These grilled chicken wings deliver the perfect balance of savory, spicy goodness. Marinated in a flavorful mixture and finished with a buttery hot sauce, they're guaranteed to be the star of your next cookout or game day gathering.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
These wings hit all the right notes - they're juicy on the inside with wonderfully crisp skin on the outside. The marinade infuses deep flavor while the grilling process adds that irresistible smoky char. The finishing sauce brings just the right amount of heat that you can easily adjust to your preference. Plus, they're surprisingly easy to make despite their impressive taste. Perfect for entertaining, these wings require minimal hands-on work but deliver maximum flavor impact.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken wings form the foundation of this recipe. They're the perfect vehicle for bold flavors with their ideal ratio of skin to meat. Wings have natural fat content that keeps them juicy during grilling.
Soy sauce adds that umami-rich depth that penetrates the meat during marination. It also helps create that beautiful caramelization on the grill.
Italian-style salad dressing might seem unexpected, but it's a genius shortcut ingredient. It contains oil, vinegar, and herbs all in one, adding tanginess and complexity to the marinade.
Butter creates the rich, velvety base for the finishing sauce. It balances the heat from the hot sauce and helps the mixture cling to the wings.
Hot pepper sauce delivers the signature spicy kick. You can adjust the amount depending on your heat preference, making these wings customizable for everyone.
Directions
- Combine chicken wings, soy sauce, and Italian dressing in a large resealable plastic bag; coat chicken wings with marinade, squeeze out excess air, and seal the bag. Marinate in the refrigerator, 4 hours to overnight.
- Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
- To make the spicy sauce: Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat; stir in hot pepper sauce and soy sauce until combined. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Remove chicken wings from marinade and pat dry; discard any remaining marinade.
- Cook on the preheated grill, turning occasionally, until chicken is golden brown and no longer pink inside, 25 to 30 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
- Place grilled wings in a large bowl. Pour prepared spicy butter sauce over wings; toss until well-coated.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields approximately 10 servings, making it perfect for gatherings. Prep time is just 10 minutes, with an additional 20 minutes of cooking time. However, remember to factor in 4 hours to overnight for marinating time. If you're planning these for a party, you can marinate them the night before and have them ready to grill when your guests arrive.
Variations
Honey Garlic Wings: Add 2 tablespoons of honey and 2 minced garlic cloves to the butter sauce for a sweet and savory twist.
Lemon Pepper Wings: Replace the hot sauce with lemon juice and add cracked black pepper for bright, zesty wings.
Teriyaki Style: Substitute the finishing sauce with teriyaki sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Smoky BBQ Wings: Use your favorite BBQ sauce instead of the hot sauce mixture and add a teaspoon of liquid smoke for extra flavor.
Herb-Infused Wings: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage to the marinade for an aromatic variation.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze cooked wings for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Reheating in the Oven: For the best texture, reheat wings in a preheated 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Reheating on the Grill: You can also rewarm them on a medium-heat grill for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally.
Microwave Method: While not ideal for maintaining crispness, you can microwave leftovers for 1-2 minutes for a quick option.
FAQs
Can I make these wings in the oven instead of on a grill?
Yes, you can bake these wings in the oven at 425°F for about 40-45 minutes, turning halfway through. Place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet for best results.
Is it necessary to marinate the wings for the full 4 hours?
While you'll get the best flavor after at least 4 hours of marination, you can still get good results with a minimum of 1 hour if you're short on time.
Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure they're completely thawed before marinating. Pat them dry thoroughly before grilling to ensure proper browning.
What's the best way to cut whole chicken wings into sections?
Find the two joints connecting the drumette, flat, and tip. Use kitchen shears or a sharp knife to cut through the joints (not the bones) for clean separation.
Can I make the spicy sauce milder for children?
Absolutely! Reduce the amount of hot sauce or substitute with a milder option like barbecue sauce or honey mustard for a kid-friendly version.
Why do I need to pat the wings dry before grilling?
Removing excess moisture helps achieve a crispier exterior and reduces flare-ups on the grill.
What sides go well with these chicken wings?
Classic accompaniments include celery and carrot sticks with blue cheese or ranch dressing, coleslaw, potato salad, or grilled corn on the cob.
Can I make these wings ahead of time for a party?
Yes! You can grill the wings up to a day ahead, refrigerate, and then reheat them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Toss with freshly made sauce just before serving.
How do I know when the wings are fully cooked?
Wings should reach an internal temperature of 165°F when tested with a meat thermometer. The meat should no longer be pink and juices should run clear.
What type of grill works best for this recipe?
Both gas and charcoal grills work well. Charcoal will add more smoky flavor, while gas offers more consistent temperature control.
Conclusion
These Grill Master Chicken Wings bring together the perfect combination of flavors and textures that make wings so universally loved. The soy-based marinade ensures the meat stays juicy and flavorful, while the grilling process adds that irresistible smokiness. Finished with a buttery hot sauce that you can customize to your heat preference, these wings are versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, game day gathering, or simply craving a delicious finger food, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality wings with minimal effort. The best part? You can easily adapt this recipe to suit different tastes by adjusting the spice level or trying one of the suggested variations. Master this recipe, and you'll always have a crowd-pleasing dish in your culinary arsenal.
Grill Master Chicken Wings
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A flavorful and spicy grilled chicken wings recipe that's easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
3 pounds chicken wings, cut apart at joints, wing tips discarded
½ cup soy sauce
½ cup Italian-style salad dressing
¼ cup butter
¼ cup hot pepper sauce (such as Frank's RedHot), or to taste
1 teaspoon soy sauce
Instructions
- Combine chicken wings, soy sauce, and Italian dressing in a large resealable plastic bag. Coat the chicken wings with marinade, squeeze out excess air, and seal the bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for 4 hours to overnight.
- Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
- To make the spicy sauce, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in hot pepper sauce and soy sauce until combined. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Remove chicken wings from the marinade and pat them dry. Discard any remaining marinade.
- Cook the chicken wings on the preheated grill, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and no longer pink inside, about 25 to 30 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
- Place grilled wings in a large bowl. Pour the prepared spicy butter sauce over the wings and toss until well-coated.
Notes
- For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of hot sauce in the spicy sauce.
- You can also bake the wings in an oven if grilling is not an option.
- Ensure that the chicken is fully cooked by checking the internal temperature with a thermometer.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
