 25 minutes, flip the wings over and continue grilling for an additional 20 minutes or until the internal temperature has reached between 165°. The wings will be beautifully caramelized with charred bits and smokey flavor.
If you want to add BBQ sauce, slather on the sauce with a basting brush close the lid and grill for an additional few minutes until the sauce is heated through and slightly sticky.
Remove the wings from the grill and place on a serving tray for your family and friends to enjoy.
How long do you grill chicken wings
Grill chicken wings between 40 to 45 minutes at 300°F on a charcoal grill until no longer pink.
I would also highly recommend investing in a meat thermometer if you do not already have one. With a meat thermometer, checking the internal temperature is very important. This is done by inserting the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken without hitting the bone. When the chicken wings have reach an internal temperature of 165°F you're good.
Recipe Tips
- Season liberally with the dry rub and a good amount of kosher salt for maximum flavor.
- When making the dry rub, do not add salt as this will allow you to control the salt content later.
- If adding BBQ sauce, slather it on the chicken wings at the end and heat until warm or wings are slightly sticky.
Serve with these side dishes
Grilled chicken wings can be served with these side dishes:
Crispy Oven Roasted Broccolini
Simple Arugula Salad With Nectarines
More grilled recipes you'll love
Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Skewers
Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs
Grilled BBQ Pork Spare Ribs (Also goes over how to start a charcoal grill)
Be sure to follow me on Pinterest and Instagram for more tasty recipe ideas.
For comments or questions, leave them in the comment section below.
Thanks for visiting,
~Cree
Grilled Chicken Wings
Equipment
- Charcoal grill
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- ½ tbsp kosher salt (more or less depending on taste)
- 1 tsp black pepper
Dry Rub Blend
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (more or less depending on how much of a kick you like)
- ½ tsp cayenne (more or less depending on how much heat you like)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp dry herb (either thyme, oregano, or parsley)
Instructions
Dry Rub Blend
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside
Chicken Wings
- Wash the wings with cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Place the chicken wings in a roasting pan or baking sheet. Season the wings with kosher salt, black pepper, and a generous amount of dry rub. Massage the dry rub over the entire surface of the wings and between the crevices making sure they're completely coated. Place plastic wrap over the wings and allow them to marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour up to 24 hours.
- After the wings have marinated, place them on the countertop and bring to room temperature. Meanwhile, preheat the grill to a temperature of 300° when the grill is ready, position the wings on the grill grates and close the lid. Grill on one side for 25 minutes then flip and grill the other side for an additional 20 minutes.
- By this time, the wings should a nice charred outer coating and no longer pink. Using a meat thermometer, check that the internal temperature is 165°F. At this point, slather on your favorite BBQ sauce if you'd like and close the lid until the sauce is heated through and slightly sticky.
- Remove the wings from the grill and place on a serving tray for all to enjoy.
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