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–+ servings
close up of cooked chicken wings with dry spice rub

Hot & Fast Dry-Brined Grilled Chicken Wings

This easy recipe uses a dry brine to improve the texture and moisture retention of grilled chicken wings. Refrigerating the wings uncovered allows moisture to evaporate, further improving texture. A final blast over direct heat renders remaining fat and tightens the chicken skin without drying the meat on the wings.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Brining Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pounds chicken wings separated into flat and drumsticks
  • 1 3/4 teaspoons Morton Coarse Kosher Salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder aluminum free
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Pinch cayenne pepper or chili powder (optional)

Method 

  1. Prep. Pat the wings completely dry with paper towels. 
    In a large bowl, combine the salt, baking powder, black pepper, granulated garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne if using. Toss the wings thoroughly until evenly coated.
    Arrange the wings skin-side up on a wire rack set over a sheet pan. Refrigerate uncovered for at least 8 hours and up to 24 hours. This step dries the skin and seasons the meat all the way through.
  2. Fire up. Set up a grill for indirect cooking with a hot zone and a cooler zone. Target a cooking temperature of 375 to 425°F. Clean and oil the grates well.
  3. Cook. Place the wings over indirect heat and cook with the lid closed for 25 to 30 minutes, allowing the fat to render and the meat to cook gently.
    Move the wings over direct heat and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes, turning frequently, until the skin is crisp and evenly browned. When the wings reach an internal temperature of 170 to 175°F, transfer them to a platter. 
  4. Serve.  These wings shine on their own and reward cooks who let technique do the talking. Serve as-is, or toss lightly with wing sauce if desired. Some options include Buffalo sauce, KC Style BBQ sauce, Carolina Style Mustard BBQ Sauce or whatever sauce you like.

Notes

About the baking powder. Adding aluminum-free baking powder to the dry brine raises the surface pH on the chicken skin, accelerating Maillard reactions and promoting deeper color during the high-heat finish.
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