Grilled Buffalo Hot Wings
On August 07, 2024
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Smothered in a rich, homemade buffalo sauce and made with just a few simple ingredients, my Grilled Buffalo Hot Wings are ideal for game-day snacks and easy weeknight meals alike.
Grilled Buffalo Hot Wings
My Grilled Buffalo Hot Wings are a classic tailgate favorite with a smoky twist. By grilling them these wings strike the perfect balance between crispy skin and tender, juicy, fall-off-the-bone meat. The simple combination of my Beef Rub and tangy homemade buffalo sauce creates a mouthwatering one-two punch that’s hard to resist.
Whether you’re hosting a weekend gathering or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, these wings deliver restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort. Grilling them gives a subtle charred flavor that complements the zesty buffalo coating, making each bite a flavor experience. So forget going out, and get ready to turn your backyard into the ultimate wing spot.
Prepping Hot Wings for the Grill
To start, let’s get these wings ready for some grill action. First things first, pat those wings dry with a paper towel. We want to kick that excess moisture to the curb so our seasonings can really stick and do their thing. Next, give them a light coat of avocado oil, which acts as a binder for your seasoning, helps crisp up that skin, and won’t mess with the flavor. Then, sprinkle on some of my Signature Beef Rub. Trust me, it’s not just for beef, it works magic on these wings.
Buffalo Sauce for Wings
You can use a store-bought buffalo sauce if you like, but there’s nothing quite like making your own. Here’s what you’ll need, and it’s mostly stuff you’ve likely got on hand already:
- 1 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot or your favorite hot sauce)
- ¼ cup butter08
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
I’ve got a whole post on buffalo sauce if you want to know the finer points, but the key is warming the ingredients without boiling. You want a rich, buttery sauce, and that won’t happen if your butter separates. You can also make the wings this way and enjoy them as is, or drizzle with your favorite BBQ sauce if buffalo isn’t your thing.
How Long to Grill Chicken Wings
Once you’ve got your wings prepped and seasoned, then it’s time to get them on the grill. You’ll be grilling them in two stages, and the good news is you don’t have to adjust your temperature. Set your grill to around 425 degrees F and you’re ready to go. Place your wings on the grill and give them 15-20 minutes, flipping occasionally to ensure even cooking all the way through. When your wings reach an internal temperature of around 160 degrees F, remove them to a bowl, then toss in some of your buffalo sauce.
After that, return your tossed wings to the grill for another 5-10 minutes. You’re looking for your wings to reach an internal temperature of 175 degrees F. This is on the high end for chicken, but it helps to ensure you get a lovely, fall-off-the-bone bite in every wing. Once your wings come to temperature using a reliable meat thermometer, you’re ready to toss them in some more of your zesty sauce.
How to Make Buffalo Hot Wings on the Grill
Follow these easy steps to become the wing master of your neighborhood:
- Preheat the grill. Set your grill to 425 degrees F. We’re cooking at a slightly higher heat, which not only allows for a quick cook, but also gives your wings a beautiful, crispy exterior while locking in the juicy goodness.
- Make the sauce. Buffalo sauce is very easy to make, but it’s also very easy to ruin. The key is to warm all your ingredients over medium-low heat just until the butter is melted while whisking gently. If you bring your sauce to a boil, the butter will separate, and you don’t want that. We’re looking for a rich, smooth sauce that will coat your wings nicely.
- Prep the wings. Pat your wings dry, then give them a light coating of avocado oil. Now, sprinkle on the Beef Rub generously. You’re creating a foundation that’s going to bring the most flavor out of your wings.
- Grill the chicken wings. Time to spread your wings… out on the grill for 15-20 minutes, flipping every 3-5 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown that makes your mouth water just looking at it. Keep an eye on that internal temperature with a reliable meat thermometer, and pull your wings when they reach 160 degrees F.
- Toss wings. Next up, transfer your wings to a bowl and toss them in half the buffalo sauce. Then, it’s back to the grill for the final stretch. You’re looking for your wings to hit an internal temperature of 175 degrees F. This is on the high side for chicken, but it’s the secret to that perfect, pull-off-the-bone bite.
- Toss wings again. Finally, toss your wings one more time in the remaining buffalo sauce, or keep it on the side for your guests to customize.
What to Serve with Buffalo Wings
No wing feast is complete without the sidekicks. Break out some creamy blue cheese dressing or cool ranch dressing for dipping, perfect for taming that buffalo heat. Don’t forget the classic celery sticks for a crisp, refreshing crunch between bites. If you want to round out the spread, then throw in some carrot sticks or a bowl of my Homemade Coleslaw. You can even add some Corn on the Cob and you’ve got a BBQ party on a plate.
More Awesome Grilled Wing Recipes
Once you get a taste of these Grilled Buffalo Hot Wings, you’ll want to enjoy grilled wings all the time. Luckily for you, I’ve got a ton of wing recipes available to try in the Hey Grill Hey app, including some awesome grilled options. Here are a few of my personal favorites for you to try next:
Grilled Buffalo Hot Wings Recipe
Follow the recipe card below, then prepare to add this to your rotation. Once your friends and family get a taste, they’ll be requesting these Grilled Buffalo Hot Wings all the time. When you get done devouring these wings and licking your fingers clean, feel free to give this recipe a 5-star rating and tell me about your experience in the comments.
If you’re looking for even more grilling and smoking ideas, then make sure you follow me on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. I’m always sharing useful tips, pitmaster tricks, and of course new recipes, to help you become a backyard BBQ hero.
Grilled Buffalo Hot Wings
Ingredients
- 4 pounds chicken wings flats and drumettes
- 1 Tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 Tablespoons Hey Grill Hey Beef Rub or equal parts salt, pepper, and garlic powder
Homemade Buffalo Sauce
- 1 cup hot sauce Frank's RedHot or your preferred hot sauce
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the grill. Set your grill to 425 degrees F.
- Make the sauce. Combine the ingredients for your buffalo sauce in a small saucepan. Warm over medium low heat just until the butter is melted, but do not bring to a boil. Whisk thoroughly to combine and set aside.1 cup hot sauce, ¼ cup butter, 2 teaspoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Prep the wings. Pat the wings dry with a paper towel. Spray or drizzle the chicken wings with avocado oil, then season on all sides with Beef Rub.4 pounds chicken wings, 1 Tablespoon avocado oil, 2 Tablespoons Hey Grill Hey Beef Rub
- Grill the chicken wings. Place the chicken wings directly on the grill grates, close the lid, and grill them for 15-20 minutes. Flip every 3-5 minutes to prevent burning, and to crisp the skin. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F with a reliable meat thermometer.
- Toss wings. Transfer the chicken to a large bowl and pour on half of the buffalo sauce, then toss to coat. Return the chicken to the grill and cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 170-175 degrees F. This is a high temperature for chicken, but it helps give you a clean, pull-off-the-bone bite.
- Toss wings again. Toss the wings with the remaining buffalo sauce if you like your wings really saucy, or serve the additional sauce on the side.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
