Grill Master Chicken Wings Recipe

Name: Grill Master Chicken Wings
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 10
Ingredients: 3 pounds chicken wings, cut apart at joints, wing tips discarded; 0.5 cup soy sauce; 0.5 cup Italian-style salad dressing; 0.25 cup butter; 0.25 cup hot pepper sauce (such as Frank's RedHot®), or to taste; 1 teaspoon soy sauce

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

3 pounds chicken wings, cut apart at joints, wing tips discarded
cup soy sauce
cup Italian-style salad dressing
cup butter
cup hot pepper sauce (such as Frank's RedHot), or to taste
1 teaspoon soy sauce

Directions

Step 1: Combine chicken wings, soy sauce, and Italian dressing in a large resealable plastic bag. Seal the bag, squeeze out excess air, and refrigerate the mixture to marinate for 4 hours to overnight.

Step 2: Preheat the outdoor grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grill grate.

Step 3: To make the spicy sauce, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the hot pepper sauce and soy sauce until well-combined. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Remove the chicken wings from the marinade and pat them dry. Discard any remaining marinade.

Step 5: Place the chicken wings on the preheated grill, turning occasionally. Grill until the wings are golden brown and no longer pink inside, about 25 to 30 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C).

Step 6: Transfer the grilled wings to a large bowl and pour the prepared spicy butter sauce over them. Toss the wings until they are evenly coated.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 181
Total Fat: 15g (19% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 5g (27% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 41mg (14% Daily Value)
Sodium: 1154mg (50% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 2g (1% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Total Sugars: 1g
Protein: 10g (20% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 4mg (5% Daily Value)
Calcium: 10mg (1% Daily Value)
Iron: 1mg (4% Daily Value)
Potassium: 107mg (2% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Grill Master Chicken Wings Recipe

Grill Master Chicken Wings

History and Origins of Chicken Wings

Chicken wings have become a staple in global cuisine, particularly in the United States, where they are widely associated with sports events and casual gatherings. The history of chicken wings as we know them today dates back to the 1960s in Buffalo, New York. The famous Buffalo wings were created at the Anchor Bar by Teressa Bellissimo, who deep-fried wings and coated them in a spicy sauce made from butter and hot sauce. This simple yet delicious dish quickly became a hit and spread across the U.S., evolving into countless variations, including the grilled version featured in this recipe.

Regional Variations

While Buffalo wings are the most famous, grilled chicken wings, like those in this recipe, have a unique place in culinary traditions. Regions with a strong grilling culture, such as the American South, Texas, and parts of the Midwest, often prefer grilled wings over fried ones. Grilled wings offer a smoky, charred flavor that can be enhanced with various marinades and sauces, as seen in this recipe with soy sauce and hot pepper sauce. The combination of a crispy, grilled exterior and juicy interior makes them an excellent choice for outdoor meals and barbecues.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Grilled chicken wings stand out from their fried counterparts due to the cooking method. While both styles typically feature a flavorful coating, grilled wings are cooked over an open flame, resulting in a smoky flavor that frying cannot replicate. Additionally, grilled wings often have a slightly drier texture on the exterior, which contrasts with the crispiness of fried wings. In terms of flavor, grilled wings can be seasoned in a variety of waysfrom spicy to savorymaking them versatile enough to suit any palate. The addition of a hot pepper butter sauce in this recipe elevates the flavor profile and adds a rich, spicy kick.

Where Grilled Chicken Wings Are Usually Served

Grilled chicken wings are typically served at outdoor gatherings, barbecues, and tailgate parties. Their portability and finger-food appeal make them perfect for social events where guests can easily enjoy them while mingling. Additionally, grilled wings are a popular choice for family dinners and casual get-togethers. They are often accompanied by various dipping sauces, ranging from ranch dressing to spicy buffalo sauce. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or the main dish, these wings are a crowd-pleaser at any occasion.

Interesting Facts About Chicken Wings

The average American consumes more than 1.3 billion chicken wings per year, especially during major events like the Super Bowl.
Chicken wings are often sold in "drumette" and "flat" forms, with the drumette resembling a mini drumstick and the flat consisting of two parallel bones.
The global popularity of wings has led to the creation of "wing festivals," where enthusiasts come together to taste and celebrate different wing variations.
Grilling wings is considered healthier than deep frying because it reduces the amount of oil and fat, making it a lighter option.

Conclusion

The Grill Master Chicken Wings recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy this beloved dish with a slightly healthier twist thanks to grilling. With a simple marinade of soy sauce and Italian dressing, followed by a spicy butter sauce, these wings pack a flavorful punch. Whether you are hosting a barbecue or looking for a tasty snack to enjoy while watching the game, these grilled wings are sure to be a hit. Experiment with different sauces and marinades to make them your own, and dont forget to serve them with a side of your favorite dip!

FAQ about Grill Master Chicken Wings Recipe

Yes, you can bake the wings in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the wings for 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through. For extra crispiness, you can pat the wings dry before baking and optionally add a tablespoon of baking powder to the wings before baking.

You can store the marinated chicken wings in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. It's best to marinate them for at least 4 hours, but overnight will give them even better flavor.

Yes, you can freeze the marinated wings. Place the wings and marinade in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

Yes, you can experiment with different types of salad dressings. Italian-style dressing works well, but other flavors like ranch or balsamic vinaigrette can give the wings a unique taste.

To ensure the wings are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer near the bone, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The wings should also be golden brown and no longer pink inside.

If you don't have a grill, you can cook the wings in the oven or under a broiler. For oven cooking, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. For broiling, place the wings on a rack and cook under the broiler for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally.

Yes, you can adjust the sauce to your taste. If you prefer less heat, you can reduce the amount of hot sauce or omit it completely. Alternatively, you can use BBQ sauce, teriyaki sauce, or any other sauce you prefer.

Yes, you can adjust the recipe to suit your needs. If you're doubling or halving the recipe, just ensure you maintain the same cooking times, especially for grilling or baking, to ensure the wings cook evenly.

Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or use a microwave if you're in a hurry.

Yes, the wings are delicious on their own without the sauce. You can serve them as is, or offer a variety of dipping sauces on the side for people to choose from.

Comments

SeattleFarmersMarketGirl

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

We made these wings today for the NFC championship game. Perfect football food! It was pouring rain, so we baked them at 400 degrees for 45 minutes instead of grilling, and they were perfect. The soy sauce in the marinade caramelizes and makes these wings a gorgeous golden brown. They are mouthwatering-lick-the-bones-clean-and-fight-for-the-last wing good. Can't wait for the Super Bowl so that we can try them on the grill. Thanks PartyFil

kandylandmo

02/05/2019 01:12:50 AM

the best marinade. this makes the chicken wings tasty with or without any sauce. made these for super bowl and did three different sauces and people raved about them. one trick i found online is once you take the wings out of the marinade, if you are going to bake them and not grill them, use a tablespoon of baking powder for every pound or two and coat the wings with the baking powder. this will oven bake them crisp.

jody

06/10/2025 08:25:16 PM

I double the marinate for 6 lbs of wings and marinate them overnight. The first time I made them I accidentally added the hot sauce to the marinate and it's very good. So I've been doing that ever since. I do not make any dipping sauce. I also cook them in the oven on cast iron sheet pans for 50 minutes at 400 degrees. No turning necessary. This recipe is so good!

Joshua Proctor

04/15/2018 06:44:16 PM

Make these for our fishing trip every year and it's a staple. I'm huge on flavor so marinating overnight is a must. I even mix up the wings in the bag after several hours. Suggestions: Add fresh crushed garlic and crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade mix. Don't get the cheap Italian dressing. I prefer the olive garden brand. Add 1 tablespoon of honey and about 1 tablespoon of brown sugar to the sauce mix.

Texas Goatboy

06/25/2023 08:25:50 PM

Made these several times and followed the recipe very closely. I took the suggestion from another reviewer and baked the wings for 30 minutes at 350⁰ and transferred to the grill after saucing. Delicious!

Loreen Wens

07/21/2018 02:53:42 AM

I love hot sauce but no one else in the family does so I left that out. Don't have a grill so I broiled them in the oven. My 86 year old mother who doesn't really like chicken Loved them and wants them again. They were great and we will be making them again, soon!

OhioWolverine

07/20/2020 02:06:43 AM

yep yep yep these are awesome! I thank the reviewer who said she is an epic fail at grilling raw chicken. It is not my strong suit either but I can only have a 1 gallon propane tank on my grill where I live. And I didn't want to use a lot of it up cooking These Wings so I followed her advice and baked them at 350 for 30 minutes then transferred to the grill for 10 minutes. Excellent! I left a few plain without adding the sauce and honestly they were just as good as the Sauced ones! I also used low sodium soy sauce and I added a little garlic to the hot sauce mixture. Thanks so much for this awesome recipe I will be making it many times over!

GreenNori8880

04/06/2023 04:17:45 PM

We've done these wings a dozen times and everyone asks for the recipie. The thing we do is to cook them way longer than suggested, and maybe more than many think is right, but that's our secret. We cook them slow for a half hour per side - or more - until the internal temp is above 200. Are they dry? Nope. They're perfect.

skip

12/07/2024 04:55:23 PM

This recipe was so good that I made 20 pounds of wings for Thanksgiving. It was cold outside, so I cooked in the oven at 350° for approximately 45 minutes turning halfway through. Instead of putting the sauce in the recipe on the all the wings, I also warmed up other sauces, like Asian, barbecue, and mixed with the wings. The wings were also great without any sauce. This recipe passed the picky family test!

Kanathia Narcisse

04/29/2020 04:15:28 AM

It was a good dish. My family loved the favors. I add a little smoke mesquite favor to the chicken to marinate overnight. I also created a garlic/ranch dressing to put on the wings after it was done.

john prillaman

07/08/2018 03:53:43 PM

Cooked 7 lbs. for family dinner and they were a big hit. I used the hot sauce on about 1/3 and a mild sauce for the rest. I have to appease the timid and the kids. Only difference was I drained them in a large colander. Great!!

Gina Uebel

08/30/2025 03:30:48 PM

The wings turned out wonderful!

Jon

08/19/2025 12:18:29 PM

Totally awesome. No need too add ingredients or chang the recipe.

Janet

06/09/2025 11:21:00 PM

Sauces are so individual, so alter the sauce however you like. After saucing, I will turn the grill down a bit and then put the wings back on the grill for a few minutes to help 'set' the sauce. Grilled wing technique is spot on, sauces to your liking.

Karen Nguyen

03/08/2025 10:56:35 AM

Even my husband said it’s restaurant quality.

Kenneth Hill

02/07/2025 01:47:23 PM

Made it and felt like a king.

Kim

01/25/2025 10:00:08 PM

It marinaded for 1 hrs and they were very flavorful.

BubblyIce1101

08/26/2024 05:02:54 AM

Been making these for years to rave reviews. I added a couple seasonings to the marinade to make it my own and I don’t consistently use the same dressing. Either way, these are the best!!!

Bob S

07/27/2024 12:35:48 PM

Great family choice, 3 y/o was crushing these wings without the Buffalo sauce. Frank’s Buffalo wasn’t overpowering so if you like spicy, substitute with something stronger.