Grilled Buffalo Wings Recipe

Grilled Buffalo Wings Recipe

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds chicken wings, separated at joints, tips discarded
  • 1 cup Louisiana-style hot sauce
  • 1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle cola-flavored carbonated beverage
  • teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
  • teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Directions

  1. Preheat a grill to medium heat.
  2. In a large pot, mix together hot sauce, cola, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and soy sauce. Add the chicken wings to the sauce and stir well to coat.
  3. Place the pot with the sauce and wings on one side of the preheated grill. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer.
  4. Using tongs, carefully transfer the wings from the sauce and place them directly on the grill. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning the wings occasionally, until they are lightly charred on both sides.
  5. Once the wings are charred, return them to the pot with the sauce and allow them to continue cooking. Repeat the process of grilling and simmering, making sure the wings cook through and become tender, about 50 minutes total. The sauce will thicken and become hot as the wings cook.
  6. Once cooked, the wings can be served as sloppy-style wings (coated with extra sauce) or served dry off the grill, depending on your preference.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition data is based on the full amount of sauce. Actual consumption will vary depending on the amount of sauce used.

Per Serving Amount % Daily Value
Calories 129 -
Total Fat 7g 9%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 30mg 10%
Sodium 882mg 38%
Total Carbohydrate 6g 2%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 5g -
Protein 10g 20%
Vitamin C 21mg 23%
Calcium 10mg 1%
Iron 1mg 4%
Potassium 106mg 2%

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

Origin of Buffalo Wings

Buffalo wings, also known simply as "wings," are one of the most beloved American appetizers. The dish originated in Buffalo, New York, in 1964 at the Anchor Bar, where Teressa Bellissimo first deep-fried chicken wings and tossed them in a spicy sauce made from hot sauce and butter. The dish quickly became a local favorite, spreading across the U.S. as a popular bar food and party snack. Today, Buffalo wings are synonymous with American culture, especially for gatherings such as Super Bowl parties.

Regional Characteristics of Buffalo Wings

Buffalo wings are traditionally deep-fried and served with either ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks. However, regional variations exist, with different parts of the U.S. preferring different methods of preparation. In Buffalo itself, the sauce is typically made from a base of hot sauce, butter, and vinegar. In other areas, variations may include adding garlic, honey, or even mustard to the sauce. Grilled Buffalo wings, like the recipe featured here, offer a healthier alternative by omitting the frying step, resulting in a slightly smokier flavor while still keeping the signature spiciness.

How Grilled Buffalo Wings Differ from Similar Dishes

While Buffalo wings are often deep-fried, grilled versions like the one presented here provide a different texture and flavor profile. Grilling the wings imparts a smoky charred flavor that is absent in fried wings. Additionally, grilling allows the fat to drip off, resulting in a slightly leaner dish. The classic Buffalo wing is known for its spicy, tangy sauce, but grilled wings tend to have a more complex flavor, with the smoky notes complementing the heat from the hot sauce. In comparison to other similar dishes like BBQ wings, Buffalo wings are typically spicier and use a vinegar-based sauce, whereas BBQ wings feature a sweeter, tomato-based sauce.

Where Grilled Buffalo Wings Are Usually Served

Grilled Buffalo wings are a popular choice for casual get-togethers, barbecues, and sports events like the Super Bowl. They're commonly found on the menu at sports bars and restaurants that specialize in comfort food. The dish is often served as an appetizer or snack, paired with side dishes like coleslaw, French fries, or vegetable sticks. Grilled wings, due to their smokier flavor, are also a great addition to any outdoor summer cookout or BBQ. Their ability to be made in large quantities makes them perfect for feeding a crowd.

Interesting Facts About Buffalo Wings

  • Buffalo wings were originally made with leftover chicken wings, which were considered less desirable cuts of meat.
  • The name "Buffalo wings" comes from the city of Buffalo, New York, where they were first created, not from the animal.
  • The average American consumes over 1 billion wings during the Super Bowl each year.
  • Grilled wings, while less common than their fried counterparts, are gaining popularity due to the growing trend of healthier eating and smoking/grilling techniques.
  • In 1977, Buffalo wings gained national attention when they were featured in the movie "The Chicken Chronicles."

Discover more recipes and tips for preparing perfect wings right at home!

FAQ about Grilled Buffalo Wings Recipe

Leftover grilled buffalo wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, reheat them in the oven or on the grill to retain their crispy texture.

Yes, you can freeze buffalo wings. Let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 375°F (190°C) until heated through and crispy.

Absolutely! You can use any hot sauce you prefer, but be mindful of the flavor intensity. Some sauces might be sweeter or milder than Louisiana-style hot sauce, so adjust the other seasonings accordingly.

To thicken the sauce, you can simmer it for longer or add a thickening agent like cornstarch. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can also melt some butter into the sauce or reduce the amount of cola used.

If you don't have a grill, you can bake the wings in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Then, toss them in the sauce and serve.

To increase the spiciness, you can add more cayenne pepper, use a hotter hot sauce, or even add fresh chili peppers to the sauce. Be sure to taste as you go to achieve the desired heat level.

Yes, you can marinate the wings in the sauce for a few hours or overnight to enhance the flavor. After marinating, grill them as instructed. If you're making them in advance, reheat them on the grill or in the oven.

The wings are done when they are golden brown, crispy on the outside, and the meat pulls easily from the bone. You can also check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for fully cooked wings.

Yes, you can add other spicy ingredients such as freshly minced jalapeños, habaneros, or red pepper flakes to the sauce to increase the heat level without using additional hot sauce.

Buffalo wings pair well with a variety of sides such as celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a cool ranch or blue cheese dressing. You can also serve them with fries, chips, or a simple green salad.

Comments

Michael Garcia

07/08/2023 04:23:11 AM

I initially considered giving this recipe three stars, but my friends absolutely loved these wings, so I bumped it up to four stars. I prepared them for the Super Bowl and followed the recipe to a tee. While the flavor was good, I found the soy sauce to be a bit overpowering and the hot sauce lacking intensity. The sauce ended up a tad too runny and didn't pack the spicy punch I was looking for. Personally, I prefer a more robust sauce with a bit of a kick. Next time I make these (my friends would never forgive me if I didn't), I plan to reduce the amount of soy sauce, double the hot sauce, and possibly incorporate some melted butter to amp up the richness.

Adam Brown

11/11/2022 10:14:35 AM

This Buffalo wing recipe is a real gem for grilling enthusiasts. Being a resident of Buffalo, I am well-versed in the distinct flavor and texture that make a great wing ;) I decided to use my backyard fire pit with pure wood instead of charcoal. I made a few tweaks: substituted Coke with 1 1/2 tablespoons of molasses, introduced 2 tablespoons of lime juice, and upped the Louisiana hot sauce by 1/2 cup. (Remember, never ever use Tabasco for Buffalo wings.. it's just not done!) Texas-style hot sauce works well too. No need to cook the sauce, just mix it up and get grilling. Slow-cooked the wings for an hour and a half, turning and brushing them with sauce along the way.. sit back and relish the goodness.

Anna Gomez

02/10/2024 01:43:37 AM

I've been using this recipe since about 2012, and it has become a favorite among my friends, family, and neighbors. The extra kick of spice by adding a bit more cayenne, hot sauce, and a touch of ACV really elevates the flavor and seeps into every bite. I've successfully tried this method in an air fryer too, instead of the grill, and the results were fantastic.

Nicole King

07/24/2023 10:37:12 AM

I simply followed the technique from this recipe and it turned out fantastic! You can experiment with different sauces and marinades to achieve the perfect crispy texture for the wings.

Alexander Jackson

10/06/2023 11:31:48 PM

The only way I'll eat wings at home is by cooking them myself.