Grilled Buffalo Wings

Grilled buffalo wings are the perfect blend of smoky, crispy, and spicy. They take the classic game-day favorite to the next level by adding charred, flame-grilled flavor to the bold, buttery heat of buffalo sauce. Whether you’re serving them at a backyard BBQ or watching the big game, these wings are always a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Smoky and crispy without deep frying
• Classic buffalo wing flavor with a grilled twist
• Great for parties, game day, or cookouts
• Easy to make with simple ingredients
• Can be made spicy or mild to your taste

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken wings (split into flats and drumettes)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Unsalted butter
• Optional: celery sticks, blue cheese or ranch dressing for serving

directions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375–400°F).
2. Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels.
3. In a large bowl, toss wings with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Arrange wings on the grill in a single layer over indirect heat. Grill with the lid closed for 20–25 minutes, turning occasionally, until skin is golden and crispy.
5. Move wings to direct heat for 3–5 minutes to get a nice char, flipping as needed.
6. While wings are grilling, melt butter in a saucepan and stir in buffalo sauce. Adjust heat level by adding more butter for milder sauce.
7. Transfer cooked wings to a large bowl and toss immediately with buffalo sauce until well coated.
8. Serve hot with celery sticks and your favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 35–40 minutes

Variations

• Honey buffalo: Add a tablespoon of honey to the buffalo sauce for a sweet-spicy flavor
• Smoky BBQ: Use BBQ sauce instead of buffalo for a different take
• Extra spicy: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buffalo mixture
• Lemon pepper: Toss wings in lemon pepper seasoning before grilling, then finish with buffalo sauce
• Dry rub: Skip the sauce and use a bold dry rub for a smoky, crispy alternative

storage/reheating

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a 375°F oven or on the grill for 10–15 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the crispy texture.

FAQs

Can I grill frozen wings?

It’s best to thaw wings completely before grilling for even cooking and crispiness.

How do I keep wings from sticking to the grill?

Clean and oil your grill grates well, and don’t move the wings too soon—let them develop a crust first.

Can I make these less spicy?

Yes, use more butter in the buffalo sauce or opt for a milder hot sauce.

What’s the best buffalo sauce?

Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice, but any cayenne pepper-based hot sauce works well.

Can I use whole wings?

Yes, just adjust the cooking time and make sure they cook through evenly.

Do I need to flip the wings?

Yes, flip every 5–7 minutes for even cooking and charring.

Can I bake instead of grill?

Yes. Bake at 425°F for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway, then toss in sauce.

How do I know when wings are done?

They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and be crispy on the outside.

Can I cook these on a charcoal grill?

Absolutely—charcoal adds great smoky flavor. Cook over indirect heat, then finish over the coals.

What can I serve with grilled buffalo wings?

Classic sides include celery, carrots, blue cheese dressing, ranch, potato salad, or grilled corn.

Conclusion

Grilled buffalo wings are everything you love about wings—crispy, spicy, and saucy—with the added bonus of smoky grilled flavor. Perfect for sharing, snacking, or celebrating, they’re a must-try for any wing lover looking to take things outdoors

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