Description
These super crispy grilled chicken wings are seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices and baked powder to ensure the skin crisps up perfectly on the grill. Smoked over your choice of wood, these wings are juicy, tender, and bursting with smoky flavor, making them a foolproof favorite for any barbecue or gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Wings
- 3 lbs chicken wings
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt
- 1/2 tablespoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- ½ teaspoon Brown Sugar
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons aluminum free baking powder
- 2 chunks smoking wood (apple, cherry, pecan, or oak) – optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly with paper towels, then toss them in the combined seasoning mix of kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and aluminum free baking powder to coat them evenly.
- Set Up the Grill: Add charcoal to your grill and arrange it to create two heat zones: direct and indirect. If desired, add chunks of smoking wood like apple, cherry, pecan, or oak to the charcoal to infuse a smoky flavor. Preheat the grill to about 400°F.
- Cook on Indirect Heat: Place the seasoned chicken wings on the indirect heat side of the grill so they cook slowly without burning. Close the lid and let them cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.
- Crisp the Skin: Move the wings directly over the charcoal on the direct heat side. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes, turning as needed, until the skin becomes crispy, blistered, and golden brown.
- Apply Sauce and Rest: Toss the crispy wings in your favorite BBQ or hot sauce, then transfer them back to the indirect heat side. Let them sit for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and set on the wings before serving.
Notes
- This foolproof method is the easiest way to grill chicken wings at home, delivering smokey, juicy meat with perfectly crispy skin.
- Using aluminum free baking powder helps create that signature crispy skin without altering the flavor.
- Adding smoking wood chunks is optional but highly recommended for enhanced smoky aroma and taste.
- Ensure the wings are patted very dry before seasoning to maximize crispiness.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness and food safety (165°F internal temperature).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 281 kcal
- Sugar: 0.4 g
- Sodium: 1569 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.4 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 94 mg
