Chicken wings are a crowd favorite, perfect for game days, family dinners, or backyard barbecues. Whether you’re new to grilling or an experienced cook, chicken wings are an easy, flavorful option that everyone will love. In this guide, you’ll learn how to cook chicken wings on a gas grill, which offers consistent heat and ensures they cook quickly without drying out. I’ll walk you through the process, from selecting the best wings to grilling them to crispy perfection. You’ll have delicious grilled chicken wings ready quickly with just a few ingredients, essential tools, and a little technique. Now, let’s get going.
Ingredients
Grilled chicken wings are simple to prepare, and the ingredients are easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need for the perfect grilled wings:
For the Chicken Wings:
– 3 pounds of chicken wings (either whole or pre-cut into drummettes and flats)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil (for coating the wings)
– Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– Optional: any favorite dry rub or seasoning blend (such as a BBQ rub or poultry seasoning)
For Saucing the Wings (Optional):
– Buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, or garlic Parmesan sauce (depending on your flavor preference)
Recommended Tools for Grilling Chicken Wings
Having the right tools makes grilling much easier and more enjoyable. Here are the must-have tools for cooking chicken wings on a gas grill:
– Gas Grill: Any standard gas grill with multiple burners will work. A grill like the Weber Genesis II is excellent for even heat distribution and has enough space to cook a large batch of wings at once. You can refer to the ovens below:
- Weber Genesis II E-315 3-Burner Natural Gas Grill
- Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner Cart-Style Propane Gas Grill
- Napoleon Rogue 425 Gas Grill
- Dyna-Glo DGP552SSP-D Premier 5 Burner Propane Gas Grill, Stainless
Or Best Gas Grills With Searing Burner Under $800 that I mentioned
– Tongs: Long-handled tongs are essential for flipping the wings and moving them around the grill without burning yourself.
– Grill Brush: Use a brush to clean the grill grates before cooking, which helps prevent the wings from sticking.
– Meat Thermometer: An instant-read meat thermometer ensures chicken wings are cooked to the proper internal temperature.
– Sheet Pan or Baking Sheet: A simple sheet pan lined with foil is perfect for prepping and resting the wings after grilling.
Instructions
Now that your ingredients and tools are ready, it’s time to get grilling. Follow these step-by-step instructions to make perfectly crispy and juicy chicken wings on your gas grill.
1. Prepare the Chicken Wings
If you’ve purchased whole wings, you’ll want to cut them into sections—drummettes and flats. To do this, use a sharp knife to cut through the two joints of the wing. Discard the wing tips or save them for making broth.
Once your wings are prepped, pat them dry with a paper towel. This step is essential because removing moisture helps the wings crisp up on the grill. After drying, toss the wings in a light olive oil or avocado oil coating. This allows the seasoning to stick and prevents the wings from sticking to the grill.
Quick Tip: Season extra crispy wings with salt and leave them uncovered in the refrigerator for a few hours before grilling. This helps draw out moisture from the skin, leading to crispier results.
2. Season the Wings
Season both sides of the chicken wings with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Add other seasonings, such as paprika, chili powder, or a BBQ rub. Feel free to customize the flavor depending on your preference.
Quick Tip: Plan using 1 tablespoon of seasoning per pound of chicken wings. If you’re using a store-bought rub, follow the recommended amount on the package.
3. Preheat Your Gas Grill
Preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat (about 400-425°F). Allow the grill to heat up for 10-15 minutes before placing the wings. Preheating ensures the grill grates are hot enough to sear the wings and prevent sticking.
Set up your grill for indirect heat by turning on only one side of the burner. You’ll grill the wings over the unlit side to cook them evenly without burning. If working with a smaller grill with only two burners, you must rotate the wings halfway through cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
4. Grill the Chicken Wings
Place the seasoned wings on the grill, either on the main grill grates or, if your grill has one, on the warming rack above. Close the lid and let the wings cook over indirect heat for about 25-30 minutes. Flip the wings every 3-5 minutes to ensure they cook evenly and develop crispy skin on all sides.
The wings are done when the internal temperature reaches 170-175°F. While the FDA recommends cooking chicken at 165°F, cooking wings to a slightly higher temperature makes them even more tender and more accessible to pull off the bone.
Quick Tip: Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. This ensures that the wings are fully cooked and safe to eat.
5. Optional: Add Smoke for Extra Flavor
If you love the smoky flavor of barbecue, you can easily add it to your wings by using a smoker box or a foil packet filled with wood chips. Place the smoker box or foil packet over the burner turned on, and the wood chips will create smoke as the wings cook. Hickory or applewood chips are excellent choices for chicken wings.
6. Sauce the Wings (Optional)
Once your wings are cooked, you can serve them as-is or toss them in your favorite sauce. Buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, and garlic Parmesan sauce are popular choices. To sauce the wings, place them in a large bowl and toss them with the sauce of your choice until they’re evenly coated.
Quick Tip: To keep the skin crispy, serve the sauce on the side for dipping rather than tossing the wings directly.
7. Rest the Wings
After grilling the wings, remove them from the grill and place them on a baking sheet to rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making the wings juicier and more flavorful.
How Long to Grill Chicken Wings on a Gas Grill?
Chicken wings typically take 25-30 minutes to cook on a gas grill over indirect heat. Flipping the wings every few minutes is essential to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. The internal temperature should reach 170-175°F for optimal tenderness.
Quick Tips for Grilling Chicken Wings
1. Pat the Wings Dry: Dry the wings before seasoning. This helps the wings crisp up on the grill.
2. Flip Often: Flip the wings every 3-5 minutes while grilling to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
3. Use Indirect Heat: Set up your gas grill for indirect heat by turning off one side of the burners and cooking the wings over the unlit side.
4. Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to grill the wings until they reach an internal temperature of 170-175°F.
5. Don’t Over-Sauce: To maintain crispy skin, serve the sauces on the side rather than tossing the wings directly in the sauce.
Recommended Sauces for Grilled Chicken Wings
One of the best parts about grilling chicken wings is that you can customize the flavor with different sauces. Here are three delicious sauce options to try:
Buffalo Sauce: For a spicy kick, toss your wings in a classic Buffalo sauce made from hot and melted butter.
Garlic Parmesan Sauce: If you prefer a milder, creamier flavor, go with garlic Parmesan sauce, which combines garlic, butter, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Honey BBQ Sauce: For a sweet and tangy option, use a honey BBQ sauce that is perfect for family-friendly meals.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled chicken wings are a versatile dish that pairs well with many sides. Here are a few ideas to serve alongside your wings:
Carrot and Celery Sticks: Classic pairings that add a crunchy, refreshing element to balance the richness of the wings.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: These are perfect dipping sauces, especially if serving Buffalo wings.
Grilled Vegetables: Add a healthy touch by serving grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or corn on the cob.
Potato Wedges or Fries: A crispy side like potato wedges or fries is always a hit with grilled wings.
Final Thoughts
Chicken wings on a gas grill is a delicious way to enjoy a favorite dish without much fuss. With a few simple ingredients, the right tools, and proper technique, you can have perfectly crispy wings in under 30 minutes. Whether hosting a game day party or just looking for a quick weeknight meal, grilled chicken wings will surely be a hit with your family and friends.
Happy grilling!
FAQs
1. How long does it take to grill chicken wings on a gas grill?
Chicken wings on a gas grill typically take 25-30 minutes over indirect heat at around 350°F. Flipping the wings every 3-5 minutes ensures even cooking and achieves crispy skin. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 170-175°F for optimal tenderness and safety.
2. Do I need to pre-cook or boil chicken wings before grilling?
No, it’s not necessary to pre-cook or boil chicken wings before grilling. Grilling them raw over indirect heat allows the wings to cook evenly while developing a crispy exterior. Simply season or marinate the wings before placing them on the grill.
3. How do I prevent chicken wings from sticking to the grill?
To prevent sticking, make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled. Before grilling, pat the wings dry with paper towels and lightly coat them with oil (like olive or avocado oil). Preheating the grill to the proper temperature helps create a non-stick surface.
4. Should I grill chicken wings over direct or indirect heat?
Grilling chicken wings over indirect heat on a gas grill is best. This means turning off one or more burners and placing the wings over the unlit section of the grill. Indirect heat cooks the wings evenly without burning the skin, producing juicy and tender meat.
5. Can I add smoky flavor to my wings on a gas grill?
You can add a smoky flavor using a smoker box or a foil packet filled with wood chips. Place the smoker box or foil packet over a lit burner. As the wood chips heat up, they produce smoke that infuses the wings with a rich, smoky flavor while cooking over indirect heat.