The best BBQ Chicken wings recipe

These barbecue chicken wings are irresistibly juicy, full of bold flavor, and perfectly crispy on the outside.

They’re quick to prepare, incredibly tasty, and guaranteed to be a hit at any backyard cookout or gathering.

The Best BBQ Chicken Wings You’ll Ever Taste

When I throw a BBQ party, grilled chicken wings are a must, my kids wouldn’t have it any other way!

These wings are incredibly flavorful, thanks to their naturally rich and juicy meat.

During grilling, the fat melts and bastes the wings from the inside, giving them an unbeatable smoky taste and that crispy, golden skin we all love.

I marinate them for just 20 minutes in a sweet and savory barbecue sauce, and they come out perfectly sticky, tender, and delicious.

Honestly, these wings are so addictive, you’ll be licking your fingers clean every time!

What’s in the Perfect BBQ Marinade for Chicken Wings?

Chicken wings are incredibly flavorful on their own—even a simple sprinkle of salt and black pepper makes them tasty. But when you marinate them with the right mix of ingredients, you unlock an even deeper, richer flavor.

Here’s a breakdown of what goes into this irresistible BBQ marinade, and why each ingredient matters:

Key Ingredients for a Flavor-Packed Marinade

• 2 Garlic Cloves (crushed): Adds bold, aromatic flavor that complements grilled meats beautifully.
• 1 tbsp Ginger Paste: Brings a warm, peppery kick and helps tenderize the chicken.
• 2 tsp Chili Powder (or red pepper flakes): Adds a spicy edge and a smoky depth of flavor.
• ¾ tsp Ground Cumin: Gives an earthy, slightly nutty taste that pairs perfectly with BBQ.
• 1½ tsp Salt: Enhances and balances the flavors of all other ingredients.
• 2 tbsp Vinegar (white or balsamic): Adds tang and helps break down the meat’s fibers, making it tender and juicy.
• 1½ tbsp Honey: Introduces sweetness and helps caramelize the wings for a sticky, golden glaze.
• 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil: Binds the marinade and promotes even cooking.
• 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (for brushing the grill): Prevents sticking and adds a subtle charred aroma.
• ½ cup BBQ Sauce (homemade or store-bought): Brings that classic sweet-smoky flavor that defines BBQ wings.

Why Marinate Chicken Wings Before Grilling?

• Flavor Boost: A good marinade seeps into the meat, infusing it with rich, bold flavors that go beyond surface-level seasoning.
• Healthier Grilling: Marinades with vinegar or citrus help reduce the formation of harmful compounds that can occur during high-heat cooking.
• Tender, Juicy Texture: Acids and enzymes in the marinade break down muscle fibers, preventing the wings from drying out and keeping them moist on the grill.

Marinate the wings for at least 20 minutes, but for maximum flavor, let them sit longer—up to 12 hours in the fridge. The result? Wings that are mouthwateringly juicy, sticky, and smoky with every bite.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Wings – Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these clear, easy-to-follow steps to prepare the most flavorful and juicy BBQ chicken wings with a perfectly sticky, crispy finish:

Marinate the Chicken

1. Prepare the Marinade Base
   In a large mixing bowl that can hold all your chicken wings, add the following: Grated garlic, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, ground cumin, salt, vinegar, honey, vegetable oil and Barbecue sauce
2. Mix Thoroughly
   Stir everything together until the ingredients form a smooth, well-combined marinade.
3. Add the Chicken Wings
   Add your chicken wings into the bowl. Use your hands (clean, of course!) to mix and ensure every piece is fully coated in the marinade.
4. Rest & Marinate
   Cover the bowl and let the wings marinate for at least 20 minutes. For deeper flavor, you can refrigerate them for several hours or overnight.
5. Bring to Room Temperature
   Remove the wings from the fridge about 30 minutes before grilling to allow them to come to room temperature. This helps them cook more evenly.

Grill the Chicken Wings

1. Prepare the Grill
   Lightly brush the grill grates with olive oil using a kitchen brush or paper towels. This prevents sticking and helps get a good char.
2. Preheat the Grill
   Heat the grill to 218°C (425°F).
3. Grill the Wings
   Place the wings on the preheated grill. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping them every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
4. Check Internal Temperature
   Use a meat thermometer to make sure the wings have reached an internal temperature of 73°C (165°F)—this ensures they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
5. Optional Crispiness
   If you like your wings extra crispy and slightly charred (like I do!), leave them on the grill for a few extra minutes after reaching the right temperature. Watch closely to avoid burning.
6. Rest & Serve
   Remove the wings from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This keeps the juices locked in for maximum flavor.

Grilling Temperature Guide for Perfect BBQ Chicken Wings

Once you’ve used your grill a few times, you start to get the hang of how it works—including the ideal cooking temperatures. Most modern barbecues come with built-in thermometers, which makes it easier to manage heat levels precisely.

For grilling chicken wings, a medium-high heat of around 220 °C (428 °F) is just right. It allows the wings to cook through while developing that delicious, crispy char on the outside.

No Thermometer? Try the Hand Test!

If your grill doesn’t have a thermometer, here’s a simple trick to estimate the heat level using just your hand:

1. Hold your hand about 7.5 cm (3 inches) above the grill where the food will cook.
2. Start counting: “One and one, two and two, three and three…” (each count is roughly 1 second).
3. The number of seconds you can hold your hand there gives a good estimate of the grill temperature.

Time (Seconds)	Heat Level	Temperature Range
7 to 9 seconds	Low heat	120 – 145 °C (248–293 °F)
6 to 7 seconds	Medium-low heat	145 – 175 °C (293–347 °F)
4 to 5 seconds	Medium heat	175 – 204 °C (347–399 °F)
2 to 3 seconds	Medium-high (ideal)	204 – 230 °C (399–446 °F)
1 second or lessHigh heat (very hot)	Medium-high (ideal)	230 – 260 °C (446–500 °F)

For best results, aim for medium-high heat when grilling wings. It ensures the inside is cooked properly without drying out, while the outside gets perfectly golden and slightly charred.

How to Know When BBQ Chicken Wings Are Perfectly Cooked

Grilling chicken wings is all about timing, temperature, and technique. Here’s how to ensure your wings are juicy, tender, and safely cooked every time:

Cooking Time & Doneness Tips (Short Version)

• Grill Time: 15–20 minutes total
• Flip Every: 5 minutes for even crispiness
• Visual Clue: Wings should be golden-brown and crispy on both sides
• Internal Temp: Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part
• Safe Temperature: 73 °C (165 °F) minimum to destroy harmful bacteria

Pro Tips for Juicy, Tender Chicken Wings

• Use Fresh Chicken: If using frozen wings, thaw completely before marinating.
• Marinate Properly: At least 20 minutes for full flavor and tenderness.
• Optional Sauce Glaze: Brush with BBQ sauce during grilling for sticky, flavorful skin (skip if preferred less saucy).
• Don’t Overcook: Grill no more than 15–20 minutes—longer can dry them out.

With these simple tips, you’ll serve up wings that are crispy outside, juicy inside, and absolutely irresistible!

Suggested Sides & Serving Ideas for BBQ Chicken Wings

Pair your smoky, juicy chicken wings with these crowd-pleasing sides and dips to create the ultimate BBQ meal:

• Coleslaw: A crunchy, creamy slaw balances the heat and adds refreshing texture.
• Grilled Corn on the Cob: Brushed with butter and herbs for a sweet and smoky complement.
• Potato Wedges or Fries: Crispy on the outside, soft inside—always a hit with wings.
• Fresh Green Salad: Light and zesty with cherry tomatoes, olives, and a tangy vinaigrette.
• Macaroni & Cheese: Creamy and comforting, it’s the perfect indulgent side.
• Baked Beans: Slightly sweet and smoky, they pair well with barbecue flavors.
• Garlic Bread or Flatbread: Great for soaking up any leftover sauce.
• Dipping Sauces: Serve with ranch, garlic mayo, or spicy sriracha dip for added flavor variety.
• Pickles or Pickled Veggies: Adds a crunchy, acidic note that cuts through the richness.
• Fruit Salad or Watermelon Slices: Refreshing and hydrating—great for warm BBQ days.

These combinations make your BBQ feast complete, whether it’s for a casual backyard dinner or a festive cookout with guests.

Other chicken recipes

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• Indian Chicken Biryani
• chicken liver dish with tomato sauce