10 Grilled Chicken Wings Marinades That Wow
Did you know that marinating chicken wings can significantly enhance their flavor and tenderness—up to 25% more juicy goodness? In this article, we’ll explore 10 mouthwatering grilled chicken wings marinades that will take your backyard barbecues to new heights! From a zesty citrus garlic marinade to a refreshing cilantro lime blend, get ready to discover delicious recipes that will wow your guests and elevate your cooking game.
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Zesty Citrus Garlic Marinade
Elevate your grilled chicken wings with this Zesty Citrus Garlic Marinade, packed with vibrant flavors of citrus and garlic that infuse every bite. The perfect blend creates a mouthwatering experience that will impress family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, honey, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
2. Place your chicken wings in a resealable plastic bag or a large bowl, and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the wings are well coated.
3. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably for 4-6 hours for maximum flavor infusion.
4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the wings from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off.
5. Grill the wings for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally until they are cooked through and have a nice char.
Tips:
- For a deeper flavor, marinate the wings overnight.
- Feel free to customize the marinade by adding fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
- Save any leftover marinade (bring it to a boil) to use as a dipping sauce.
Spicy Honey Soy Glaze
This Spicy Honey Soy Glaze is a delicious blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that elevates grilled chicken wings to a whole new level. The combination of honey, soy sauce, and chili brings a tantalizing kick to your BBQ feast.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
2. Reserve a small amount of the glaze (about 1/4 cup) for brushing on the wings while grilling.
3. Marinate the chicken wings in the remaining glaze for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more intense flavor.
4. Preheat your grill to medium heat and oil the grill grates.
5. Remove the wings from the marinade and place them on the grill, cooking for about 10 minutes on one side.
6. Flip the wings, brush with the reserved glaze, and continue grilling for another 10 minutes or until fully cooked and charred to your preference.
Tips:
- Adjust the level of sriracha based on your spice preference.
- For an extra caramelized finish, brush on additional glaze just before removing the wings from the grill.
- Serve these wings with a side of fresh veggies or a cooling dip to balance the heat.
Smoky Chipotle-Lime Marinade
This Smoky Chipotle-Lime Marinade infuses your grilled chicken wings with a bold combination of smoky heat and zesty lime flavor, making them an irresistible crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, minced chipotle peppers, garlic, honey, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Place the chicken wings in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
3. Pour the marinade over the chicken wings, ensuring they are evenly coated.
4. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
5. Remove the wings from the marinade and grill them according to your preferred method until cooked through.
Tips:
- For extra smoky flavor, consider adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the marinade.
- Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the grilled wings.
- Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers based on your heat preference.
Teriyaki Sweet Chili Blend
This Teriyaki Sweet Chili Blend brings together the rich, savory notes of teriyaki sauce with the sweet and spicy kick of chili, making it the perfect marinade for grilled chicken wings. The combination of these key flavors is sure to satisfy your taste buds and elevate any barbecue experience.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 pounds chicken wings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine teriyaki sauce, sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to mix.
2. Place the chicken wings in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and toss to coat the wings evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more flavor.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the wings from the marinade and let excess marinade drip off.
4. Grill the wings for about 20-25 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are cooked through and have nice grill marks.
5. Optional: Brush the wings with any reserved marinade during the last few minutes of grilling for extra flavor.
6. Remove the wings from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips:
- For more tenderness, let the wings marinate overnight.
- Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken wings reaches 165°F.
- Pair with fresh vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal.
Bold Italian Herb Infusion
Experience the zest of Italian flavors with this Bold Italian Herb Infusion, perfect for marinating grilled chicken wings. The robust mix of herbs and spices elevates the dish, making it irresistible to anyone who loves bold, savory tastes.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, white vinegar, basil, oregano, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
2. Whisk the mixture until all ingredients are well-blended.
3. Place chicken wings in a large resealable bag or dish and pour the herb infusion over them, ensuring all wings are coated.
4. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours for best results.
5. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
6. Remove wings from marinade, letting excess drip off, and place them on the grill.
7. Grill wings for about 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through and crispy.
8. Serve hot, drizzled with any leftover marinade if desired.
Tips:
- For added flavor, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the marinade.
- Ensure chicken wings are fully cooked by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let the wings rest for a few minutes after grilling for the juiciest results.
Pineapple Ginger Teriyaki Marinade
This Pineapple Ginger Teriyaki Marinade is a delightful mixture that brings together the sweetness of pineapple with the warmth of ginger, creating a flavorful fusion that elevates grilled chicken wings to new heights.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, grated ginger, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic until well combined.
2. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Add it to the marinade mixture and stir until smooth.
3. Pour the marinade into a saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
4. Remove the marinade from heat and let it cool before using it to marinate your chicken wings.
Tips:
- For best results, marinate the chicken wings for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
- This marinade works wonderfully with other proteins like pork or tofu as well.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar according to your taste.
Maple Mustard BBQ Sauce
This Maple Mustard BBQ Sauce perfectly balances the sweetness of maple syrup with the tang of mustard, creating a unique flavor that’s perfect for grilled chicken wings. Its rich, bold taste elevates your barbecue experience while being easy to make!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
2. Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
3. Whisk the ingredients together until fully blended and smooth.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
5. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Tips:
- For a spicier version, add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- This sauce works great not just with chicken wings but also on ribs or grilled veggies.
- Make it a day ahead for the flavors to meld together for even better taste!
Tangy Buffalo Ranch Marinade
This Tangy Buffalo Ranch Marinade elevates your grilled chicken wings with its zesty blend of spicy and creamy flavors, creating a mouthwatering experience for any gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine ranch dressing, buffalo hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Add garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the mixture, and whisk until well blended.
3. Place your chicken wings in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
4. Pour the marinade over the wings, ensuring they are well coated.
5. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight for maximum flavor.
6. Grill or bake the wings according to your preferred method, basting with leftover marinade if desired.
Tips:
- For an extra kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper.
- Marinate for longer for deeper flavor penetration.
- Customize the heat level by adjusting the buffalo sauce to your taste.
- This marinade works great with other proteins like shrimp or tofu.
Savory Garlic Parmesan Blend
This Savory Garlic Parmesan Blend elevates grilled chicken wings with its rich combination of garlic and Parmesan cheese, creating an irresistible flavor profile that appeals to all taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
2. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well blended.
3. Sprinkle the Savory Garlic Parmesan Blend over cooked grilled chicken wings.
4. Toss the wings to ensure they are evenly coated with the blend.
Tips:
- This blend can also be used on roasted vegetables for an added flavor kick.
- Store any leftover blend in an airtight container for up to a month.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
Refreshing Cilantro Lime Marinade
This Refreshing Cilantro Lime Marinade is the perfect blend of tangy lime, fresh cilantro, and aromatic garlic, making it an irresistible choice for grilled chicken wings. Its vibrant flavors will elevate your BBQ game and impress your guests!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, honey, cumin, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Add the chopped cilantro and minced garlic to the bowl, stirring gently to incorporate.
3. Pour the marinade over your chicken wings in a large zip-top bag or bowl, ensuring they are well coated.
4. Marinate the chicken wings in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
5. When ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high and cook the wings until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (about 20-25 minutes), turning occasionally.
Tips:
- For a spicier kick, add a chopped jalapeño to the marinade.
- This marinade also works wonderfully with shrimp and fish!
- Make sure to massage the marinade into the wings for even flavor distribution.
- Use leftover marinade as a dressing for salads or as a dipping sauce.