The Ultimate Guide to Grilling Chicken Wings

There’s nothing quite like the irresistible aroma of chicken wings sizzling on the grill. Whether you're prepping for a backyard cookout, tailgating with friends, or planning your weeknight dinner, grilled chicken wings deliver big flavor in a small package. This ultimate guide will take you through everything you need to know—from prep to plate—to grill wings that are juicy, crispy, and crowd-approved.

Why Grill Chicken Wings?

Grilling chicken wings not only enhances their flavor with smoky goodness but also gives you a healthier alternative to deep frying. The fat naturally renders out during grilling, giving you crisp skin without the extra oil. Plus, grilling adds that unbeatable flame-kissed taste.

Choosing the Right Wings

Great grilled wings start with great chicken. For the best flavor and peace of mind, choose chicken that's American Humane Certified™, like the poultry from Springer Mountain Farms Simply Superior Chicken™. This certification ensures the chickens are raised to the highest standards of humane farming practices, all backed by science, which means you're not only getting quality meat, but also supporting a more compassionate food system.

Look for:

• Fresh or Frozen Wings (thaw frozen wings before preparing to cook)

• Whole Wings (drumette, winger/flat, and tip), or go pre-cut for convenience like our Party Wings or Drumettes

• Choose a trusted source that prioritize responsibly raising the chickens for optimal bird health and welfare

💡 Learn More About Our Commitment to Care
At Springer Mountain Farms, we believe in exercising great care in all that we do—from how we raise our chickens to how we serve our customers.
👉 Read about our humane approach and values

Prepping the Wings

1. Dry the Skin

Pat wings dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp up. Moisture is the enemy of crispness.

2. Season or Marinate

• Dry rubs: Great for bold flavor without the mess. Try combos like garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and brown sugar.

• Marinades: Add depth and juiciness. Use a mix of acid (like lemon juice or vinegar), fat (oil), and flavor (herbs/spices).

Let wings marinate or sit with dry rub for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the fridge for maximum flavor.

Best Grilling Techniques

1. Two-Zone Grilling

• Indirect heat: Start the wings on the cooler side of the grill to cook through without burning.

• Direct heat: Finish over the hot zone to crisp the skin.

2. Grill Temp

• Aim for medium heat (about 350–375°F).

• Cook wings for 20–25 minutes, turning every 5 minutes for even cooking.

3. Check for Doneness

• Internal temp should reach 165°F, but going up to 175–180°F helps render more fat and tenderize the meat.

Saucing Your Wings

Add sauce at the end to prevent burning. Try these classic options:

• Buffalo: Hot sauce + melted butter

• Alabama White Sauce: Mayo, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce

• Honey BBQ: Sweet, smoky perfection from a honey rub and a southern, sweet and spicy BBQ sauce

• Garlic Parmesan: Butter, garlic, and grated parmesan cheese

• Lemon Pepper: Garlic butter rub, lemon juice, lemon zest and cracked black pepper

Season wings with your favorite wing rub and then toss with the above sauce. Place back on the grill, if desired, to caramelize and set the sauce.

Pro Tips for Perfect Wings

✅ Use a grill basket or skewer to prevent losing smaller pieces

✅ Add wood chips (like hickory or applewood) for extra smoke flavor

✅ Serve with dips like ranch, blue cheese, or spicy aioli

✅ Rest wings for 5 minutes before serving so juices redistribute

Mastering the Chicken Wing

Grilling chicken wings isn’t just a technique—it’s a tradition. With the right preparation, heat control, and saucy creativity, you’ll be serving wings that are fall-off-the-bone tender and packed with flavor. Fire up your grill, invite your crew, and make every bite count as you master the grilled chicken wing!

Need wing inspiration? Check out the Springer Mountain Farms Recipe Inspiration!