How to Grill Chicken Wings

What You'll Need

Before starting, make sure you have everything on this list. We recommend Kingsford® Original Charcoal Briquets. And don’t skip the digital meat thermometer — it’s the best way to get your chicken wings done right.

FUELS AND TOOLS

Kingsford® Original Charcoal Briquets
Digital Meat Thermometer
Sharp Knife
Large, Resealable Glad® Plastic Bag or Container
Long-Handled Tongs or Long-Handled Metal Spatula
Paper Towels

INGREDIENTS

Whole Chicken Wings, Cut into Wings and Drumettes
Marinade or Barbecue Rub or Dry Seasoning
Salt and Pepper
Sauce or Glaze (Optional)
Your Favorite Dressings or Dipping Sauces (Optional)
Cooking Oil

KINGSFORD® CHARCOAL

Our charcoal has been proudly made in the USA since 1920. Available in a variety of flavors to give you a delicious, smoky taste for any occasion.

Kingsford® Original Charcoal bag with a Made in the USA badge and illustrated flame. The words "The Original" in the background.

Kingsford® Professional Charcoal Briquets

A bag Kingsford® Charcoal with Mesquite with a Made in the USA badge. The word "Mesquite" is ghosted in the background.

Kingsford® Match Light® Charcoal with a Made in the USA badge and red flame illustration. The words "Match Light" are ghosted in the background.

Kingsford® Easy Light Bag with a Made in the USA badge and red flame illustration. The words "Easy Light" ghosted in the background.

How to Prep

Chicken wings have 3 sections: the wing tip, the middle joint and the drumette. Most likely the wings you buy will be whole. You can grill your chicken wings whole, but if you’d rather separate them, it’s easy to do!

How to Build Your Fire

Give your top grill grate a good brushing and set it aside. Pour Kingsford® Original Charcoal Briquets into a chimney — or pour them in a mound and light. Wait for coals to light fully.
Once the charcoal turns gray with ash, arrange coals in a Two-Zone Method: coals on one side of the grill and a void on the other.
Coals should be at Medium Heat — around 400°F. How to control the heat when grilling with charcoal.
Add the grate and let it heat up.
When you’re at temp, put cooking oil on a folded paper towel. Grab the oiled paper towel with the tongs and oil the grate thoroughly.

Grilling Time & Temp

Place the chicken wings on the hottest part of the grate, directly above the coals and sear for 1 to 3 minutes, searing the wings on all sides until they’re nicely browned, and the skin is crispy.
When the chicken wings are browned on all sides, move them to the cooler side of the grate. Place the lid on the grill and let them finish cooking through.
Depending on the size of the wings, they should take about 8 to 10 minutes to finish cooking. Use your digital meat thermometer to make sure they’ve hit the internal temperature of 175°F.

The Finish

There’s no need to let chicken wings rest — they’re ready to be served right off the grill.
Enjoy them with your favorite dressings or dipping sauces — we recommend Hidden Valley® Original Ranch®. And don’t forget the celery sticks!

An American Story

Preserve the Pit

American Pride

The Kingsford Difference

What You'll Need

KINGSFORD® CHARCOAL

How to Prep

How to Prep

How to Build Your Fire

How to Build Your Fire

Grilling Time & Temp

Grilling Time & Temp

The Finish

The Finish