Grilled chicken wings are a classic for summer cookouts, game days, or casual get-togethers. These Grilled Chicken Wings with Seasoned Buffalo Sauce are flavorful, easy to cook, and come with a spicy, buttery kick that’s irresistible. Perfect as an appetizer or a main dish, they’re crispy, juicy, and coated with a tangy Buffalo sauce that will have everyone reaching for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: With minimal prep and just 20 minutes on the grill, this recipe is perfect for quick meals or last-minute BBQs.
- Full of Flavor: The wings are seasoned simply with salt and pepper, allowing the star of the show—the bold, seasoned Buffalo sauce—to shine.
- Customizable: Adjust the heat level of the sauce to your liking or experiment with different spices for a unique twist.
Key Ingredients
For the Wings:
- Chicken Wings: Three pounds of wings, cut into sections, are perfect for grilling and soaking up that delicious sauce.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the flavor of the wings while they cook.
- Vegetable Oil: Used to grease the grill for even cooking and prevent sticking.
For the Seasoned Buffalo Sauce:
- Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness and helps mellow out the heat from the hot sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a burst of savory flavor.
- Hot Sauce: Frank’s Red Hot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce is the classic choice for Buffalo wings, but you can use any similar hot sauce.
- Kosher Salt, Onion Powder, Chili Powder: These spices add depth and a little extra heat to the sauce.
- Sugar: A touch of sugar balances the heat and brings out the flavors in the sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Heat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While the grill is heating, season the wings generously with kosher salt and black pepper. This simple seasoning helps bring out the natural flavor of the wings without overpowering the sauce.
2️⃣ Prepare the Grill
To prevent sticking, dip a wad of paper towels in vegetable oil and use grill tongs to rub the oil over the grates. This will create a glossy, non-stick surface for grilling the wings.
3️⃣ Grill the Wings
Place the wings on the grill, cover, and cook for about 20 minutes. Be sure to flip them occasionally to get an even golden-brown, crispy texture. Keep an eye out for flare-ups—if the wings begin to burn, move them to a cooler section of the grill or reduce the heat. Your goal is crispy, fully cooked wings with no burn marks.
4️⃣ Make the Seasoned Buffalo Sauce
While the wings are grilling, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl along with the minced garlic. Microwave for about one minute, or until the butter is fully melted and fragrant from the garlic. Stir in the hot sauce, salt, onion powder, chili powder, and sugar. Mix well and set aside.
5️⃣ Coat the Wings
Once the wings are golden and crispy, remove them from the grill. Dip each wing into the seasoned Buffalo sauce, ensuring they are fully coated. Serve immediately for the best flavor. Alternatively, you can serve the sauce on the side for guests to dip as they please.
How to Serve
These wings are perfect for a casual gathering, a BBQ, or as an appetizer for game day. Pair them with classic sides like celery sticks, carrot sticks, and ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Serve alongside other BBQ favorites like potato salad, coleslaw, or grilled corn for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
- Grill Temperature: Keep an eye on the heat while grilling to prevent flare-ups. If the wings are cooking too quickly or burning, move them to a cooler spot on the grill.
- Crispy Wings: For extra crispy wings, you can pat the wings dry with paper towels before seasoning. Removing excess moisture helps them crisp up better on the grill.
- Customize the Sauce: If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of hot sauce or add extra butter. If you love spicy food, try adding more chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 627 kcal
- Fat: 49g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Sugar: 1g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Sodium: 851mg
- Cholesterol: 205mg
Final Thoughts
These Grilled Chicken Wings with Seasoned Buffalo Sauce are a must-try for anyone who loves bold, tangy, and spicy flavors. The simplicity of grilling the wings combined with the kick of the Buffalo sauce makes this dish a winner for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or looking for a quick appetizer, these wings will not disappoint.
Fire up your grill and get ready to enjoy some finger-lickin’ goodness!