Grilled Buffalo Chicken Wings: A Crowd-Pleasing Favorite

Buffalo chicken wings are a beloved classic, perfect for game days, parties, or casual get-togethers. While traditionally fried, grilling buffalo wings adds a smoky depth of flavor and a slightly healthier twist without sacrificing their signature tangy, spicy kick. Here’s how to make mouthwatering grilled Buffalo chicken wings that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

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Ingredients

For the Wings:

• 2 lbs chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

For the Buffalo Sauce:

• 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 tbsp honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

For Serving:

• Celery sticks

• Carrot sticks

• Ranch or blue cheese dressing

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Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Wings

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375°F to 400°F).

2. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step ensures crispy skin.

3. In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Step 2: Grill the Wings

1. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

2. Arrange the wings on the grill in a single layer. Close the lid and cook for about 10-12 minutes per side, flipping occasionally, until the wings are golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

3. For extra crispy skin, move the wings to direct heat for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.

Step 3: Make the Buffalo Sauce

1. While the wings are grilling, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine hot sauce, melted butter, honey (if using), and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until well combined and heated through. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

1. Once the wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the Buffalo sauce over the wings and toss until evenly coated.

2. Arrange the wings on a platter and serve immediately with celery, carrot sticks, and your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.

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Tips for Perfect Grilled Wings

• Dry the Wings: Removing excess moisture from the wings before grilling helps achieve a crispy exterior.

• Control the Heat: Avoid flare-ups by keeping a portion of the grill at lower heat for indirect cooking.

• Sauce Last: Always toss the wings in sauce after grilling to maintain their crispiness.

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Grilled Buffalo chicken wings are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that pairs beautifully with cold beverages and great company. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a cozy night in, these wings are guaranteed to be a hit. Fire up the grill and dig in!