If you’ve been searching for the perfect crowd-pleaser to fire up your next gathering, look no further. This Grilled Chicken Wings with Spicy Buffalo Sauce Recipe combines the irresistible smoky char from the grill with a tangy, buttery buffalo kick that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Each bite bursts with flavor, balancing a savory marinade and that classic spicy sauce, making these wings your soon-to-be favorite go-to for game days, backyard barbecues, or casual family dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl in the center filled with many raw chicken wings that are pale pink with white skin texture. Around it, six small clear glass bowls placed on a white marbled surface hold various ingredients: the top left bowl has light brown sugar with a grainy texture, below it a bowl holds a solid white butter cube, beneath it a bowl contains five different spices arranged in small piles — brown pepper, white salt, off-white garlic powder, beige onion powder, and bright red paprika. On the right side, two more bowls: the top one filled with an orange-red smooth sauce, and below it a bottle with golden-yellow olive oil. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role—from the sweetness of brown sugar that caramelizes beautifully on the grill, to the smoky paprika that brings depth and warmth, and of course the hot sauce and butter combo that makes the buffalo sauce irresistibly rich and spicy.

Olive oil: This acts as the perfect base for the marinade, helping to coat the wings and keep them juicy during grilling.
Light brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the spice and helps create a caramelized crust.
Smoked paprika: Gives a smoky, slightly sweet flavor that complements the char from the grill wonderfully.
Onion powder: Provides savory depth without overpowering the other seasonings.
Garlic powder: Infuses a subtle sharpness that brightens the marinade.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and tenderizes the meat.
Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and slight pungency for complexity.
Chicken wings (flats and drumettes): The star of the show, ensuring plenty of juicy, crispy bites.
Hot sauce: The essential ingredient for that spicy buffalo punch.
Melted butter: Smooths out the heat and adds richness to the buffalo sauce.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Wings with Spicy Buffalo Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Wings

Start by whisking together the olive oil, brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This vibrant marinade coats each wing, helping infuse flavor throughout while tenderizing the meat. Toss the wings until they’re fully covered, then cover and refrigerate for about 15 to 20 minutes. This short marination time packs enough punch to elevate the wings without overwhelming their natural taste.

Step 2: Preheat and Prepare Your Grill

Fire up your outdoor gas grill to a steady medium-high heat, aiming for roughly 400°F. To keep the wings from sticking, give the grates a light brushing of oil. This step ensures you get those beautiful grill marks and a crisp exterior without losing any precious meat to the grill surface.

Step 3: Grill the Wings

Remove your wings from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, then discard the leftover marinade to avoid flare-ups. Position the wings directly on the grill grates and let them work their magic for 25 to 30 minutes. Turn the wings occasionally so they develop a uniform golden brown color and cook thoroughly. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 175°F, which guarantees tender, thoroughly cooked wings easy to eat off the bone.

Step 4: Make the Spicy Buffalo Sauce

While the wings grill, whisk together the hot sauce and melted butter in a separate bowl. This quick and easy sauce gets that perfect balance of creamy richness with a spicy kick, delivering the iconic buffalo flavor that makes these wings unforgettable.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Once the wings are grilled to perfection, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the wings and toss thoroughly to coat every piece. The sauce clings to the crispy exterior and seeps into each nook, ensuring every bite explodes with that signature spicy buttery brilliance.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Wings with Spicy Buffalo Sauce Recipe

Chicken wings are placed on a black grill with orange flame below. The wings show a light orange sauce coating, with some areas appearing shiny and moist, while the texture of the grilled skin is smooth and slightly charred in some spots. The wings are arranged unevenly across the grill bars, showing different angles and sizes, with no other items in the frame. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To amp up your presentation and flavor profile, consider topping your wings with freshly chopped green onions or a sprinkle of celery salt. A side of crunchy celery sticks or carrot strips provides a fresh contrast and a cool crunch that complements the fiery wings beautifully.

Side Dishes

Classic sides like blue cheese or ranch dressing are a must-have dipping option, cooling down the heat while adding creaminess. Pair these wings with crispy french fries, a tangy coleslaw, or even a fresh garden salad to round out your meal and keep the party vibes going strong.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the wings in a rustic wooden platter lined with parchment paper or in a mini bucket for that casual sports-bar feel. You can also stack them on a tiered tray to make a stunning centerpiece at your next event. Don’t forget to provide plenty of napkins — things are about to get delightfully messy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover grilled chicken wings with spicy buffalo sauce recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they’ve cooled to room temperature before sealing to avoid condensation, which can affect texture.

Freezing

If you want to save some wings for later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Once frozen solid, transfer the wings to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 2 months, making it easy to enjoy this flavorful dish anytime you like.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the wings in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 to 15 minutes until hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to retain that wonderful grilled texture and the boldness of the buffalo sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?

Yes, frozen wings work well but be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before marinating and grilling. This ensures even cooking and better absorption of the marinade flavors.

What is the best type of hot sauce to use in the buffalo sauce?

A classic cayenne-based hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot is ideal because it has the perfect heat level and tanginess needed for authentic buffalo sauce flavor.

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Absolutely! You can bake these wings in the oven at 425°F for about 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway, then toss with the sauce. Though grilling imparts a smoky char, oven-baked wings are still delicious and crispy.

How spicy are these wings?

The heat level is medium and balanced with butter’s richness. You can adjust spiciness by reducing or increasing the amount of hot sauce in the buffalo sauce according to your preference.

Why is it important to discard the leftover marinade?

Leftover marinade contains raw chicken juices and could contaminate your wings if reused. Discarding it keeps food safe and prevents any potential bacterial risks during grilling.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Chicken Wings with Spicy Buffalo Sauce Recipe is a guaranteed winner that brings people together with its bold flavors and addictive texture. Whether you’re a longtime wing lover or just discovering their charm, these wings deliver smoky, spicy satisfaction that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.