Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken Wings

Published Jan. 25, 2024

Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken Wings
Julia Gartland for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Samantha Seneviratne.
Total Time
3 hours 5 minutes
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
2 hours, plus 1 hour dry-brining
Rating
4(73)
Comments
Read comments

Crisp and smoky like a barbecue potato chip, with tender chicken underneath, these grilled chicken wings are worth the time investment, and most of it is hands-off. Dry-brining the wings with baking powder and spices seasons and dries them so that when they hit the grill, their fat fully renders and browns into a shattery crust. A final shower of seasonings ensures an extra bolt of flavor and plenty of spices to lick off fingers.

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings
  • 1tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2teaspoons granulated sugar
  • 2teaspoons garlic or onion powder
  • 1teaspoon black pepper
  • Heaping ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne
  • Kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal)
  • 3pounds chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes, patted dry
  • 1tablespoon baking powder
  • Vegetable oil, for greasing
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

713 calories; 49 grams fat; 12 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 22 grams monounsaturated fat; 9 grams polyunsaturated fat; 5 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram dietary fiber; 2 grams sugars; 60 grams protein; 824 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a small bowl, stir together the smoked paprika, sugar, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne and 1 teaspoon salt. In a large bowl or on a baking sheet, toss the wings with 2 tablespoons of the spice mixture, the baking powder and 2 teaspoons salt. Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour or, for better results, refrigerate uncovered for 3 to 24 hours. Reserve the remaining spice mixture.

  2. Step 2

    When you’re ready to grill, prepare a charcoal or gas grill for two-zone cooking over medium-high heat and take the wings out of the fridge if they’re in there. (For a charcoal grill, pour the coals on one side. For a gas grill, heat all burners covered on high, then reduce one burner to medium-high and turn off the other.) Clean and grease the grates.

  3. Step 3

    Add the chicken to the cool side of the grill, cover, and cook, flipping halfway through, until the skin is light gold and dry and the meat is cooked through, 20 to 25 minutes. (If using a charcoal grill, position the vent on top of the chicken.)

  4. Step 4

    Move the chicken to the hot side of the grill and cook, flipping often, until browned and crisp, 10 to 14 minutes. Transfer to a platter or bowl and toss with the remaining spice mixture. Eat right away.

Ratings

4 out of 5
73 user ratings
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Comments

I air fried these at 400 for 20 minutes, and they were spectacular. Also, I replaced the sugar with pure stevia. They were moist, tender, spectacularly flavorful, and so much easier to eat while watching the game, because they weren't greasy and didn't need any sauce.

A great recipe that is easily adaptable for baking in a conventional oven. The wings were tossed in the entire spice mixture and then refrigerated uncovered for 4 h. They were placed on an oiled stainless steel rack that was set on a baking pan lined with parchment paper. The wings were baked for 1 hr at 325 F.

made these per the instructions, but brushed on some buffalo sauce in the last five mins of high temp cooking. I ended up with fantastically crispy wings with moist meat and a little kick from the sauce.

A great recipe that is easily adaptable for baking in a conventional oven. The wings were tossed in the entire spice mixture and then refrigerated uncovered for 4 h. They were placed on an oiled stainless steel rack that was set on a baking pan lined with parchment paper. The wings were baked for 1 hr at 325 F.

made these per the instructions, but brushed on some buffalo sauce in the last five mins of high temp cooking. I ended up with fantastically crispy wings with moist meat and a little kick from the sauce.

Forgot baking powder —- and No time to brine. DELICIOUS and will make again properly!!

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