Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken Wings

Published Jan. 25, 2024

Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken Wings
Julia Gartland for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Samantha Seneviratne.
Total Time
3 hours 5 minutes
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
2 hours, plus 1 hour dry-brining
Rating
4(44)
Notes
Read community notes

Crisp and smoky like a barbecue potato chip, with tender chicken underneath, these grilled chicken wings are worth the time investment, and most of it is hands-off. Dry-brining the wings with baking powder and spices seasons and dries them so that when they hit the grill, their fat fully renders and browns into a shattery crust. A final shower of seasonings ensures an extra bolt of flavor and plenty of spices to lick off fingers.

Learn: How to Grill

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings
  • 1tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2teaspoons granulated sugar
  • 2teaspoons garlic or onion powder
  • 1teaspoon black pepper
  • Heaping ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne
  • Kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal)
  • 3pounds chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes, patted dry
  • 1tablespoon baking powder
  • Vegetable oil, for greasing
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

713 calories; 49 grams fat; 12 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 22 grams monounsaturated fat; 9 grams polyunsaturated fat; 5 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram dietary fiber; 2 grams sugars; 60 grams protein; 824 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a small bowl, stir together the smoked paprika, sugar, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne and 1 teaspoon salt. In a large bowl or on a baking sheet, toss the wings with 2 tablespoons of the spice mixture, the baking powder and 2 teaspoons salt. Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour or, for better results, refrigerate uncovered for 3 to 24 hours. Reserve the remaining spice mixture.

  2. Step 2

    When you’re ready to grill, prepare a charcoal or gas grill for two-zone cooking over medium-high heat and take the wings out of the fridge if they’re in there. (For a charcoal grill, pour the coals on one side. For a gas grill, heat all burners covered on high, then reduce one burner to medium-high and turn off the other.) Clean and grease the grates.

  3. Step 3

    Add the chicken to the cool side of the grill, cover, and cook, flipping halfway through, until the skin is light gold and dry and the meat is cooked through, 20 to 25 minutes. (If using a charcoal grill, position the vent on top of the chicken.)

  4. Step 4

    Move the chicken to the hot side of the grill and cook, flipping often, until browned and crisp, 10 to 14 minutes. Transfer to a platter or bowl and toss with the remaining spice mixture. Eat right away.

Ratings

4 out of 5
44 user ratings
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Cooking Notes

I air fried these at 400 for 20 minutes, and they were spectacular. Also, I replaced the sugar with pure stevia. They were moist, tender, spectacularly flavorful, and so much easier to eat while watching the game, because they weren't greasy and didn't need any sauce.

Forgot baking powder —- and No time to brine. DELICIOUS and will make again properly!!

These were ok. Not as good as wings grilled with buffalo sauce in my opinion.

Very tasty and easy. I’d up the spice a bit for more heat - maybe try Piment d’Espelette next time for a twist

I air fried these at 400 for 20 minutes, and they were spectacular. Also, I replaced the sugar with pure stevia. They were moist, tender, spectacularly flavorful, and so much easier to eat while watching the game, because they weren't greasy and didn't need any sauce.

Does anyone know the specifications for baking /broiling? I live in a flat, so the gas/charcoal option is unavailable

I do wings in a gas oven all the time @ 425F, 25-30 minutes and then flip and cook for another 25-30m depending on how you like your crispiness. I usually do 2 pkg of wings in a 1/2 sheet pan and use a rack that holds the wings maybe 1/2" over the pan. If I'm adding a wet sauce, I'll take the wings out and toss them in the sauce at the end and give it another 5 minutes in the oven, but usually I like to do dry bbq rubs like this recipe describes.

Grilled wings are a favorite in our and these were pretty good. Not super flavorful, but the sugar mixed with the heat was a nice combination. The grilling instructions were helpful, they turned out nice and crispy, though not as red as the picture indicates.

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