Grilled Chicken Wings

Name: Grilled Chicken Wings
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 175 min
Ingredients: 3 pounds chicken wings (tips removed and separated at the joint); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tablespoons olive oil; Zest and juice of 1 lemon; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon table salt (or to taste); ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)

Chicken wings are one of those foods that my family enjoys all year round. We love them baked, fried, and also grilled! These grilled chicken wings are one of my go-to recipes for entertaining a group at a backyard barbecue in the summertime. They’re so simple to prepare in advance and never fail to be super moist and juicy.

I serve them with everyone’s favorite dipping sauces, so kids and adults can pick and choose what they enjoy. Served alongside summer couscous salad and grilled mixed vegetables, they’re a grilling staple in our house. I’m sure they will be a hit with your friends and family too!

Close up image of grilled chicken wings on a white plate.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Restaurant quality flavor. If you love the bold flavor of wings at a bar or restaurant, I can guarantee you’ll love these grilled chicken wings. They’re juicy and smoky with every bite.
Use any sauce you love on these wings. Baste them in barbecue sauce, dip them in ranch, or even add teriyaki, all are so delicious!
Always juicy and never dry. Thanks to the bone-in wings, we can guarantee every bite will be moist and flavorful.

Tips for Busy Cooks

When buying chicken wings, look for a pack in the butcher section with the drums and flats separated and the tips removed. You can also easily do this yourself using kitchen scissors. Wings grill much faster when separated this way than whole wings.

Key Ingredients Notes

Chicken wings – Make sure the tips are removed and the drum and flat are separated at the joint. Pat them dry with paper towels.
Garlic – Fresh is always best for flavor rather than jarred.
Olive oil for marinating and grilling. You can also use avocado or canola oil.
Lemon – Use both the lemon juice and zest here for a more vibrant flavor and never use pre-bottled.
Honey gives caramelization and adds a touch of sweetness.
Smoked paprika – Nice smoky flavor with a hint of warmth.
Onion powder – A little bit gives rich and sweet onion flavor.
Cayenne pepper (optional) – If you like spice, add a pinch.
Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro – For garnish, chop it fresh for zingy flavor.

How to make the best grilled chicken wings

Whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest and juice, garlic, honey, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a large bowl.

A glass bowl with chicken wings tossed in marinade.

Add the chicken wings and toss until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Marinating is optional if short on time.

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F.

Place the wings on the grill in a single layer. Grill for 40–45 minutes, turning every 10 minutes, until the wings are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Remove from the grill and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving. (TIP: If your grill runs hot, avoid direct heat to prevent flare-ups.)

A white plate with grilled chicken wings.

Expert Tips:

If you or your kids don’t care for spice, omit the cayenne pepper.
Give the chicken time to marinate. This is the perfect prep ahead activity. Just pop it into the fridge to add even more flavor to every bite.
If your grill runs hot, use indirect heat to prevent flare-ups and to evenly cook the chicken wings through.
The secret to evenly cooked wings is to flip them every 10 minutes or so.
Add a dipping sauce or two. Serve these wings with your favorite BBQ sauce, ranch, blue cheese dip, or fresh lemon wedges. It’s the perfect compliment to the smoky flavor.
Always rotate the wings while grilling for even cooking. The best method is to rotate every 10 minutes or so, to help with even cooking and charring.

What to serve with grilled chicken wings

Use these wings as an appetizer or main course for any backyard barbecue. Serve them with some of these delicious sides:

Close up image of grilled chicken wings.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

You can also freeze cooked chicken wings, just be sure to thaw them completely overnight prior to reheating them.

I love prepping this dish in advance before guests arrive. I marinate the wings and then all I have to do is add them to the grill for easy cooking outside while I’m entertaining.

FAQs

What temperature should chicken wings be grilled to?

You are looking for 165ºF on a meat thermometer. If you overcook them a little bit, don’t worry, they should be moist and juicy thanks to being bone-in.

How do I prevent the chicken wings from sticking to the grill?

Make sure you oil the grill grates before turning the grill on.

Can I use a gas grill or charcoal grill for wings?

Of course, either work well as long as the grill can be heated to around 400ºF.