Indulge in Crispy Grilled Chicken Wings that are perfect for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, game day party, or simply craving a delicious snack, these wings deliver on flavor and texture. With options like Old Bay seasoning, spicy hot sauce, and buttery garlic, they cater to all taste buds. Their crispy skin and juicy meat make them an irresistible treat!

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Chicken Wings
- For Seasoning and Sauces
- Optional Serving Suggestions
- How to Make Crispy Grilled Chicken Wings
- Step 1: Prepare Your Wings
- Step 2: Preheat the Grill
- Step 3: Grill Old Bay Wings
- Step 4: Grill Hot Wings
- Step 5: Grill Butter Garlic Wings
- Step 6: Serve
- How to Serve Crispy Grilled Chicken Wings
- Classic Pairings
- Dipping Sauces
- Side Salads
- Extras
- How to Perfect Crispy Grilled Chicken Wings
- Best Side Dishes for Crispy Grilled Chicken Wings
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Crispy Grilled Chicken Wings
- Reheating Crispy Grilled Chicken Wings
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I make my grilled chicken wings extra crispy?
- Can I use different seasonings on my crispy grilled chicken wings?
- What should I serve with crispy grilled chicken wings?
- How long should I grill my chicken wings?
- Are crispy grilled chicken wings healthy?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Versatile Flavor Options: Choose from Old Bay seasoning, hot sauce, or garlic butter to suit your mood.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These wings are ideal for parties, picnics, or a casual dinner at home.
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward instructions, even novice cooks can master this recipe.
- Crispy Texture Every Time: Follow our tips for achieving that perfect grilled skin you crave.
- Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: These wings will impress your guests and keep them coming back for more.
Tools and Preparation
Before you get started with your crispy grilled chicken wings, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand. These kitchen gadgets will help you achieve the best results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill
- Tongs
- Large saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking rack (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: The key to achieving that smoky flavor and crispy skin on your wings.
- Tongs: Perfect for flipping the wings on the grill without losing precious juices.
- Large saucepan: Ideal for coating the wings in sauce after grilling.
- Baking rack: Helps achieve maximum crispiness when baking.
Ingredients
Indulge in deliciously grilled chicken wings, featuring your choice of enticing flavors. These wings are perfect for grilling, offering crisp skin and mouth-watering taste!
For the Chicken Wings
- 3 pounds chicken wings, cut into drumettes and flats (about 24 large pieces or 36 slender pieces)
For Seasoning and Sauces
- 2 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning
- ½ cup Frank’s Hot Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Optional Serving Suggestions
- Celery
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
How to Make Crispy Grilled Chicken Wings
Step 1: Prepare Your Wings
Before you start: Read the options for crispier skin in the recipe notes.
Step 2: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to 400℉ (medium-high).
Step 3: Grill Old Bay Wings
- Sprinkle the Old Bay evenly over both sides of the wings.
- Place the wings on the grill and cook covered for 5 minutes.
- Flip the wings over and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Repeat this process until cooked through (15-20 total minutes), ensuring skin is golden brown and crisp.
Step 4: Grill Hot Wings
- Follow the same grilling instructions above. You can skip Old Bay or use both it and hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Meanwhile, gently heat hot sauce in a large saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
- Once fully cooked, transfer wings to the saucepan, cover with lid, and shake until evenly coated.
Step 5: Grill Butter Garlic Wings
- Melt butter in a large saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Add garlic powder; stir until combined.
- Optionally add hot sauce if desired.
- After grilling as directed above, transfer wings to saucepan, cover with lid, and shake to coat evenly.
Step 6: Serve
Serve your crispy grilled chicken wings with celery sticks and dressing of choice if desired.
Enjoy these delicious Crispy Grilled Chicken Wings at your next event!
How to Serve Crispy Grilled Chicken Wings
Crispy grilled chicken wings make for a delightful snack or meal option. Serving them with the right accompaniments can elevate your dining experience and impress your guests.
Classic Pairings
- Celery Sticks – Fresh celery adds a crunchy texture that perfectly balances the rich flavors of the wings.
- Carrot Sticks – Sweet and crisp, carrot sticks offer a refreshing contrast to spicy wings.
Dipping Sauces
- Ranch Dressing – Creamy ranch dressing is a classic choice that complements the heat of spicy wings.
- Blue Cheese Dressing – For those who love bold flavors, blue cheese dressing brings a tangy richness to each bite.
Side Salads
- Caesar Salad – A light Caesar salad provides a refreshing counterpoint to the savory wings.
- Coleslaw – Crunchy coleslaw adds texture and a bit of sweetness, making it an ideal side for grilled chicken.
Extras
- Pickles – Tangy pickles can enhance flavor profiles and add an exciting zing to your plate.
- Cornbread – Soft and slightly sweet cornbread pairs wonderfully with chicken wings, adding comfort to your meal.

How to Perfect Crispy Grilled Chicken Wings
Achieving perfectly crispy grilled chicken wings requires some techniques that will enhance their texture and flavor. Follow these tips for amazing results.
- Pat Dry Before Grilling – Removing excess moisture from the wings helps achieve that desired crispiness during grilling.
- Use Baking Powder – Mixing baking powder with seasoning can create an even crispier skin when grilled.
- Grill at High Heat – Cooking at 400℉ ensures that the wings get that beautiful golden brown color quickly while remaining juicy inside.
- Flip Often – Turning the wings regularly while grilling allows for even cooking and prevents burning.
- Let Rest After Grilling – Allowing the wings to rest for a few minutes after grilling helps retain juices before serving.
- Experiment with Marinades – Try different marinades or seasonings to discover new flavor combinations for your crispy chicken wings.
Best Side Dishes for Crispy Grilled Chicken Wings
Pairing sides with crispy grilled chicken wings can enhance your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some great options to consider:
- French Fries – Golden, crispy fries are always a hit alongside chicken wings, offering comfort food vibes.
- Potato Wedges – Seasoned potato wedges add heartiness and pair well with dipping sauces like ranch or ketchup.
- Macaroni and Cheese – Creamy mac and cheese complements the spicy flavor of grilled wings beautifully.
- Baked Beans – Sweet and smoky baked beans provide a flavorful contrast that rounds out your BBQ feast.
- Grilled Vegetables – Seasonal vegetables grilled alongside the wings add freshness and color to your plate.
- Pasta Salad – A chilled pasta salad brings brightness and balance, perfect for summer gatherings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making crispy grilled chicken wings can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
-
Skipping the Drying Step: Not drying the wings properly before seasoning can lead to soggy skin. Always pat them dry with paper towels.
-
Ignoring Grill Temperature: Cooking at the wrong temperature will result in uneven cooking. Preheat your grill to 400℉ for best results.
-
Overcrowding the Grill: Placing too many wings on the grill at once can prevent proper airflow. Grill in batches if necessary.
-
Forgetting to Flip: Neglecting to flip the wings regularly can cause them to burn on one side. Turn them every 5-10 minutes for even cooking.
-
Not Using Enough Seasoning: Under-seasoned wings lack flavor. Be generous with your spices or sauces for maximum taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- item Store cooked crispy grilled chicken wings in an airtight container.
- item They will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Crispy Grilled Chicken Wings
- item Allow wings to cool completely before freezing.
- item Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags for storage.
- item They can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Crispy Grilled Chicken Wings
- item Oven: Preheat the oven to 350℉ and bake wings for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
- item Microwave: Heat in short intervals, covered, but this may result in less crispiness.
- item Stovetop: Sauté in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed, adding a splash of water or oil if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making crispy grilled chicken wings:
How can I make my grilled chicken wings extra crispy?
To achieve extra crispiness, dry the wings thoroughly and season them before grilling. You can also refrigerate them uncovered for several hours beforehand.
Can I use different seasonings on my crispy grilled chicken wings?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with various spices like garlic powder, paprika, or any dry rub you love.
What should I serve with crispy grilled chicken wings?
These delicious wings pair perfectly with celery sticks and your favorite dipping sauce like Ranch or blue cheese dressing.
How long should I grill my chicken wings?
Typically, grilling time is about 15-20 minutes total, flipping occasionally until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
Are crispy grilled chicken wings healthy?
While they can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, moderation is key due to their calorie content. Opt for baking methods for a lighter version!
Final Thoughts
Crispy grilled chicken wings are a fantastic addition to any gathering or casual meal. Their versatility allows you to customize flavors according to your taste, whether spicy, savory, or buttery. Don’t hesitate to try out different seasonings and sauces—they’re sure to impress everyone at your next cookout!
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Crispy Grilled Chicken Wings
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate Crispy Grilled Chicken Wings, a mouthwatering treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, gearing up for game day, or simply craving a flavorful snack, these wings will impress with their irresistible crispy skin and juicy meat. Choose from a variety of seasonings like Old Bay, spicy hot sauce, or buttery garlic to cater to diverse taste buds. With easy-to-follow instructions and minimal prep time, even novice cooks can achieve delicious results that will keep guests coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
- 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
- ½ cup Frank’s Hot Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the wings by patting them dry.
- Preheat your grill to 400°F (medium-high).
- Season wings with Old Bay or leave plain for hot sauce.
- Grill the wings covered for 5 minutes per side until golden brown (15-20 minutes total).
- For hot wings, toss in heated hot sauce after grilling.
- For garlic butter wings, melt butter with garlic powder and coat grilled wings before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 wings (120g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg