Nothing beats the smell of grilled chicken wings wafting through the air, especially when they’re fully coated in a rich, spicy Buffalo sauce. Picture this: crispy, golden-brown wings that crunch satisfyingly when you bite into them, followed by the buttery warmth of the sauce that dances on your taste buds. These wings not only make for the perfect game day snack but also bring everyone together for some quality time around the grill. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and totally satisfying.
The magic lies in the seasoned Buffalo sauce, which combines buttery goodness with a kick of heat. You can whip up this delightful dish in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights and casual hangouts with friends. Plus, grilled chicken wings are a fun way to let everyone get their hands dirty while enjoying some great food. Trust me, you’ll love how effortlessly delicious they are!
Why You’ll Love Grilled Chicken Wings with Seasoned Buffalo Sauce (Creamy, Easy, and Cozy)
These Grilled Chicken Wings with Seasoned Buffalo Sauce are truly a game changer in cooking. Firstly, they pack so much flavor into every bite, and the grilling process gives them a fantastic smoky finish. You’ll find that the juicy meat paired with the spicy sauce is a texture dream come true. They are also super easy to make, letting you impress your friends and family without spending all day in the kitchen.
Here are a few benefits that make this recipe a must-try:
- Speedy Cooking: Ready in about 30 minutes!
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of heat and richness is irresistible.
- Pantry Friendly: Most ingredients are kitchen staples.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Great for batch cooking and easy to store.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties and gatherings.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice levels to your liking.
- Diet Friendly: Works for many diets without complex ingredients.
Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Wings with Seasoned Buffalo Sauce
- Chicken Wings – The star of the dish; juicy with a crispy skin.
- Kosher Salt – Perfect for seasoning; brings out the natural flavor.
- Black Pepper – Adds a bit of warmth without overwhelming the palate.
- Vegetable Oil – Keeps the wings from sticking to the grill and helps them cook evenly.
- Unsalted Butter – Creates a creamy, rich sauce without being overly salty.
- Garlic – Freshly minced for that aromatic flavor.
- Frank’s Red Hot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce – The backbone of the Buffalo sauce for that famous heat.
- Onion Powder – Lends a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Chili Powder – Enhances the heat and complexity.
- Sugar – Balances the spice with a hint of sweetness.
Ready to cook? See the recipe card for exact measurements below.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Wings with Seasoned Buffalo Sauce
Phase 1 – Prep
- Start by washing the chicken wings under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Place the wings in a large bowl. Sprinkle kosher salt and black pepper over them. Toss until evenly coated.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F/175°C) and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Phase 2 – Cook/Assemble
- Arrange the chicken wings on the grill, making sure they’re not crowded.
- Grill for about 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until the wings are golden-brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- While the wings are grilling, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, additional kosher salt, onion powder, chili powder, and sugar. Mix well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Phase 3 – Serve
- Once the wings are grilled to perfection, toss them in the warm Buffalo sauce until they’re fully coated.
- Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.
- Don’t forget some celery sticks for that crunchy, fresh contrast!
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Marinate for More Flavor: Let the wings sit in the seasonings for at least 30 minutes before grilling to amplify the flavors.
- Grilling Technique: For extra crispy skin, place the wings away from direct heat for the first half of cooking, then move them closer to the heat to finish.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, allow them to cool before placing in airtight containers for easy reheating later.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overcooking the wings, which can lead to dry meat. Keep a close eye on them and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Another pitfall is not preheating the grill. This is crucial! If the grill isn’t hot enough, the wings will stick and won’t achieve that desired crispy skin.
Lastly, be careful with the Buffalo sauce! If you don’t coat the wings thoroughly, you might miss out on that incredible flavor blend. Make sure to toss them generously while they’re hot!
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Ensure your hot sauce is gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with your favorite plant-based alternative.
- Spicy Variant: Add extra chili powder or a dash of cayenne for a fiery punch.
- Herbal Touch: Mix in some fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra freshness.
- Cooking Method: You can cook in an air fryer for a healthier twist or use the stovetop for convenience.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Wings with Seasoned Buffalo Sauce
- Best Pairings: Serve with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad.
- Toppings: Crumbled blue cheese or additional chopped green onions can elevate the flavor even more.
- Garnishes: Fresh celery sticks or carrot sticks for crunch and freshness.
Make Ahead & Storage
Can I Meal Prep This?
Yes! You can prepare the wings ahead of time and marinate them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling.
Storing Leftovers
Store unused wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Leftover wings can be frozen for up to 3 months. They may lose some texture, so reheat on the grill for best results.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, just thaw them before seasoning and grilling for the best results.
How to make it extra creamy without cream?
The butter in the sauce keeps it creamy and rich—no cream needed!
Can I double it?
Absolutely! Just make sure your grill can handle the extra wings.
How to fix a too-thick sauce?
Simply add a splash of water or extra butter to reach your desired consistency.
Elevate your meal with these Grilled Chicken Wings with Seasoned Buffalo Sauce. They are perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Don’t forget to give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out!
Grilled Chicken Wings with Seasoned Buffalo Sauce
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds Chicken Wings The star of the dish; juicy with a crispy skin.
- 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt Perfect for seasoning; brings out the natural flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Adds a bit of warmth without overwhelming the palate.
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil Keeps the wings from sticking to the grill.
Buffalo Sauce
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Creates a creamy, rich sauce without being overly salty.
- 3 tablespoons Frank's Red Hot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce The backbone of the Buffalo sauce for that famous heat.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Freshly minced for that aromatic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Lends a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder Enhances the heat and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon Sugar Balances the spice with a hint of sweetness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by washing the chicken wings under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Place the wings in a large bowl. Sprinkle kosher salt and black pepper over them. Toss until evenly coated.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F/175°C) and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Cooking
- Arrange the chicken wings on the grill, making sure they’re not crowded.
- Grill for about 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until the wings are golden-brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- While the wings are grilling, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in Frank's Red Hot Sauce, additional kosher salt, onion powder, chili powder, and sugar. Mix well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Serving
- Once the wings are grilled to perfection, toss them in the warm Buffalo sauce until they are fully coated.
- Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping, and don’t forget some celery sticks for that crunchy, fresh contrast!