These easy grilled chicken wings are a real crowd-pleaser! Coated in tasty spices and grilled to perfection, they come out crispy outside and juicy inside.
You just mix a few seasonings, marinate, and let the grill do its magic. Trust me, they won’t last long on your table—everyone loves them! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: Fresh wings are best, but feel free to use frozen ones if that’s what you have. Just be sure to thaw them completely before marinating.
Olive Oil: I love using olive oil for its flavor, but you can substitute with vegetable oil or avocado oil. Both work well for grilling and enhance the seasoning.
Spices: For the garlic and onion powder, fresh minced garlic or shallots can be great substitutes if you want a more robust flavor. Instead of smoked paprika, regular paprika works too, just without that smoky taste.
Cayenne Pepper: If you prefer less heat, simply omit this or replace it with a pinch of black pepper or paprika for flavor without the spice.
How Can You Achieve Perfectly Grilled Chicken Wings?
Grilling wings is straightforward, but attention to time and temperature is key! Start by preheating your grill well to ensure crispy skin.
- Use medium-high heat for an evenly cooked wing, about 375°F. A hotter grill helps get that desirable char.
- When grilling, arrange the wings in a single layer and keep space between them. This promotes better air circulation and even cooking.
- Turn the wings every 5 minutes to avoid burning and achieve that perfect grill mark.
- Keep an eye on the internal temperature; aim for at least 165°F for safety. Use a meat thermometer if you have one!
Easy Grilled Chicken Wings Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats, tips removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Your favorite dipping sauce (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy grilled chicken wings recipe will take approximately 15 minutes to prepare, plus about 25 minutes for grilling. You’ll want to marinate the wings for at least 15 minutes to really soak in the flavors, making the total time around 55 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick snack or gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by setting your grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your wings get that nice crispy skin!
2. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir everything well to make a flavorful paste.
3. Coat the Chicken Wings:
Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss them thoroughly to coat each piece with the seasoning mixture. Make sure they’re all evenly covered.
4. Marinate the Wings:
Let the seasoned wings sit for at least 15 minutes. This helps the flavors penetrate the meat for tastier results.
5. Grill the Wings:
Now, it’s time to grill! Place the wings on the grill in a single layer, ensuring there’s a bit of space between each wing. This allows them to cook evenly.
6. Cook to Perfection:
Grill the wings for about 20-25 minutes, turning them every 5 minutes. This will help them cook evenly and get that lovely char. They’re done when they are crispy and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Serve the Wings:
Carefully remove the wings from the grill and transfer them to a serving plate. Be cautious as they will be hot!
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
Garnish the wings with chopped fresh parsley. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy this delicious treat!
FAQ for Easy Grilled Chicken Wings Recipe
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw them before grilling. Thaw frozen wings in the fridge overnight or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge them in cold water for a quicker thaw.
What Can I Use Instead of Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil, you can substitute it with vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil. All of these oils will work well and help the seasoning stick to the wings.
How to Store Leftover Wings?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Can I Bake These Wings Instead of Grilling?
Yes, you can bake the wings! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), place the wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re crispy and cooked through.
