Old Bay® Grilled Chicken Wings Recipe

Name: Old Bay® Grilled Chicken Wings
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds party chicken wings; 2 tablespoons seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay®), divided; 0.25 cup cornstarch; 4 tablespoons butter

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

2 pounds party chicken wings
2 tablespoons seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay), divided
cup cornstarch
4 tablespoons butter

Directions

Step 1: Place the chicken wings in a large bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of seafood seasoning and massage it into the wings until they are evenly coated.

Step 2: Add cornstarch to the bowl and toss the wings to coat them thoroughly.

Step 3: Transfer the seasoned wings onto a baking sheet. Let them rest for about 10 minutes while you preheat the grill.

Step 4: Preheat your outdoor grill to 500F (260C) and lightly oil the grate to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Once the grill is ready, place the wings directly onto the grate, cooking them over indirect heat for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, flip the wings and cook for another 10 minutes over indirect heat.

Step 6: Remove the wings from the grill and place them on a baking sheet to rest while you prepare the butter sauce.

Step 7: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of seafood seasoning and stir for about 3 minutes until the seasoning is fully incorporated into the butter.

Step 8: Place the cooked wings in a large bowl and drizzle the seasoned butter over them. Toss the wings to coat them evenly in the flavorful butter.

Step 9: Serve immediately and enjoy your perfectly seasoned, crispy chicken wings!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	259
Total Fat	17g
Saturated Fat	9g
Cholesterol	78mg
Sodium	951mg
Total Carbohydrate	8g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Protein	18g
Calcium	12mg
Iron	1mg
Potassium	147mg

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

History and Origin

Old Bay seasoning, a beloved spice mix, was first created in 1939 by a German immigrant, Gustav Brunn, in Maryland, USA. Initially designed as a seasoning for seafood, Old Bay quickly gained popularity and became a staple for a wide range of dishes. Its combination of paprika, celery salt, mustard, and other spices gives it a distinct flavor, which pairs perfectly with chicken wings. The Old Bay Grilled Chicken Wings recipe utilizes this flavorful seasoning to elevate the taste of the wings, offering a zesty and spicy twist to a classic favorite.

Regional Features

The Old Bay seasoning is synonymous with the Chesapeake Bay region, particularly Maryland and Virginia. Known for its rich history in seafood production, this area has developed many dishes that incorporate Old Bay seasoning, especially seafood like crabs, shrimp, and fish. The seasoning's versatility, however, has allowed it to be used in a wide variety of other recipes, including chicken wings, as seen in this recipe. Grilling the wings adds another regional touch, as grilling is a popular method of cooking in the southern United States, making this dish a perfect fusion of local flavors.

How It Differs From Similar Dishes

While grilled chicken wings are a common dish across many cultures, Old Bay Grilled Chicken Wings stand out due to the distinctive flavor of the seasoning. Unlike traditional buffalo wings that use hot sauce and butter or barbecue wings with a sweet and tangy sauce, Old Bay wings focus on a savory, aromatic blend with a slight kick. The seasoning's unique combination of spices offers a balance of heat, salt, and earthy flavors, making it a bold choice for wing lovers. Additionally, the use of cornstarch in this recipe provides a crispier exterior than traditional fried wings, without the need for deep frying.

Where It Is Typically Served

Old Bay Grilled Chicken Wings are often served as appetizers at casual gatherings, barbecues, and cookouts, especially in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. They are also a popular choice at sports bars and restaurants, where people enjoy them as finger food during games or social events. The wings can be paired with various sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or cornbread, making them an excellent dish for outdoor parties and casual dinners. Additionally, they are often served with a cold beer, complementing the spicy and savory flavors of the wings.

Interesting Facts

Old Bay seasoning is not just popular for seafoodits also used in popcorn, fries, and even Bloody Mary cocktails in some regions!
The original Old Bay seasoning was sold in a small red-and-yellow tin, and it still maintains its iconic packaging today.
Although the spice mix is often associated with Maryland's crab culture, it's now a beloved seasoning across the United States, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic and Southern regions.
The popularity of Old Bay has led to various product lines, including Old Bay flavored chips, sauces, and even cocktail mixers!

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FAQ about Old Bay® Grilled Chicken Wings Recipe

To store leftover grilled chicken wings, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They should be eaten within 3-4 days for the best quality. You can also freeze them for longer storage, up to 3 months. To reheat, use an oven or a grill for the best texture.

Yes, you can prepare the wings ahead of time by seasoning and coating them with cornstarch. After that, store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling. However, it's best to grill them fresh for the best texture and flavor.

If you don't have Old Bay® seasoning, you can substitute with a mix of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Alternatively, any seafood seasoning blend with similar flavor profiles will work.

Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings, but it is recommended to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking. This will help ensure even cooking and a crisp texture when grilling.

If you don't have a grill, you can cook the wings in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the wings on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and fully cooked.

For extra crispy wings, ensure that you coat them evenly with cornstarch and allow them to rest before grilling. The cornstarch creates a crispy exterior. Additionally, grilling the wings over indirect heat helps to keep them crisp without drying them out.

Yes, you can substitute butter with olive oil or any other oil of your choice for a slightly different flavor. However, butter provides a rich taste that complements the Old Bay® seasoning well.

To adjust the spice level, you can add more or less Old Bay® seasoning according to your preference. If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of seasoning. Alternatively, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika for extra heat.

The total cooking time for these wings is approximately 20 minutes on the grill. This includes 10 minutes of cooking on each side over indirect heat. The wings will need to rest after grilling, which adds a few more minutes.

Yes, you can drizzle hot sauce over the wings after they've been grilled for added heat. Alternatively, you can mix hot sauce into the seasoned butter before tossing the wings for a spicier flavor.

audio version

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes