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Grilled Chicken Wings

Cozy, smoky, and surprisingly simple, these grilled chicken wings are perfect for any occasion, delivering crispy edges and tender meat with a buttery-hot sauce glaze.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American, BBQ
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 pounds chicken wings Use fresh wings if possible.
Spice Mix
  • 1 tablespoon paprika Pick your favorite hot sauce for the glaze.
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt Unsalted butter helps control salt.
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
Butter-Hot Sauce Glaze
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup hot sauce Adjust butter to balance heat.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your grill for indirect heat, setting up a cooler side and a hotter side.
  2. In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Smoking the Wings
  1. Place the wings in a large bowl and sprinkle the spice mix over them. Toss to coat evenly.
  2. Place wings on the cooler side of the grill and smoke for about 1 hour, checking for a gentle sizzle and smoky aroma.
  3. Check doneness with a thermometer; internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C).
Glazing and Grilling
  1. In another bowl, stir melted butter and hot sauce together until emulsified.
  2. Brush each wing with the butter-hot sauce glaze and move them to the hotter side of the grill.
  3. Grill for an extra 5-10 minutes, turning once, until edges are crispy and caramelized.
Serving
  1. Remove wings and let rest for 3 minutes before serving hot with your favorite dip and a green salad.

Notes

Prep the spice mix ahead and store in a jar. Avoid crowding the grill to allow for air circulation. For variation, add smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne.