Grilled Chicken Wings

Grilled Chicken Wings are a crowd-pleasing dish that shines at any gathering, from backyard barbecues to game day celebrations. These juicy and flavorful wings are simple to prepare and perfect for sharing. The combination of a savory brine and zesty lemon sauce elevates these wings, making them an irresistible appetizer or main course. Plus, they pair beautifully with your favorite dipping sauces for a customizable experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can have delicious grilled chicken wings ready in no time.
• Flavorful Brine: The brine infuses the chicken with moisture and flavor, ensuring every bite is juicy and savory.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for various occasions, whether it’s a family dinner, picnic, or party.
• Healthy Option: Grilling reduces excess fat while keeping the chicken tender and delicious.
• Customizable Sauces: Pair these wings with various sauces to suit your taste—sweet, spicy, or tangy!

Tools and Preparation

To ensure your Grilled Chicken Wings turn out perfectly, it’s essential to have the right kitchen tools on hand. These tools will help streamline the process and enhance your cooking experience.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Grill
• Large bowl
• Frying pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs

Why These Tools Matter

• Grill: Provides even heat for perfectly cooked wings with that delicious smoky flavor.
• Large bowl: Ideal for mixing brine ingredients and marinating the chicken wings effectively.
• Frying pan: Essential for preparing the flavorful sauce that coats the wings.
• Tongs: Makes flipping the wings on the grill easy and safe.

Ingredients

This is a classic grilled chicken wing recipe that makes juicy and flavorful chicken wings. Serve these up with your favorite dipping sauces, and you have the ultimate appetizer or easy meal.

For the Brine

• 3 pounds chicken wings (party size cut into two pieces)
• 5 cups water
• ½ cup salt
• ½ cup sugar

For the Sauce

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp cracked black pepper
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tbsp oregano
• 1 tbsp liquid honey

How to Make Grilled Chicken Wings

Step 1: Prepare the Brine

In a large bowl (5 Quart), stir together brine ingredients (salt, sugar, and water). Place raw chicken wings in the brine and cover with plastic wrap. Let this sit in the fridge for two hours before continuing to the next step.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a frying pan over medium-high heat, stir together olive oil and garlic until garlic starts to lightly brown. Add in remaining sauce ingredients: lemon juice, pepper, onion powder, oregano, and honey. Simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to 350°F. Remove chicken wings from brine and place them on the grill. Flip every 5 minutes for about 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 4: Coat in Sauce

Dip each cooked wing in lemon sauce mixture and grill for an additional 2 minutes per side.

Step 5: Serve Hot

Once done grilling, serve your delicious Grilled Chicken Wings hot with your choice of dipping sauces!

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Wings

Grilled chicken wings are a versatile dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, these wings can be served in various ways to enhance your meal experience.

Pair with Dipping Sauces

• Buffalo Sauce: A classic choice, this spicy sauce adds a kick to your wings.
• Ranch Dressing: Creamy and cooling, ranch is great for balancing the heat of the wings.
• Barbecue Sauce: Sweet and smoky, barbecue sauce complements the grilled flavor beautifully.
• Honey Mustard: This sweet and tangy option is perfect for those who love a bit of sweetness.

Serve with Fresh Veggies

• Celery Sticks: Crunchy and refreshing, these sticks are perfect for dipping.
• Carrot Sticks: Sweet and colorful, they add a nice crunch alongside the wings.
• Cucumber Slices: Light and hydrating, cucumbers provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the wings.

Create a Wing Platter

• Mixed Wing Styles: Offer different styles of grilled chicken wings (like spicy, lemon pepper, or garlic) for variety.
• Garnish with Herbs: Fresh parsley or cilantro can brighten up your platter and add color.

How to Perfect Grilled Chicken Wings

To achieve the best grilled chicken wings, consider these essential tips that will elevate your cooking game.

• Bold Brining: Brine your wings beforehand to ensure they stay juicy and flavorful during grilling.
• Consistent Grill Temperature: Maintain an even temperature on your grill for perfectly cooked wings without charring.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic and herbs rather than dried ones for maximum flavor impact.
• Flip Regularly: Turn your wings every five minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
• Check Internal Temperature: Always confirm that your chicken reaches 165°F for safety and quality.
• Coat Generously with Sauce: After grilling, coat your wings in sauce while they’re hot to maximize flavor absorption.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken Wings

Grilled chicken wings pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some great options that can enhance your meal and satisfy your guests.

1. Coleslaw: A crunchy side that adds texture; it’s also refreshing against the rich flavors of wings.
2. Potato Wedges: Seasoned and crispy potato wedges make a hearty companion to your wings.
3. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a delightful sweetness; grill it alongside your wings for extra flavor!
4. Macaroni Salad: Creamy pasta salad provides comfort; it’s easy to prepare ahead of time.
5. Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce; its buttery goodness complements the meal well.
6. Baked Beans: Rich in flavor, baked beans offer a sweet contrast that pairs nicely with grilled meats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing grilled chicken wings, being aware of common mistakes can enhance your cooking experience and the final dish.

• Bold brine time: Not brining the wings long enough can lead to dry meat. Ensure you brine for at least two hours for maximum flavor and juiciness.
• Bold grill temperature: Grilling at too high a temperature may cause burnt outsides and raw insides. Aim for a steady 350F for even cooking.
• Bold neglecting the flip: Forgetting to flip the wings can result in uneven cooking. Turn them every 5 minutes to achieve a perfect texture.
• Bold skipping sauce: Missing out on the sauce dip will lessen the flavor impact. Always coat your wings in sauce after grilling for added taste.
• Bold serving cold: Serving wings cold diminishes their appeal. Serve them hot right off the grill for the best experience.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store grilled chicken wings in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Grilled Chicken Wings

• Place cooled wings in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They will remain good for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Grilled Chicken Wings

• Bold Oven: Preheat to 350F, place wings on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Bold Microwave: Place wings on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
• Bold Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a bit of oil, and warm the wings for about 5 minutes while turning frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my grilled chicken wings extra crispy?

To achieve extra crispy grilled chicken wings, ensure they are dry before grilling and cook them over indirect heat for longer periods.

Can I marinate grilled chicken wings overnight?

Yes! Marinating your chicken wings overnight enhances flavor significantly. Just be careful not to exceed this time as it may affect texture.

What dipping sauces go well with grilled chicken wings?

Some popular choices include ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, or blue cheese dressing which all complement grilled chicken wings beautifully.

Can I use other meats for this recipe instead of chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe can easily adapt to beef or turkey wings if you prefer different flavors.

How should I season my grilled chicken wings?

Feel free to experiment with various spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or garlic powder to suit your taste preferences!

Conclusion

These grilled chicken wings are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any gathering or casual meal. Feel free to customize them with your favorite sauces or spices to make them truly your own. Enjoy these flavorful bites that everyone will love!