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Crispy Grilled BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe with Spicy Honey Rub for Perfect Game Day Snacks

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These crispy grilled BBQ chicken wings with a spicy honey rub deliver a perfect balance of smoky char and sticky-sweet heat, making them ideal for game day or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds chicken wings, split at the joint and tips removed
  • 3 tablespoons honey (preferably raw or local)
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Rinse 2 pounds (900g) of chicken wings and pat dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is key for crispiness. Set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until smooth. The rub should be thick and sticky.
  3. Toss the wings in the rub until each piece is evenly coated. For best results, let the wings marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the fridge (bring back to room temp before grilling).
  4. Preheat your grill to medium-high, about 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 204°C). If using charcoal, wait until coals are covered with white ash for even heat.
  5. Place wings skin side down on the grill grates. Cook for 7-8 minutes without moving to develop a good sear and crisp skin. Flip and grill the other side for another 7-8 minutes. Watch closely for flare-ups from dripping honey; keep a spray bottle of water handy to tame flames.
  6. Check for doneness: wings should be golden brown and crispy with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If needed, move wings to indirect heat and close lid for 3-5 minutes to finish cooking without burning.
  7. Transfer wings to a wire rack or tray and let rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices. For extra sticky wings, brush lightly with warmed honey before serving.

Notes

Pat wings dry before applying rub for extra crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the grill to prevent steaming. Use moderate heat to prevent honey from burning. Let wings rest after grilling to lock in juices and maintain crisp skin. If flare-ups occur, use indirect heat to finish cooking. The rub can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken wings, BBQ chicken wings, grilled chicken wings, spicy honey rub, game day snacks, crispy chicken wings, smoky chicken wings

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