How Long to Grill Chicken Wings? The Straight Answer for Backyard BBQ Fans 🍗

Carla Morel
5 days ago
3 min read

Chicken wings are a grill master’s secret weapon — quick to cook, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly versatile. But one question always comes up: how long to grill chicken wings?

Get it wrong, and you’re stuck with rubbery or dry wings. Get it right, and you’ll have crispy, juicy perfection every single time.

This guide covers everything you need: grill times for wings, pellet grill chicken wings, how to grill chicken wings on a gas grill, calories and nutrition facts, and step-by-step methods to guarantee success.

For perfectly cooked poultry, here’s the straight answer on how long to boil chicken breast so it stays tender and safe to eat.

Close-up of glazed chicken wings on a grill, sprinkled with sesame seeds and orange zest. Golden brown color with a shiny, appetizing look.

Why Chicken Wings Are Perfect for the Grill

Chicken wings pack flavor in every bite. The skin crisps up beautifully on high heat, and the meat stays juicy because of natural fat content.

Cook quickly compared to larger cuts
Adaptable for marinades, rubs, or sauces
Perfect for smoking, grilling, or pellet grills

Pro Tip: For maximum crispiness, pat wings dry before seasoning or marinating. Moisture = soggy skin.

How Long to Grill Chicken Wings

The sweet spot for wings is 18–25 minutes total, depending on your grill type and temperature. Wings should be grilled over medium-high heat (375–400°F), flipped every few minutes until the skin is golden and the internal temp reaches 165°F.

Here’s a breakdown:

Method	Grill Temp	Cook Time	Notes
Gas grill (direct heat)	375–400°F	18–22 minutes	Flip every 4–5 minutes
Charcoal grill (two-zone fire)	375–400°F	20–25 minutes	Sear then move to indirect heat
Pellet grill chicken wings	375–400°F	25–30 minutes	Adds smoky flavor
Smoked chicken wings (pellet grill, low temp)	225–250°F	45–60 minutes	Smoke first, then crisp on high heat

How to Grill Chicken Wings on a Gas Grill

Gas grills make it easy to control heat.

Preheat grill to 375–400°F.
Oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Place wings directly over heat, flipping every 4–5 minutes.
Grill for 18–22 minutes until crisp and 165°F internal temp.
Toss in sauce (buffalo, BBQ, teriyaki) after grilling for best results.

Think of wings like steak bites: high heat, frequent flipping, and a quick finish.

Chicken Wings on a Pellet Grill

Pellet grills give you the best of both worlds — smoky flavor and steady heat.

Preheat to 375–400°F.
Smoke/grill wings for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.
For smoked chicken wings pellet grill style: run at 225°F for 45–60 minutes, then crank heat to 400°F for 5 minutes to crisp the skin.

Traeger, Pit Boss, and other pellet smokers make wings effortless and consistent.

Smoked Boneless vs Traditional Wings

While traditional bone-in wings are the gold standard, boneless wings (usually chicken breast chunks) can also be grilled.

Boneless wings cook faster — around 12–15 minutes at 375°F.
They lack the fatty richness of bone-in wings, so brine or marinade helps keep them moist.

Grilled Chicken Wings Nutrition & Calories

Wondering about health stats? Here’s a quick look:

Type	Serving Size (3.5 oz / 100g)	Calories	Protein	Fat
Grilled chicken wings (plain)	~100g (3–4 wings)	203	30g	8g
Chicken wings, pellet grill	Similar, slightly higher if sauced	210–230	29g	9–10g
Fried chicken wings (for comparison)	100g	290–300	27g	19–20g

Grilled wings are healthier than fried, with fewer calories and less fat while still being protein-packed.

How to Make Chicken Wings on the Grill (Step by Step)

Prep: Pat wings dry. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your choice of spices.
Preheat: Get your grill to 375–400°F.
Grill: Place wings in a single layer, turning every 4–5 minutes.
Check temp: Wings are done at 165°F internal, usually after 18–25 minutes.
Finish: Toss in sauce or serve dry with dipping sauces.