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    Home » Recipes » appetizer

    Buttermilk Brined Grilled Chicken Wings

    6 hrs 25 mins | Yield 6 | January 31, 2020 | Updated: April 14, 2022 by Kita | This post includes affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Perfectly spicy smoked chicken wings recipe that can be made on any type of grill (masterbuilt, treager, charcoal, gas, etc) with an easy buttermilk brine and spice rub

    These Buttermilk Brined Grilled Chicken Wings are spicy, sizzling chicken wings that are loaded with flavor and grilled to perfection! These wings are so easy to make and perfect for game day! 

    platter of spice rubbed buttermilk brined chicken wings with peppercinis on the side and ranch dipping sauce

    It’s pretty rare that a recipe sends me over the top. Especially a simple one like chicken wings. But whoa. This Buttermilk Brined Grilled Chicken Wings recipe just did that. 

    I decided to make smoked chicken wings for a game-watching party the other day so I set out to jazz up some chicken at a friend’s house while we waited to see who was making it to the next playoff game. Well, no one really cared anymore once I pulled these wings off the grill. They were that freaking good. 

    Ingredients for buttermilk brined smoked chicken wings

    What you need to make this recipe:

    • Chicken Wings – you’ll need 3 pounds of chicken wings for this recipe. 
    • Seasonings – you’ll use an ultra-flavorful blend of cumin, salt, chili powder, ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes. 
    • Buttermilk, Hot Sauce, Pickle Juice, and Lime Juice – these ingredients make up a flavorful, spicy, and tangy marinade for the chicken.

    How to make buttermilk brined grilled chicken wings

    Pat the wings dry and set them aside. Whisk together the seasonings. Add ½ the seasonings into the buttermilk, then add in hot sauce, pickle juice, and lime juice. 

    Place the chicken into a container or Ziplock bag and add the buttermilk mix. Let that sit for 6-8 hours in the fridge. 

    When you’re ready to cook, prep the grill, and remove the chicken from the brine. Sprinkle ¼ of the remaining seasoning over the chicken. 

    buttermilk brined chicken wings step by step collage - with brine, spice rub and grilling

    Place the chicken on the grill, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes. Flip and cook for another 7-10 minutes, moving the wings as needed.

    Once the wings are cooked, remove them from the grill and place them in a bowl. Add the remaining seasoning and hot sauce, then toss to coat. Serve with ranch or blue cheese.

    Recipe FAQs

    How long does it take to grill chicken wings?

    Because wings are small, they don’t take long at all to cook! I cook them for an initial 10-12 minutes, flip and rotate them around the grill, then cook them for another 7-10 minutes. 
    This amount of time is perfect for tender chicken, crispy skin, and a subtly smoky flavor. 

    What does buttermilk brine do to chicken?

    Soaking chicken in a buttermilk brine results in more tender and more flavorful chicken! 
    Why? The acidity in buttermilk breaks down the skin and the meat for a more tender texture and a crispier crust. This breakdown also allows the seasonings to work their way further into the meat so there is flavor all the way throughout! 

    Can you smoke on a gas grill?

    Yep. And it’s super easy! All you have to do is build a smoker packet (or use a smoker box.) 
    For these wings, I turned a traditional gas grill into the perfect smoker by making a smoke box out of aluminum foil. To build a smoker packet, I laid down a piece of aluminum foil and placed a handful of dry chips in the center. I wrapped it, much like you would a burrito, folded the edges over, and pinched the ends shut, leaving a pocket where the air/smoke could escape. 
    After that, I tossed that baby on the grill and let it sit for 20 minutes! Now don’t tell me a gas grill can’t smoke.

    Tips, tricks, and notes for this recipe

    • If you marinate the chicken in a Ziplock bag, set it into another dish so you can easily clean up any leaks that may happen. You don’t want a big mess in your fridge!
    • Cook on medium-hot fire. This is low enough that there aren’t big flare-ups but high enough that you will get that crispy skin.
    • Before you flip, give the wings a little nudge. If the skin sticks, they need longer to cook. If they move easily, they are ready to be flipped.
    • When you flip, move the wings around the grill a bit (front to back/back to front) for even cooking.
    • Temp the chicken off of the heat of the grill for an accurate reading. I use an instant-read thermometer, like a Thermopen, to temp all of my meat. 
    Spice rubbed smoked chicken wings are my favorite grilled chicken wing recipe ever!

    What to serve with grilled chicken wings

    Serve these grilled chicken wings with ranch or blue cheese for dipping…and with napkins! 😉 

    I love to serve these wings as part of an appetizer spread for parties! Here are a few of my favorites:

    • Bacon-Wrapped Smoked Chorizo Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers
    • Philly Cheesesteak Fries
    • Deep-Fried Macaroni and Cheese
    • Pull-Apart BBQ Chicken Bread

    How to store

    These chicken wings are definitely best right away…and I would be shocked if you had leftovers. BUT, if you do, they will last in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. 

    To reheat, thaw in the fridge if frozen, then warm in the oven at 325ºF for 15-20 minutes.

    spicy smoked chicken wings that bathed in a perfect buttermilk brine before being grilled to perfection

    More Wing Inspiration

    • Sriracha Bourbon Chicken Wings
    • Ginger Lime Sticky Wings
    • Sizzling Shanghai Wings
    • Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken Wings

    If you’ve tried these smoked wings or any other recipe on GirlCarnivore.com please don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know where you found it in the comments below.
    I get inspired by your feedback and comments! You can also join in on the adventures on Instagram @girlcarnivore, Twitter & Facebook.

    platter of spice rubbed buttermilk brined chicken wings with peppercinis on the side and ranch dipping sauce
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    5 from 6 votes

    Buttermilk Brined Grilled Chicken Wings

    Ain't nothing like a classic wing with an amazing spice rub. And this is just that. Buttermilk brined smoked chicken wings with a spice-rubbed kick.
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American
    Author: Kita Roberts
    Prep Time6 hrs
    Cook Time25 mins
    Total Time6 hrs 25 mins
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 649kcal

    Equipment

    • Wood Chips

    Ingredients

    • 3 lbs. chicken wings
    • 4 tbsp. Paprika
    • 1 tbsp. cumin
    • 1 tbsp. Salt
    • 1 tsp. Chili Powder
    • ½ tsp. ground Black Pepper
    • ½ tsp. Red pepper Flakes
    • 4 cups Buttermilk
    • 4 – 6 tbsp. Hot Sauce
    • 2 tbsp. Pickle juice
    • 1 tbsp. Lime juice

    Instructions

    Marinate the Chicken in Buttermilk

    • Pat the chicken wings dry. Set aside.
    • Whisk the paprika, cumin, salt, chili powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes together in a bowl.
    • Whisk ½ of the spice mix into the buttermilk.
    • Add the hot sauce, pickle juice, and lime juice.
    • Place the chicken in a large resealable container, or a large Ziplock bag and add the buttermilk mix.
    • Let the chicken sit in the buttermilk 6 to 8 hours in the fridge. If you are using a Ziplock bag, be sure to place it in another dish, no need for leaks.

    Grill the Chicken

    • When ready to cook, prepare your grill for smoking, with a temp of arond 350 F.
    • Remove the chicken from the buttermilk brine and allow excess liquid to drip off.
    • Sprinkle ¼ of the remaining seasoning blend over the chicken, coating evenly.
    • When the grill is hot, arrange the chicken wings in an even layer over the grate.
    • Allow them to cook with the lid closed, 10 – 12 minutes.
    • When the chicken pulls easily from the grate, flip and rotate the wings as needed to avoid burning or flare-ups.
    • Cook until the skin is crispy, another 7 – 10 minutes, moving the wings as needed to cook evenly.
    • The wings are done when they read a temperature of 165 degrees F with an instant-read thermometer.
    • Remove the wings from the grill and place them in a big bowl. Add the remainder of the seasoning and a little hot sauce if you dare and toss the whole bowl to coat. The seasoning will stick to the hot chicken wings.

    Serve

    • Serve with ranch or blue cheese on the side. And napkins.

    Notes

    It’s important to temp the chicken off the heat of the grill for an accurate reading. I use an instant read themometer, like a Thermopen to temp all of my meat for accurate reading. 
    These keep for 3 days stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Eat cold, or reteah in the oven on 325 for 15-20 minutes. 
     

    Nutrition

    Nutrition Facts
    Buttermilk Brined Grilled Chicken Wings
    Amount Per Serving (1 g)
    Calories 649 Calories from Fat 396
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 44g68%
    Saturated Fat 13g81%
    Cholesterol 192mg64%
    Sodium 2044mg89%
    Potassium 898mg26%
    Carbohydrates 16g5%
    Fiber 4g17%
    Sugar 9g10%
    Protein 49g98%
    Vitamin A 5887IU118%
    Vitamin C 21mg25%
    Calcium 263mg26%
    Iron 6mg33%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Nutrition information provided is an estimate. For specific health concerns, please put the recipe into your Dr recommended nutrition calculator.
    Made My Recipe?Mention @girlcarnivore and tag #girlcarnivore!
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    About Kita

    Hey, I'm Kita, the Meat Maven, outdoor junkie, campfire connoisseur, adventure-seeking and world traveled recipe developer and photographer behind GirlCarnivore.com. My mission is to break down savory eats and inspire you to get a little grit under your nails while having fun with your food. READ MORE

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Cindy says

      February 05, 2021 at 10:26 pm

      What temperature do you smoke these wings at and how long?

      Reply
      • Kita says

        February 06, 2021 at 10:08 am

        Hey there Cindy, I run my grill at around 350 for chicken wings and always cook chicken to 165 degrees F internally (love my themopen for checking meat)

        Reply
        • Cindy says

          February 06, 2021 at 11:35 am

          The recipe sounds delicious. I’m going to try them tomorrow. Thanks!

          Reply
    2. Mike says

      February 07, 2021 at 11:22 pm

      5 stars
      Second time I’ve made these. They were a big hit with the family and friends for Super Bowl weekend.

      Reply
      • Kita says

        February 08, 2021 at 10:39 am

        Rock out, Mike. Day made!

        Reply
    3. Jack Wngs says

      June 21, 2021 at 6:17 pm

      So still cook with some of the buttermilk on and pat then dry ?

      Reply
      • Kita says

        June 21, 2021 at 6:32 pm

        Hey Jack, remove them from the buttermilk and let the excess liquid drip off before sprinkling more seasoning on them and putting them directly on the grill.

        Reply
    4. Katie m Petrous says

      August 30, 2021 at 12:32 pm

      can these brine over night?

      Reply
      • Kita says

        August 30, 2021 at 12:46 pm

        Yep, but I try to keep mine to 8 hours max.

        Reply
    5. Mama says

      February 05, 2022 at 6:22 am

      Ca n I use oven instead of grill m

      Reply
      • Kita says

        February 05, 2022 at 9:46 am

        Hey thee. Yes, you absolutely could make these in the oven or even an air fryer.

        Reply
    6. Jenn says

      February 12, 2022 at 3:08 pm

      What kind of hot sauce do you use in this recipe?

      Reply
      • Kita says

        February 13, 2022 at 8:00 am

        Hi there Jenn, Depends on what you like or what you can have (Diet). I use a few dashes of Cholula, Franks, Tabasco, or for a fun twist, try Primal Kitchens Buffalo Sauce

        Reply

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    Hi, I’m Kita! The meat maven for GirlCarnivore®. I’m a freelancing creator, recipe developer, photographer, and world-traveling food junkie. 

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