How Long Does It Take To Barbecue Chicken Wings? The Ultimate Guide to Crispy Perfection

Ever stood over your grill tongs in hand, wondering if your chicken wings are done yet? You’re not alone! I’ve been there too many times – staring at those wings, unsure if they’re perfectly crispy or still dangerously undercooked. After years of trial and error (and yes, some embarrassingly charred disasters) I’ve finally mastered the art of barbecuing chicken wings to perfection.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about grilling time for chicken wings, plus all my hard-earned tips for getting that mouthwatering crispy skin and juicy meat every single time.

The Quick Answer: How Long to BBQ Chicken Wings

For those who just want the bottom line (I get it, you’re hungry!) here’s the short version

• Direct heat method: 20-25 minutes over medium heat (375°F-400°F)
• Indirect heat method: 30-40 minutes total (indirect first, then finish over direct heat)
• Required internal temperature: 165°F minimum for safety (180°F-190°F for extra crispy skin)

But wait! Before you rush off to fire up that grill, there’s so much more to know if you want truly spectacular wings Trust me, the details make all the difference

The Game-Changing Secret Most Recipes Get Wrong

Here’s something most grilling guides won’t tell you: if you really want crispy skin, cook your wings over direct heat the whole time!

I’ve tried all those recipes that start wings over indirect heat then move to direct. The result? The skin is always a bit limp, even when they claim it’s not. After countless batches of wings, I’ve found that the direct heat method is an absolute game-changer for achieving that perfect crispiness we all crave.

Understanding BBQ Chicken Wings

Before we dive deeper into cooking times, let’s get familiar with what we’re working with.

Types of Chicken Wings for Grilling

• Whole Wings: These consist of three parts – the drumette, wingette (or flat), and tip. They give you the classic BBQ experience with plenty of meat.
• Drumettes: These resemble mini legs and have a firmer texture with more meat than wingettes.
• Flats/Wingettes: The middle section of the wing, containing two bones and tender meat.
• Boneless Wings: Typically made from breast meat, these aren’t technically wings but offer a less messy experience.

Why Grilling Wings Is So Amazing

Grilling imparts a smoky flavor that enhances the chicken, while those charred edges from grill marks add a delightful crunch. Plus, it’s healthier than frying, resulting in a lower-calorie option. Bonus: you can easily experiment with different marinades and rubs!

Preparing Your Wings for the Grill

Before we talk timing, let’s get those wings ready for barbecue success.

To Marinate or Not to Marinate?

This might be controversial, but I’ve found that marinating isn’t always necessary for wings. Here’s why:

1. Wing meat is naturally tender and juicy
2. If you’re tossing the wings in sauce afterward, it often overpowers the marinade anyway
3. Added moisture can make achieving crispy skin more difficult

That said, if you really want to marinate, pat the wings dry with paper towels afterward to help with crisping.

Better Alternatives to Marinating

Instead of a traditional marinade, try:

• A dry rub with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices
• A brine solution (water, salt, and baking powder) which actually helps crisp the skin while adding flavor

Essential Prep Steps

1. Clean the wings by rinsing under cold water
2. Pat them completely dry with paper towels (crucial for crispy skin!)
3. Season with salt and your preferred spices
4. Let them come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before grilling

How Long to BBQ Chicken Wings: Detailed Breakdown

Now for the main event – exactly how long to cook those wings!

Direct Heat Method (My Preferred Approach)

Total time: 20-25 minutes

1. Preheat grill to medium heat (375°F-400°F)
2. Place wings directly over heat, nicer side down first
3. Close lid and cook for 5 minutes
4. Flip any wings that are darkening too quickly
5. Close lid again and cook another 3-5 minutes
6. Continue flipping every 1-2 minutes to ensure even cooking
7. Check internal temperature after about 18 minutes total cooking time

This method produces the crispiest skin while keeping the meat juicy. It does require more attention since you’ll need to flip regularly, but the results are so worth it!

Indirect Heat Method (More Hands-Off)

Total time: 30-40 minutes

1. Preheat grill with two-zone setup (one side hot, one side cooler)
2. Cook wings on the cooler side for 30 minutes, rotating halfway through
3. Move to direct heat for final 5-10 minutes to crisp the skin
4. Check internal temperature to ensure doneness

This method is more forgiving if you’re multitasking, but I find the skin isn’t quite as crispy.

Monitoring Doneness: How to Know When Wings Are Perfect

Nobody wants undercooked chicken or overdone, leathery wings. Here’s how to nail the timing every time.

Temperature Is Your Best Friend

Always use a meat thermometer! The internal temperature should reach:

• 165°F at minimum for food safety
• 175-180°F for more tender meat
• 180-190°F for extra crispy skin and fall-off-the-bone tenderness

Visual Cues for Perfect Wings

Look for these signs:

• Golden-brown color with crispy skin
• Meat that has shrunk back from the ends of the bones
• Clear juices when pierced (not pink or red)
• Wings that easily twist apart at the joints

Factors That Affect Barbecue Time

Several things can increase or decrease how long your wings take to cook:

• Grill temperature: Hotter grills cook wings faster
• Wing size: Larger wings need more time (sometimes 5+ minutes extra)
• Starting temperature: Cold wings straight from the fridge take longer
• Weather conditions: Wind and cold can affect your grill’s temperature
• Pre-cooking methods: Parboiling or baking first reduces grill time by 5-10 minutes

My Foolproof Step-by-Step Process

After years of grilling, here’s my never-fail method:

1. Prepare the grill: Oil the grates and preheat to medium heat (about 350°F)
2. Season wings: Keep it simple with salt and pepper or use a dry rub
3. Initial cooking: Place wings nicer-side down, close lid, cook 5 minutes
4. First flip: Check underneath and flip any that are darkening
5. Continue cooking: Close lid for another 3-5 minutes
6. Active cooking phase: Stay with the wings, flipping every minute or so
7. Temperature check: After about 18 minutes, check internal temperature
8. Sauce ’em up: Transfer fully cooked wings to a bowl and toss with sauce

Pro Tips for Wing Perfection

• Dry those wings thoroughly! Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin
• Don’t overcrowd the grill – leave some space between wings
• Keep a cool zone on your grill to move wings that are cooking too quickly
• Add sauce after cooking, not before or during (it’ll burn)
• Let wings rest for 5 minutes before serving for juicier results

My Favorite BBQ Chicken Wing Variations

After you’ve mastered the basic timing, try these flavor combinations:

• Classic Buffalo: Toss in a mixture of hot sauce and butter
• Sweet & Spicy: Brown sugar, cayenne, and garlic powder rub
• Lemon Pepper: Bright, tangy, and perfect for summer
• BBQ: Traditional barbecue sauce tossed after grilling
• Garlic Parmesan: Italian-inspired and absolutely delicious

Common Wing Grilling Mistakes to Avoid

We’ve all been there! Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

1. Starting with wet wings – always pat them dry!
2. Walking away from the grill – wings need attention
3. Cooking at too high heat – they’ll char outside but stay raw inside
4. Applying sauce too early – it’ll burn and turn bitter
5. Not using a meat thermometer – temperature doesn’t lie!

FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered

Q: Should I remove the wing tips before grilling?
A: I usually do – they burn easily and have little meat. Plus, you can save them for making stock!

Q: Can I use frozen wings?
A: It’s best to thaw them completely first for even cooking. If you’re in a hurry, partially thawed wings will work but add 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.

Q: How many wings should I prepare per person?
A: For an appetizer, plan on 6-8 wing pieces per person. As a main dish, 12-15 per person is about right.

Q: What’s the best way to test if wings are done without a thermometer?
A: Look for clear juices and meat that easily pulls away from the bone. But seriously, get a thermometer – they’re cheap and give peace of mind!

The Perfect Wings Are Worth the Wait

Barbecuing chicken wings takes between 20-40 minutes depending on your method, but the wait is absolutely worth it for crispy, juicy, flavor-packed results. Remember that practice makes perfect – your first batch might not be Instagram-worthy, but you’ll get better with each grilling session.

I’d love to hear how your wings turn out! Drop a comment below with your favorite wing flavors or any questions you still have about grilling time. And if you’ve got any wing grilling secrets of your own, we’d all love to hear them!

Now, stop reading and start grilling – those perfect wings are just 20 minutes away!