These Grilled BBQ Chicken Wings are smoky, sticky, and full of bold barbecue flavor. Grilled to perfection and coated in a glossy BBQ glaze, they make the ultimate finger food for gatherings, cookouts, or a casual family meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly grilled chicken wings deliver the ideal balance of crispy skin and juicy interior. The BBQ sauce caramelizes on the grill, enhancing its sweetness and smoky depth. This recipe is easy to prepare and works well for entertaining, tailgating, or weeknight grilling.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
Olive oil
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper
Your favorite BBQ sauce
Honey or brown sugar (optional for added sweetness)

directions

Preheat the grill. Set your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 400°F).
Season the wings. In a bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Grill the wings. Place wings on the grill, cover, and cook for 20–25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skin is crisp and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Glaze with BBQ sauce. During the final 5 minutes, brush wings with BBQ sauce on all sides. Allow to cook uncovered to let sauce caramelize.
Serve. Remove from grill, let rest briefly, and serve hot with extra BBQ sauce if desired.

Servings and timing

Makes 4 servings

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ glaze for spicy wings.
Use a vinegar-based BBQ sauce for a tangier profile.
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a fresh touch.
Marinate wings overnight in BBQ sauce and spices for deeper flavor.

storage/reheating

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, or air fry for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
Freezing: Wings can be frozen after grilling. Reheat from frozen in oven for best results.

FAQs

Can I use frozen wings?

Yes, but thaw them completely before seasoning and grilling for even cooking.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

Any store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce works; choose based on your preference for sweet, smoky, or spicy flavor.

Can I bake instead of grill?

Yes—bake at 400°F for about 40 minutes, flipping halfway, then broil for crispness and glaze with BBQ sauce at the end.

How do I know when the wings are done?

Use a meat thermometer; they are safe to eat when they reach 165°F internally and juices run clear.

Can I make these ahead?

Yes—grill the wings without sauce, refrigerate, then reheat and glaze just before serving.

Are these wings spicy?

Not unless you add spice. You can increase heat by adding cayenne or hot sauce to the BBQ mixture.

Can I use drumsticks or thighs?

Yes, adjust grilling time to accommodate larger cuts.

What’s the best way to get crispy skin?

Pat wings dry before seasoning and avoid crowding them on the grill. A high-heat finish helps crisp them.

Should I oil the grill grates?

Yes, to prevent sticking. Use tongs and a paper towel soaked in oil to grease the hot grates.

Can I grill them on charcoal?

Absolutely. Charcoal grilling adds more smoky flavor; just manage the heat zones carefully.

Conclusion

Grilled BBQ Chicken Wings are a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for nearly any occasion. The smoky char from the grill and the sticky-sweet BBQ glaze make them irresistible. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, these wings are sure to become a go-to favorite.