Grilled Chicken Wings

2024-05-31 /Posted byYoga Pit / 112

Full of flavor without the grease, the perfect chicken wing.

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There are certain foods that are beloved but also hard to justify when you are trying to be healthy. A prime example of this are chicken wings – the crisp skin, the tender juicy meat, and the finger-licking sauce, the chicken wing is an American standard. Whether you’re at a barbecue, getting ready to root for your favorite team at a tailgate, or simply sharing them as an appetizer, chicken wings are a staple on a lot of menus. Traditionally, the biggest problem with chicken wings is the fatty greases used to cook them. Whether in a deep fryer or stove top in oil, the grease content on chicken wings is artery clogging to say the least. When I decided to make healthier choices in my diet, I thought my lifelong love affair with chicken wings was going to come to an end. I thought there was no way I could enjoy chicken wings and still hit my weight loss goals and healthy lifestyle plan. I thought all was lost, until a friend of mine sent me this recipe for grilled chicken wings. The only oil necessary was brushed on the grill, the fat content was reduced but the flavor was not.

When it comes to chicken wings there are a few factors to ensure they are perfect. Number one is to get the right pieces of chicken, a nice blend of wings, flats, and drumettes will give you a good array of wings. The second – and I would argue the most important – factor is the sauce or rub on the wings. You want a blend of sweet, savory, and smokey. You want the wings to be coated in flavor but not overpowered. You want the wings to leave a little reminder on your fingers but not require you to take out stock in moist towelettes. The beauty of this recipe is that it uses a dry rub that hits all the marks. Brown sugar for sweetness that will caramelize and leave a little sweetness on the tips of your fingers; onion and garlic powders for an earthy savory spice; and paprika for a little smoky flavor. A perfect seasoning to go with a perfectly cooked wing, this recipe will not disappoint.

Are Grilled Chicken Wings Healthy?

As I was saying earlier grilled chicken wings are a healthy alternative to the traditional fried wing. They are not breaded, and the dry rub is made with simple ingredients, giving you a lot of flavor without the additional carbs and fats. They are made with natural ingredients without all the preservatives and sugars of store-bought sauces. Additionally, grilling chicken is generally healthier as it reduces the oil content present in fried chicken. These grilled chicken wings are gluten-free, low-carb, and paleo. A delicious and perfect addition to your tailgate, barbecue, party, or dinner.

Dry rub or sauce?

I’ve briefly discussed why this recipe calls for a dry rub as opposed to a barbecue sauce, but I haven’t laid out all the reasons I prefer a dry rub. Dry rubs are versatile and easy to make on the fly with whatever seasonings you have and feel would blend well. Coating your chicken with a dry rub allows for an additional layer of flavor and texture, a layer you will not get from sauce. Barbecue sauces tend to become overly liquid when warmed, but then the sauce begins to congeal when they begin to cool. A dry rub maintains its texture regardless of the temperature of the wing. In short, I prefer a dry rub because it’s healthier, more versatile, and consistent.

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
12 chicken wing portions (flats and drums)

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep

Get the grill ready at medium heat.

Season

Combine dry rub ingredients and coat wings.

Grill

Cook wings on oiled grates, flipping once, until done.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store?

You can easily make your dry rub and coat your chicken wings in advance for up to 24 hours, allowing the flavor to soak in. Once you grill your chicken wings you can cool them and store them in an airtight container under refrigeration for up to five days or you can freeze your wings for up to thirty days.

How can I assure my wings cook perfectly?

First thing you need to do is make sure your grill is fully preheated before putting your wings down. Leave your grill lid down until the heat and the grill are evenly hot throughout. Make sure your wings are patted dry prior to seasoning to avoid excessive moisture that will run off and remove your seasoning before cooking fully. Finally, be sure to flip your wings every so often to evenly cook and crisp your wings.

How will I know when my chicken wings are ready?

You want to be sure your chicken wings are cooked all the way through and that your skin is crisp but not burnt. Sections of the skin of your wings will have a slight char and the rest will be visibly crisped. Use a meat thermometer on the thickest part of the meat and make sure your chicken wings are temping above 170 degrees Fahrenheit. Not cooking your chicken all the way through will run the risk of salmonella and other foodborne illnesses.

Serving Suggestions

When asking what to serve your grilled chicken wings with, the simple answer is anything! I will sometimes use a little honey as a drizzle or dipping sauce with this grilled chicken wing recipe. Pair them with a pasta salad, macaroni salad, or coleslaw for the perfect tailgate treat.