Grilled Buffalo Wings Recipe

Sizzling Grilled Buffalo Wings Recipe: Spicy Backyard Magic

Crispy, golden buffalo wings sizzle with tantalizing heat that’ll make you crave more.

Spicy aromas waft through the kitchen, promising a mouthwatering adventure.

Tender chicken pieces coated in zesty sauce beckon with irresistible charm.

Bold flavors dance across your palate, creating an explosion of taste sensations.

Weekend gatherings demand these delectable bites that spark conversation and delight.

Perfectly grilled wings combine smoky char with classic buffalo kick.

Each bite delivers a punch of excitement you won’t want to miss.

Dive into this recipe and become the ultimate wing master at your next meal.

Tips for Grilled Wings with Bold Heat

  • Dry Wings Thoroughly: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring crispy skin and better seasoning adhesion.
  • Master Indirect Grilling: Create temperature zones on the grill for even cooking, preventing burning and allowing wings to cook through perfectly.
  • Sauce Timing Matters: Toss wings in buffalo sauce after grilling to prevent burning and maintain sauce's vibrant flavor and texture.
  • Customize Heat Levels: Adjust hot sauce quantity to match personal spice preferences, making the dish enjoyable for everyone.
  • Enhance Flavor Profile: Add a touch of honey to buffalo sauce for balanced sweetness that cuts through the heat and adds depth.

Keeping Buffalo Wings Fresh and Tasty

  • Store leftover wings in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place wings on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
  • Arrange wings in a single layer, cook at 375°F for 3-5 minutes. This method helps restore original crispiness without added oil.
  • Skip microwave reheating as it makes wings soggy and ruins their crispy texture. Stick to oven or air fryer methods for best results.

What to Serve with Grilled Buffalo Wings

  • Creamy blue cheese dressing cuts through the wing's spicy heat, providing a tangy and smooth counterbalance that refreshes the palate.
  • Light, cold beer like a pilsner or pale lager neutralizes the buffalo wing's intense heat and cleanses the taste buds between bites.
  • Fresh, crisp celery adds a clean, vegetable crunch that contrasts with the wings' richness and provides a cooling textural element.
  • Creamy, tangy coleslaw offers a refreshing side that balances the wings' spiciness and adds a delightful crunch to the meal.

New Takes on Classic Buffalo Wings

  • Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings: Skip the grill and bake wings at 425°F on a wire rack for 45 minutes, flipping halfway. Achieve crispy skin without outdoor cooking.
  • Air Fryer Buffalo Wings: Cook wings in air fryer at 380°F for 20 minutes, shaking basket midway. Crisp exterior with less oil and faster preparation.
  • Gluten-Free Buffalo Wings: Use cornstarch instead of flour for coating. Replace traditional hot sauce with gluten-free versions like Frank's RedHot. Perfect for sensitive diets.
  • Keto-Friendly Buffalo Wings: Eliminate honey in sauce, replace with sugar-free sweetener. Use avocado oil instead of vegetable oil. Add extra spices for flavor boost without carbs.

Questions About Buffalo Wings? Find Them Here

  • How do I know when the wings are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the wing. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and cooked through.

  • Can I use a different type of hot sauce?

Absolutely! While classic Buffalo sauce uses Frank’s RedHot, you can experiment with Sriracha, Tabasco, or any hot sauce you enjoy. Each will give a unique flavor profile to your wings.

  • What if I don't have a grill?

No problem! You can achieve similar results using an oven. Bake wings at 425°F on a wire rack over a baking sheet, turning once halfway through cooking. Finish under the broiler for extra crispiness.

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

Always clean and oil your grill grates before cooking. Use tongs to gently turn wings and avoid tearing the skin. A well-seasoned and lightly oiled grate helps prevent sticking.

Why Grilled Buffalo Wings Keep Everyone Coming Back

  • Grill these buffalo wings in under 45 minutes, making them a quick and delicious meal solution for busy families.
  • Perfect for game days, backyard barbecues, and casual gatherings where guests crave bold, spicy flavors with crispy textures.
  • Easily adjust hot sauce quantities to create mild, medium, or fiery wings that suit every taste preference in the family.
  • Learn simple indirect grilling method that ensures juicy interiors and perfectly crispy exteriors without burning the chicken.

What Goes into Spicy Grilled Buffalo Wings

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Wings: Juicy meat that becomes crispy when grilled, perfect for absorbing spicy buffalo sauce. Skin-on wings provide better texture and flavor.
Seasoning and Oil:
  • Vegetable Oil: Helps wings get crispy and prevents sticking to the grill. Choose a neutral-flavored oil with high smoke point.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the wings.
Buffalo Sauce Components:
  • Hot Sauce: Provides signature tangy and spicy kick. Classic Frank's RedHot works best for traditional buffalo flavor.
  • Butter: Creates a rich, smooth sauce that clings to wings. Use unsalted butter for better control of salt levels.
  • Honey: Adds slight sweetness and helps balance the heat. Helps sauce caramelize on wings.
  • Garlic Powder: Contributes depth and aromatic flavor to the sauce. Ensures even spice distribution.

How to Grill Buffalo Wings for That Crispy Bite

Step 1: Prepare Wing Marinade

Grab your chicken wings and gently dry them using clean paper towels. In a mixing bowl, drizzle vegetable oil over the wings. Sprinkle salt and ground black pepper evenly. Toss wings until completely coated. Let them rest while you prepare the grill.

Step 2: Fire Up the Grill

Crank your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly brush grill grates with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Arrange your grill with two temperature zones – a hot side and a cooler side for indirect cooking.

Step 3: Initial Wing Cooking

Place wings on the cooler section of the grill. Close the lid and cook for 20-25 minutes. Rotate wings periodically to ensure even cooking. Wings should look mostly done with golden edges.

Step 4: Create Crispy Exterior

Transfer wings to the hotter grill section. Cook 2-3 minutes on each side to develop a crispy, slightly charred surface. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 5: Whip Up Spicy Sauce

Combine sauce ingredients in a large bowl:
  • Hot sauce
  • Melted butter
  • Honey
  • Garlic powder

Whisk until ingredients blend smoothly.

Step 6: Coat Wings with Sauce

Remove wings from grill and immediately toss in prepared sauce. Ensure each wing is generously and evenly coated. Serve immediately while hot and sizzling.

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Grilled Buffalo Wings Recipe

Grilled Buffalo Wings Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling grilled buffalo wings bring spicy zest to classic American party cuisine. Crispy, tangy chicken pieces deliver bold flavor that will have guests craving more with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 pounds / 907 grams chicken wings (split at joints, tips removed)

Seasoning and Oil:

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Buffalo Sauce Ingredients:

  • ½ cup hot sauce (like Franks RedHot)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Serving Suggestions (Optional):

  • Ranch dressing
  • Blue cheese dressing
  • Celery sticks
  • Carrot sticks

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly dry the chicken wings using paper towels, ensuring surface moisture is completely removed for optimal grilling performance.
  2. Massage wings with vegetable oil, then season generously with salt and pepper, allowing the seasoning to penetrate while preparing the grill.
  3. Configure the grill to medium-high temperature, creating a two-zone heating system with a cooler indirect heat area and a direct high-heat section.
  4. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent wing adhesion and promote beautiful grill marks.
  5. Arrange wings on the cooler side of the grill, positioning them with consistent spacing to ensure even cooking.
  6. Close the grill lid and allow wings to cook for approximately 20-25 minutes, rotating periodically to achieve uniform heat distribution.
  7. Once wings are nearly cooked through, transfer them to the hotter section of the grill for final crisping and caramelization.
  8. Grill wings on high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, developing a delectable charred exterior and achieving a perfect golden-brown color.
  9. While wings are grilling, craft the buffalo sauce by vigorously whisking hot sauce, melted butter, honey, and garlic powder in a spacious mixing bowl.
  10. Immediately toss the freshly grilled wings in the prepared sauce, ensuring complete and even coating for maximum flavor intensity.

Notes

  • Pat the wings completely dry to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent steaming during grilling.
  • Allow wings to sit with oil and seasoning at room temperature for even cooking and better flavor absorption.
  • When using indirect heat, place wings away from direct flames to prevent burning and achieve uniform cooking.
  • Check internal temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee wings are safely cooked through.
  • Adjust hot sauce quantity based on personal spice tolerance, mixing mild and hot sauces for customized heat level.
  • For gluten-free version, use gluten-free hot sauce and verify all ingredient labels.
  • Create a crispy exterior by maintaining consistent grill temperature and rotating wings periodically.
  • Experiment with alternative sauces like teriyaki, BBQ, or honey-mustard for diverse flavor profiles.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 800
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 52 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 34 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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