How to Create Smoky Grilled BBQ Chicken Wings
If you’re a fan of flavorful, tender, and smoky grilled BBQ chicken wings, you’re in for a treat! Chicken wings are a favorite at backyard parties, game nights, and family meals because they are easy to make and packed with zingy flavors. And nothing beats the smoky aroma and taste of grilled BBQ wings fresh off the grill. The secret to perfect wings is a balance between a delicious marinade, proper grilling technique, and just the right amount of smokiness.
In this guide, we’ll break down the step-by-step process for making smoky grilled BBQ chicken wings in simple, easy-to-follow instructions. So, put on your apron and get ready to impress everyone with your grilling skills!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make smoky BBQ chicken wings, gather these ingredients:
For the marinade:
– 2 pounds of chicken wings
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for that smoky flavor)
– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
– Salt and black pepper (to taste)
For grilling:
– Wood chips (like hickory or mesquite) for smokiness
– A grill (gas or charcoal)
– Extra BBQ sauce for basting
Step 1: Prep the Wings
Start by preparing your chicken wings. Wash them thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry using paper towels. If the wings are whole, you may want to separate the drumettes and flats by cutting at the joint with a sharp knife. Removing the wing tips isn’t necessary, but many people prefer to discard them or save them for making stock.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
Next, it’s time to make the flavorful marinade. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients: BBQ sauce, olive oil, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. This marinade is sweet, tangy, and smoky—all the flavors that make BBQ wings irresistible.
Step 3: Marinate the Wings
Place your chicken wings in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the wings, ensuring they are fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Let the wings marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but ideally 4–6 hours to really soak up the flavors. If you have time, marinate them overnight for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Prepare the Grill
While your wings are marinating, get your grill ready. If you’re using a charcoal grill, light the coals and allow them to become ashy. For extra smoky flavor, soak wood chips (like hickory or mesquite) in water for about 30 minutes, then place them on top of the hot coals. If you’re using a gas grill, place the soaked wood chips in a smoker box and preheat the grill.
Adjust the grill to medium heat. You want to cook the wings slowly so they remain juicy on the inside while developing a crispy, smoky coating.
Step 5: Grill the Chicken Wings
Take your marinated chicken wings out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature for about 10 minutes. Now, it’s time to grill!
Place the wings on the grill grates over indirect heat (not directly above the flames or coals). Close the lid to trap the smoky flavor. Grill the wings for 20–25 minutes, turning them every 5–7 minutes to ensure they cook evenly. They’re done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and slightly crispy.
Step 6: Add Extra BBQ Sauce
To take your wings to the next level, baste them with extra BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling. Use a basting brush to generously coat each wing with sauce, then grill them over direct heat for 2–3 minutes. This will give the wings a caramelized, sticky glaze that BBQ lovers crave.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the wings from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Arrange them on a platter and serve with your favorite sides, such as ranch dipping sauce, celery sticks, or coleslaw. You can also garnish them with chopped parsley or green onions to add a pop of color.
Tips for Perfect Smoky Wings
- Control the heat: Don’t rush—grill the wings over medium heat to keep them from drying out or burning.
- Use wood chips: Adding soaked wood chips helps infuse the wings with authentic smoky flavor.
- Experiment with flavors: Adjust the marinade based on your taste preferences. For more heat, add hot sauce or cayenne pepper; for extra sweetness, include a bit of pineapple juice.
Final Thoughts
Smoky grilled BBQ chicken wings are a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make. With their juicy meat, crispy skin, and smoky BBQ flavor, these wings are perfect for any occasion. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll master the art of grilling wings and create a dish that family and friends will rave about.
So fire up that grill, get your marinades ready, and unleash your inner BBQ chef. Happy grilling!
