Tangy BBQ Chicken Wing Platter

Name: Tangy BBQ Chicken Wing Platter
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken wings; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup ketchup; 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Highlighted under: Fast-Track Meal Recipes

I absolutely love serving up this Tangy BBQ Chicken Wing Platter for gatherings and game days! The combination of juicy chicken wings slathered in a homemade tangy BBQ sauce is a crowd-pleaser every time. I’m particularly fond of how easily the sauce comes together, allowing me to whip up a flavorful dish in no time. Whether paired with crunchy veggies or served solo, these wings never fail to impress. Trust me, this platter will be the star of your next party!

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2026-01-17T14:22:28.248Z

While experimenting with different barbecue sauces, I stumbled upon this incredible tangy version that complements chicken wings perfectly. I love how the blend of vinegar and spices creates a flavorful punch that resonates with anyone who's a fan of BBQ. It took a couple of tries, but settling on the right balance made all the difference!

The method I’ve honed involves marinating the wings prior to cooking, which ensures that each bite is packed with flavor. After grilling, tossing them in the sauce gives them a beautiful glaze that not only looks appealing but tastes fantastic. These tips guarantee wings that everyone will be raving about!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Zesty yet sweet flavor that excites your taste buds
Perfectly tender wings that fall off the bone
Great for any occasion, from casual dinners to festive celebrations

      

Mastering the Perfect Grill Marks

To achieve the perfect grill marks on your chicken wings, it's essential to make sure your grill is properly preheated. Aim for medium-high heat, usually around 375°F to 400°F. When you place the wings on the grill, avoid moving them too soon; give them about 4-5 minutes on one side before turning. This wait allows the wings to sear nicely and creates those signature grill marks that look and taste fantastic.

Another technique to enhance the flavor of your grilled wings is to use a two-zone grilling method. Set one side of your grill to direct heat and the other to indirect heat. Start cooking the wings over direct heat to get a good char, then move them to the indirect side to finish cooking through. This keeps the outer layer crispy while ensuring the inside remains juicy.

Understanding BBQ Sauce Chemistry

The beauty of the homemade BBQ sauce in this recipe lies in the balance of its sweet and tangy elements. The sugar from the brown sugar caramelizes during cooking, creating a depth of flavor and a thicker texture. If you find the sauce too sweet for your taste, feel free to add a bit more vinegar or even a splash of hot sauce to bring in additional acidity.

Each ingredient in the sauce plays a vital role; for instance, smoked paprika isn't just about color, but also imparts that smoky, barbecue aroma that elevates your wings. If you're looking for a healthier twist, you can substitute regular ketchup with a low-sugar or organic version without compromising on flavor. Experimenting with different spices can also give the sauce a personalized touch!

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

When presenting your Tangy BBQ Chicken Wing Platter, consider adding colorful garnishes like chopped parsley or spring onions for a fresh touch. Pair the wings with crunchy veggies like carrot sticks and celery or serve with a creamy blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping. This not only enhances the dish visually but creates a delightful contrast with the tangy wings.

If you're making these wings in advance, you can prepare the BBQ sauce ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and toss it with freshly grilled wings. For leftovers, store the coated wings in the fridge for up to 3 days; for longer preservation, freeze them in a single layer and reheat directly from frozen on the grill or oven for best results.

Ingredients

For the Wings

2 pounds chicken wings
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the BBQ Sauce

1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Mix the chicken wings with salt, pepper, and olive oil in a bowl.

Steps to Prepare

Prepare the Chicken Wings

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. In a large bowl, mix the chicken wings with salt, black pepper, and olive oil until well coated.

Make the BBQ Sauce

In a saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring often, and let it cook for about 10 minutes.

Grill the Wings

Place the seasoned chicken wings on the grill. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally until they are cooked through and nicely charred.

Coat with Sauce

Once cooked, remove the wings from the grill and place them in a large bowl. Pour the tangy BBQ sauce over the wings and toss to coat thoroughly.

Serve Hot

Transfer the coated wings to a platter and serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley or Spring onions if desired.

Enjoy your delicious BBQ wings with your favorite dipping sauces!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, marinate the wings in the spice mix overnight before grilling. This will yield incredibly tender and flavorful meat.

Scaling the Recipe

This Tangy BBQ Chicken Wing Platter is easily scalable for larger gatherings. If you plan to double or triple the recipe, remember not to crowd the grill as this can lead to uneven cooking. You might want to consider using a larger grilling surface or cooking in batches to maintain consistent heat. Each batch should still follow the same cooking times, ensuring that all wings are properly charred and cooked through.

If you need to accommodate various dietary preferences, you can also try swapping out chicken wings for drumsticks or even cauliflower wings for a vegetarian option. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary; cauliflower wings will need a shorter grilling time, while drumsticks may require a few more minutes.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common pitfall when grilling chicken wings is undercooking. To prevent this, it's a good idea to use a meat thermometer. Wings should have an internal temperature of 165°F to be fully cooked and safe to eat. If you notice that wings are browning too quickly on the outside but still undercooked within, reducing the grill temperature and moving the wings to cooler parts of the grill can help.

Another potential issue is wings that are overly greasy or soggy. This can happen if too much oil is used prior to grilling. Stick to the recommended tablespoon of olive oil for coating. Additionally, placing wings on a paper towel after cooking helps absorb any excess grease, ensuring they stay crispy before serving.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken wings?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely before marinating and grilling.

→ Is the BBQ sauce spicy?

The cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat, but you can adjust the amount to suit your taste.

→ Can I bake these wings instead?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 40-45 minutes, turning halfway through for even cooking.

→ What sides go well with BBQ chicken wings?

Classic sides include coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness.