If you’re craving the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your next backyard barbecue or game day, the Grilled Chicken Wings with Seasoned Buffalo Sauce should be at the top of your list! Juicy, smoky wings are grilled to crispy perfection and then drenched in a tangy, buttery, and just-spicy-enough buffalo sauce that packs bold flavor into every single bite. Trust me: this recipe is a celebration waiting to happen, whether you serve them as a hearty appetizer or the main event. These wings are finger-licking, lip-tingling, and impossible to resist—truly a grilled classic you’ll want to make over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Grilled Chicken Wings with Seasoned Buffalo Sauce is in their simplicity—every ingredient adds its own punch of flavor, color, or texture. Here’s what you’ll need to make wings that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
- 2 pounds chicken wings: Go for fresh, whole wings and split them at the joints for the best meaty texture and perfect grilling.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the seasonings cling to the wings while adding moisture and encouraging crispiness over the grill.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings subtle depth and savory aroma—don’t skip it!
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Rounds out the seasoning blend with just the right hint of sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a warm, smoky note that echoes the char from the grill.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for drawing out the flavors and giving the wings that perfect seasoned bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A bit of heat and earthiness to balance the other spices.
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot): The classic backbone of any buffalo sauce—use your favorite brand for just the right level of heat.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Rich, creamy butter mellows out the sauce while making it irresistibly glossy.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Delivers a touch of sweetness that tames the heat and gives the sauce body.
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds that complex, savory finish that makes you go back for another wing.
- Celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving: The fresh, crunchy, and creamy sides that make every buffalo wing experience complete!
How to Make Grilled Chicken Wings with Seasoned Buffalo Sauce
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Grill
Start by firing up your grill to medium-high heat. Letting it heat up for a good ten minutes means you’ll get those gorgeous grill marks and fantastic crispy skin. If you have a two-zone grill, this is a great time to set it up so you can switch between indirect and direct heat for extra crispy wings.
Step 2: Season the Chicken Wings
In a large bowl, toss your split chicken wings with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. The olive oil acts as a tasty glue for the spices, and massaging them in by hand ensures every wing is flavorful from tip to bone. Don’t be shy—really get in there so every nook is covered!
Step 3: Grill the Wings
Arrange the wings on the grill in a single layer. Grill for about 20 to 25 minutes, making sure to turn the wings every 5 to 7 minutes. You want an even char all over and to make sure they’re cooked through—look for nicely rendered skin and gorgeous grill marks. For even crispier wings, you can start them over indirect heat for 15 minutes, then finish directly over the flames for that signature crunch.
Step 4: Make the Seasoned Buffalo Sauce
While the wings are sizzling away, whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter, honey, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. The result is a glossy, tangy, buttery sauce with just enough sweetness to make your tastebuds dance. Taste and tweak the honey or hot sauce to match your preferred spice level—it’s your call!
Step 5: Sauce and Serve
Once the wings are golden, charred, and cooked through, transfer them to a big, heatproof bowl. Pour the seasoned buffalo sauce over and toss until every wing is slick and glistening. Serve your Grilled Chicken Wings with Seasoned Buffalo Sauce immediately alongside celery sticks and creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing. Grab a napkin—you’ll need it!
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Wings with Seasoned Buffalo Sauce
Garnishes
Classic pairings never get old—pile the wings high on a platter and sprinkle with snipped chives or green onions for a pop of color. A light dusting of smoked paprika or a few crumbles of blue cheese also takes these Grilled Chicken Wings with Seasoned Buffalo Sauce to a new level of irresistible.
Side Dishes
These wings play nicely with just about anything! Keep things light with celery and carrot sticks, or serve alongside corn on the cob, coleslaw, or a crunchy potato salad. The goal is to balance the spicy, savory wings with crunchy, refreshing sides and creamy dips that cool down the heat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try threading the wings onto skewers before grilling for a fun, mess-free twist perfect for a party. Or, serve your Grilled Chicken Wings with Seasoned Buffalo Sauce on a bed of crisp lettuce leaves for easy grabbing and added greens. Want something over-the-top? Pile the sauced wings on a wooden board with little bowls of dipping sauce and baskets of sweet potato fries.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Grilled Chicken Wings with Seasoned Buffalo Sauce, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure they’re completely cooled to lock in their juicy texture without turning soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover wings—just let them cool, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To bring the wings back to life, reheat in a 375°F oven on a wire rack over a baking sheet for 10 to 12 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Skip the microwave if possible, as it can make the skin rubbery instead of deliciously crisp. Add an extra splash of buffalo sauce if you’d like for even more kick.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, you can use frozen wings, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning and grilling. This helps them cook evenly and allows the seasoning to stick better.
What’s the best way to make the wings extra crispy?
Starting the wings over indirect heat for the first 15 minutes before moving them to direct heat for the last 5-10 minutes gives you that crave-worthy crispy skin without burning the sauce or drying out the meat.
Is there a substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
If you’re out of Worcestershire sauce, a splash of soy sauce or even a dash of balsamic vinegar adds that complex, tangy flavor. It won’t be quite the same, but your Grilled Chicken Wings with Seasoned Buffalo Sauce will still taste amazing!
Can I make these wings in the oven?
Absolutely! While grilling gives that smoky flavor, you can bake the wings at 425°F on a wire rack over a baking sheet for 30-35 minutes. Finish them under the broiler for a few minutes to get extra crispiness before tossing in the seasoned buffalo sauce.
How spicy is the buffalo sauce?
The heat level depends on your choice of hot sauce and how much honey you add. Adjust either ingredient to suit your own preferences. The Grilled Chicken Wings with Seasoned Buffalo Sauce should have just enough bite, but you’re in control of the heat!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s fun to make and even more fun to devour, you can’t beat these Grilled Chicken Wings with Seasoned Buffalo Sauce! Gather your friends, grab some extra napkins, and get ready for a whole lot of smiles around the table. Happy grilling!
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Grilled Chicken Wings with Seasoned Buffalo Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delight your guests with these Grilled Chicken Wings with a flavorful Seasoned Buffalo Sauce. Perfect for summer grilling or as a game day snack, these wings are a crowd-pleaser that packs a spicy punch.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, split at joints and tips removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Buffalo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
For Serving:
- Celery sticks
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Prepare Chicken Wings: In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Coat evenly.
- Grill Wings: Arrange wings on the grill and cook for 20-25 minutes, turning every 5-7 minutes, until cooked through and charred.
- Make Buffalo Sauce: Whisk together hot sauce, melted butter, honey, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl.
- Coat Wings: Transfer cooked wings to a large bowl, pour the buffalo sauce over them, and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve: Serve hot with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Notes
- For extra crispy wings, grill over indirect heat for the first 15 minutes, then finish over direct heat.
- Adjust the honey to make the sauce milder or spicier according to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8 wings
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
