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Crispy Grilled Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce

A pile of juicy, crispy grilled chicken wings coated in vibrant orange Buffalo sauce on a white plate.

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Follow this method to make chicken wings crispy on the grill using a two-step cooking process and coat them in a classic homemade Buffalo sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder (not baking soda)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup cayenne pepper hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
  2. Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for crispiness.
  3. In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  4. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack. Bake for 25 minutes.
  5. While the wings bake, prepare the Buffalo sauce. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Whisk in the hot sauce, white vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Remove from heat.
  6. Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Lightly oil the grates.
  7. Transfer the partially cooked wings directly to the hot grill. Grill for 4 to 6 minutes per side, turning frequently, until the skin is deeply browned and crispy.
  8. Remove the wings from the grill. Place them in a large, clean bowl. Pour about half of the prepared Buffalo sauce over the wings and toss to coat thoroughly.
  9. Serve immediately with the remaining sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • Baking powder helps raise the skin’s pH level, promoting better browning and crisping during cooking.
  • Do not sauce the wings until they are fully cooked on the grill; this prevents the sauce from burning.
  • If you prefer a smokier flavor, use a grill that burns wood chips or chunks.

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