Get ready to transform your ordinary backyard barbecue into a culinary adventure with these mind-blowing spice-rubbed grilled chicken wings! Imagine biting into a perfectly grilled wing that's crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with a flavor punch that will have your guests begging for your secret recipe. These aren't just chicken wings - they're a taste sensation that will elevate your grilling game from basic to legendary!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 pounds of chicken wings, 2 tablespoons of paprika, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create your spice rub.
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the spice rub adhere better and ensure a crispy texture when grilled.
- Add the chicken wings to the bowl with the spice rub. Toss the wings in the spice mixture until they are evenly coated. Make sure every wing is covered with the rub for maximum flavor.
- Once the wings are well coated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Allow the wings to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. For best results, marinate for up to 2 hours.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 400°F). If using a charcoal grill, prepare the coals until they are covered with white ash.
- Once the grill is hot, lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. You can use a paper towel soaked in oil and tongs to wipe the grates.
- Remove the chicken wings from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before grilling. This helps them cook more evenly.
- Place the wings on the grill over direct heat. Cook for about 25-30 minutes, turning them every 5-7 minutes to ensure even cooking and to prevent burning. The wings should be crispy and have nice grill marks.
- To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the wings reaches 165°F. If you prefer extra crispy wings, you can move them to a cooler part of the grill for an additional 5 minutes after they reach the desired temperature.
- Once cooked, remove the wings from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat.
- Serve the spice-rubbed grilled chicken wings hot, garnished with your favorite dipping sauces or sides. Enjoy!
Tips
- Dry Those Wings: Always pat your chicken wings completely dry before applying the spice rub. Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin, so use paper towels to remove any excess water.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: While 20 minutes of marinating works, letting the wings sit with the spice rub for up to 2 hours will intensify the flavors dramatically.
- Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure wings reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F. This prevents undercooking while keeping the meat juicy.
- Grill Management: Create different heat zones on your grill. If wings are browning too quickly, move them to a cooler part of the grill to prevent burning.
- Resting Period: Always let your wings rest for 5 minutes after grilling. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.Pro tip: Experiment with the spice blend! If you like more heat, increase the cayenne pepper. For a smoky twist, add a bit of smoked paprika to the rub.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 308kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 72mg
