How To Marinate Chicken Wings On A Grill

Grilling Perfectly Marinated Chicken Wings

Grilling chicken wings is a delicious and popular choice for a summer barbecue or any time of the year. Marinating the wings before grilling is the key to infusing them with flavor and ensuring they stay juicy and tender on the grill. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to marinate and grill the perfect chicken wings.

Choose Your Marinade

Marinating your chicken wings is a crucial step in the grilling process. The marinade not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the meat. There are countless marinade recipes to choose from, ranging from tangy and sweet to spicy and savory. You can opt for a classic BBQ marinade, a zesty lemon and herb marinade, or a spicy buffalo sauce. Whichever flavor profile you prefer, make sure to let the wings marinate for at least 2-4 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.

Preparation

Before marinating the wings, it’s essential to prepare them properly. Start by rinsing the chicken wings under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This helps to remove any excess moisture, allowing the marinade to adhere better to the wings. Use a sharp knife to trim off any excess skin or fat from the wings, which can cause flare-ups on the grill.

Marinating the Wings

Place the prepared chicken wings in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the wings, ensuring that they are evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Remember to turn the wings occasionally to ensure that they are evenly marinated on all sides.

Grilling the Wings

Once the wings have marinated for the desired amount of time, it’s time to fire up the grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent the wings from sticking. Remove the wings from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off, and place them on the grill. Grill the wings for 15-20 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the wings reaches 165°F (74°C).

Serving Suggestions

Once the wings are grilled to perfection, it’s time to enjoy them! Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a main dish, there are countless ways to enjoy grilled chicken wings. Serve them with a side of crisp celery and carrot sticks, and a dipping sauce such as ranch or blue cheese. You can also toss the grilled wings in additional sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Grilling marinated chicken wings is a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy this popular dish. With the right marinade and grilling technique, you can impress your friends and family with juicy, flavorful wings hot off the grill. So, fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy some delicious marinated chicken wings!