How Long to Grill Chicken Wings (Complete Guide to Temps, Timing, and Perfectly Grilled Wings)
How long to grill chicken wings is one of the most searched grilling questions because wings sit right in the danger zone between “easy crowd favorite” and “burnt outside, raw inside disaster.” Wings cook slower than most people expect, and rushing them is the fastest way to ruin texture, flavor, and juiciness.
If you’ve ever asked how long to grill wings, how long to cook chicken wings on grill, how long does it take to grill chicken wings, or what temp to grill chicken wings, the real answer depends on grill temperature, wing size, and how you manage heat. Gas, charcoal, and pellet grills all behave differently—but the fundamentals stay the same.
This guide goes deeper than quick answers. You’ll learn how to grill chicken wings step by step, exact cook times by grill type, the science behind crispy skin, internal temperature targets, and how to avoid the most common wing-grilling mistakes.
- The Short Answer
- What Temperature to Grill Chicken Wings
- How Long Does It Take to Grill Chicken Wings?
- How Long to Grill Chicken Wings on a Gas Grill
- How Long to Grill Chicken Wings on a Charcoal Grill
- How Long to Cook Chicken Wings on a Pellet Grill
- Whole Wings vs Party Wings vs Drumettes
- How to Prep Wings for the Grill
- How to Grill Chicken Wings Step-by-Step
- How Long to Grill Wings at 350
- Internal Temperature for Grilled Wings
- How to Get Crispy Wings on the Grill
- When to Sauce Chicken Wings
- Common Wing Grilling Mistakes
- FAQ
- Conclusion
The Short Answer
Chicken wings take 20–30 minutes to grill at a grill temperature of 350°F–400°F. Most wings cook best using indirect heat first, followed by direct heat to crisp the skin.
What Temperature to Grill Chicken Wings
If you’re searching what temp to grill wings or what temperature to grill chicken wings, this is the ideal range:
- 350°F–375°F: Best balance of even cooking and skin rendering
- 375°F–400°F: Faster cook, better crisping
- Below 325°F: Skin stays rubbery
- Above 425°F: Wings burn before cooking through
Chicken wings need enough heat to render fat under the skin, but not so much heat that sugars burn.
How Long Does It Take to Grill Chicken Wings?
How long do chicken wings take to grill? It depends on size and grill setup.
| Wing Type | Total Grill Time |
|---|---|
| Party wings (wingettes & drumettes) | 20–25 minutes |
| Whole chicken wings | 25–30 minutes |
| Jumbo wings | 30–35 minutes |
This answers searches like how long wings on grill, how long grill chicken wings, and chicken wings on grill how long.
How Long to Grill Chicken Wings on a Gas Grill
For anyone asking how to grill chicken wings on gas grill or how long to grill wings on gas grill:
- Preheat grill for 10–15 minutes
- Create two zones by turning one burner off
- Cook wings over indirect heat for 15–20 minutes
- Move wings over direct heat for 5–10 minutes to crisp
Total cook time on a gas grill is typically 20–30 minutes.
How Long to Grill Chicken Wings on a Charcoal Grill
If you’re searching how to grill wings on charcoal or how long to cook chicken wings on charcoal grill:
- Wait until charcoal is fully ashed over
- Build a two-zone fire
- Start wings on indirect heat
- Finish wings directly over coals
Charcoal grilling usually takes 25–30 minutes total and adds excellent flavor.
How Long to Cook Chicken Wings on a Pellet Grill
For how to cook chicken wings on pellet grill or how long to cook chicken wings on pellet grill:
- Set pellet grill to 375°F
- Cook wings for 25–30 minutes
- Increase heat to 425°F at the end if needed
Pellet grills cook wings evenly but often need a higher finishing temperature to crisp skin.
Whole Wings vs Party Wings vs Drumettes
Party Wings
Separated wingettes and drumettes cook faster and crisp more easily.
Whole Chicken Wings
Whole wings require more time because the joint insulates the center.
Drumettes
Drumettes cook slightly slower than flats due to thicker meat.
How to Prep Wings for the Grill
Proper prep makes a big difference in grilling results.
- Pat wings completely dry
- Trim excess skin if needed
- Season lightly—too much sugar burns
Dry skin equals crisp skin.
How to Grill Chicken Wings Step-by-Step
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Bring grill temperature to 350°F–400°F.
Step 2: Set Up Two-Zone Cooking
Indirect heat first prevents burning.
Step 3: Grill Wings Indirectly
Cook wings 15–20 minutes, turning every 5–7 minutes.
Step 4: Finish Over Direct Heat
Move wings to direct heat to crisp the skin.
Step 5: Rest Briefly
Let wings rest 3–5 minutes before serving.
How Long to Grill Wings at 350
If you’re searching how long to grill wings at 350:
- Party wings: 25–30 minutes
- Whole wings: 30–35 minutes
Lower temperatures require longer cook times.
Internal Temperature for Grilled Wings
Chicken wings must reach:
- 165°F minimum (USDA)
- 175°F–185°F recommended for tender wings
Wings taste better when cooked slightly past the minimum safe temperature.
How to Get Crispy Wings on the Grill
- Dry wings thoroughly
- Use indirect heat first
- Finish with direct heat
- Avoid sugary sauces until the end
When to Sauce Chicken Wings
Sauce wings during the final 2–3 minutes of cooking or toss them after grilling. Saucing too early causes burning.
Common Wing Grilling Mistakes
Cooking Over Direct Heat the Entire Time
This leads to burnt skin and raw centers.
Saucing Too Early
Sugars scorch quickly.
Skipping Temperature Checks
Color is not a reliable doneness indicator.
Cooking Too Cold
Low heat creates rubbery skin.
FAQ
Can you grill chicken wings?
Yes—grilling is one of the best methods.
How long should you grill chicken wings?
20–30 minutes at 350°F–400°F.
How long do you grill wings on a gas grill?
About 25 minutes using indirect heat.
Do wings need flipping?
Yes—turn every 5–7 minutes.
Conclusion
How long to grill chicken wings depends on size, grill type, and temperature—but most wings cook perfectly in 20–30 minutes at 350°F–400°F. Use indirect heat first, finish over direct heat, cook to internal temperature, and resist the urge to rush. When done correctly, grilled wings deliver crispy skin, juicy meat, and flavor that beats the oven every time.
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