Ultimate Crispy Grilled Buffalo Chicken Wings on a Weber Kettle
There’s nothing quite like the perfect Buffalo chicken wing – that irresistible combination of crispy skin, juicy meat, and a fiery, tangy sauce that makes your taste buds sing. While traditionally deep-fried, we’re taking this classic appetizer to new heights by grilling it on a Weber Kettle. This method not only offers a healthier alternative to deep-frying but also infuses the wings with a mouthwatering smoky char that’s simply unbeatable. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy-to-follow recipe for the most flavorful grilled Buffalo chicken wings you’ve ever tasted!
Why You’ll Love This Weber Kettle Grilled Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe
If you’re wondering why you should ditch the deep fryer and fire up your Weber Kettle for your next batch of Buffalo wings, here are a few compelling reasons:
- An Irresistible Classic Everyone Craves – Let’s be real: chicken wings are a universal language of deliciousness. With the rare exception, everyone adores these heavenly morsels of tender, dark chicken meat encased in crispy, flavorful skin. When you add the iconic Buffalo sauce – a perfect blend of warm butter and hot sauce – you create an explosion of flavor that makes every bite insanely satisfying. This recipe elevates that experience by introducing a smoky dimension that traditional fried wings can’t offer. Prepare for these to disappear quickly!
- Uncomplicated and Easy to Master – Don’t let the thought of grilling intimidate you. This recipe is designed with simplicity in mind, breaking down the process into just a few straightforward steps. You’ll begin by seasoning your wings with a special rub, then grill them to perfection on your Weber Kettle, create the classic Buffalo sauce, and finally, dunk your beautifully grilled wings into that tangy, spicy goodness. It’s an incredibly satisfying way to conquer your Buffalo chicken wing cravings without any unnecessary fuss. The fifth, and arguably most important, step? DEVOUR every last one!
- The Ultimate Fun Food for Any Gathering – What could be better than a platter piled high with hot, crispy, saucy grilled Buffalo wings? Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, tailgating before a big game, or simply enjoying a casual get-together with friends and family, these wings are the quintessential party food. They’re designed for sharing, for finger-licking, and for creating unforgettable moments around the grill. Forget complicated entrees; embrace the joy of perfectly grilled Buffalo wings.
- Healthier and Flavorful Alternative – Unlike deep-frying, grilling allows excess fat to drip away, making these Buffalo wings a slightly lighter option without sacrificing any flavor or crunch. The direct flame and smoke from the Weber Kettle impart a unique, complex taste that fried wings simply can’t replicate. You get all the crispiness and juiciness you desire, plus a delicious smoky char that takes the wings to a whole new level.
Essential Ingredients for Your Weber Kettle Grilled Buffalo Chicken Wings
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to grilling success. This recipe uses simple, accessible components to create truly outstanding results. For convenience, we’ll refer to the combination of wings and drumettes simply as “chicken wings” throughout this recipe.
Ingredients for the Chicken Wing Rub:
- 3 pounds chicken wings and drumettes (approximately 15 pieces)
- ¾ cup chicken wing rub (a good quality plain chicken rub works perfectly too)
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
Ingredients for the Classic Buffalo Chicken Wing Hot Sauce:
- 1 cup hot pepper sauce (Frank’s RedHot is often the go-to for authentic Buffalo flavor)
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- ½ teaspoon powdered garlic
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Directions for Grilling Perfect Weber Kettle Buffalo Chicken Wings
Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfectly grilled, crispy, and saucy Buffalo wings on your Weber Kettle:
1. Set Up Your Weber Kettle for Indirect Grilling – Achieving crispy skin and evenly cooked wings starts with proper grill setup. Fill your charcoal chimney fire starter with high-quality charcoal briquettes. Once they’re fully lit and glowing red, carefully empty them onto the charcoal grate. Using long grill tongs, create two equal piles of charcoal on opposite sides of the Weber Kettle, leaving the center empty. This creates a zone for indirect heat. Add three more fresh charcoal briquettes to each pile to ensure consistent heat for the cooking duration. Place your cooking grate back on the grill.
2. Prepare the Chicken Wings for Grilling – For the crispiest skin, begin by thoroughly patting the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture, which is crucial for achieving that desirable crackling exterior. In a medium-sized bowl, combine your chosen chicken wing rub with the cornstarch. The cornstarch is a secret weapon here, helping to create an extra-crispy coating. Sprinkle this mixture generously over each chicken wing, ensuring every part is completely covered. Bringing the wings to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before grilling can also help them cook more evenly.
3. Indirect Grill the Chicken Wings to Perfection – Carefully place the seasoned chicken wings in the center of the Weber Kettle grill grate, directly over the empty space between the two charcoal piles. Close the lid and grill indirectly for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, use your tongs to flip each chicken wing over, then continue grilling indirectly for another 20 minutes. This indirect heat ensures the wings cook through evenly without burning, rendering the fat, and starting to crisp the skin. If needed, rotate the wings away from the direct heat of the coals to prevent scorching. If your grill temperature drops significantly, feel free to add a few more charcoal briquettes to each pile.
4. Prepare the Zesty Buffalo Chicken Wing Sauce – While your chicken wings are diligently grilling, it’s the perfect time to whip up the signature Buffalo sauce. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine all the Buffalo chicken wing hot sauce ingredients: hot pepper sauce, butter, white wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, and powdered garlic. Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk continuously as the butter melts and the ingredients combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle, low simmer, stirring until everything is well incorporated and the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Keep the sauce warm until your wings are ready.
5. Add a Delicious Char with Direct Grilling – After indirect grilling, the wings will be mostly cooked. Now, it’s time to add that fantastic smoky char and extra crispiness. Using your grill tongs, move the chicken wings from the center to directly over the hot charcoal piles on the sides of the Weber Kettle grill grate. This direct grilling step should be quick – approximately one minute per side. Keep a very close eye on them, flipping frequently, as you want to achieve a beautiful, slightly charred finish without burning your perfectly cooked wings. This brief direct heat exposure completes the cooking and intensifies the flavor.
6. Sauce and Serve Your Irresistible Buffalo Wings – Once the chicken wings have their desired char and are cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 175°F for optimal tenderness in dark meat), promptly remove them from the grill. Transfer the warm Buffalo chicken wing hot sauce to a large mixing bowl. While both the sauce and the wings are still hot, add the grilled chicken wings to the Buffalo sauce, about five at a time. Use tongs or a spatula to thoroughly submerge and mix the chicken wings with the sauce until they are completely coated. Repeat this process until all your wings are beautifully drenched in the spicy, tangy sauce. Serve immediately with your favorite accompaniments.
Creative Variations and Substitutions for Your Weber Kettle Grilled Wings
This recipe provides a fantastic foundation, but don’t hesitate to get creative and adapt it to your taste or what you have on hand:
Try Using Other Cuts of Chicken or Poultry – The versatile chicken wing rub and the irresistible Buffalo chicken wing sauce are not just for wings! They’re perfect for any other cut of chicken. Boneless chicken breasts, thighs, leg quarters, or even a whole chicken can be prepared in this “Buffalo chicken wing style.” Simply adjust your grilling times accordingly – larger pieces will require longer indirect cooking – and ensure they reach a safe internal temperature. The combination of crispy rub and tangy sauce will elevate any poultry cut.
Beyond Traditional Condiments – While Buffalo chicken wings are classically served with cooling celery sticks and a rich blue cheese dressing, there’s no need to limit yourself! Expand your appetizer platter with a variety of delicious accompaniments. Consider adding cubes of spicy pepper jack cheese, crisp sliced carrots, savory Parmesan potato wedges, creamy coleslaw, comforting mac and cheese, warm garlic bread, an assortment of grilled vegetables, a scoop of hearty potato salad, or gooey mozzarella sticks. The possibilities for a generous and diverse spread are truly endless.
Infuse Smoky Flavor with Wood Chips – For an extra layer of depth and smoky goodness, consider adding a handful of soaked wood chips to your charcoal. Hardwoods like hickory, mesquite, or oak offer a stronger, more traditional BBQ smoke, while fruitwoods like apple or cherry provide a milder, sweeter aroma that complements chicken beautifully. Simply soak a handful of small wood chunks or wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes, then sprinkle them directly onto the hot charcoal piles during the indirect grilling phase. The smoldering wood will release aromatic smoke, subtly enhancing the flavor of your Buffalo chicken wings.
Expert Tips and Tricks for Grilling the Best Weber Kettle Buffalo Wings
Mastering your Weber Kettle and this recipe is easier with a few insider tips:
Invest in a Weber Kettle hinged grilling grate – This simple accessory is an absolute game-changer for charcoal grilling. The hinged sections on either side of the grate can be easily lifted, allowing you to add more charcoal briquettes or wood chips whenever needed, without the hassle of removing the entire cooking grate and disturbing your food. It makes managing your grill temperature and smoke much more convenient and efficient.
How to Know When Your Buffalo Chicken Wings Are Perfectly Done – While a standard internal temperature of 165°F indicates that chicken is safe to eat, for dark meat like chicken wings and drumettes, aiming for a slightly higher temperature of 175°F to 180°F yields superior results. Use an instant-read meat thermometer and insert it into the thickest part of a drumette, being careful to avoid the bone. Cooking dark meat to this higher temperature allows the connective tissues to break down and convert into gelatin, resulting in incredibly tender, moist, and far more flavorful wings that aren’t chewy. Trust us, it makes a significant difference!
The Magic of Cornstarch in Your Chicken Wing Rub – You might wonder why we add cornstarch to the chicken wing rub, and the answer is simple: it’s the secret to achieving an unbelievably crispy and crackling coating. When the wings cook, the cornstarch creates a thin, almost glass-like layer on the skin that crisps up beautifully, providing the perfect crunchy base. This texture is ideal for absorbing and holding onto the Buffalo chicken wing sauce, ensuring every bite is both crispy and wonderfully saucy.
Mastering Weber Kettle Airflow for Temperature Control – The vents on your Weber Kettle are your best friends for temperature control. Keep the bottom vents fully open during the initial setup to get your coals hot. For indirect grilling, you’ll want to adjust the top vent to control the heat and airflow. A good rule of thumb is to keep the top vent about halfway open for consistent indirect cooking temperatures (around 350-375°F). For hotter direct searing, you might open both top and bottom vents fully. Learning to use these vents effectively will make you a grilling pro in no time.
Don’t Overcrowd the Grill – When placing your wings on the indirect heat zone, ensure there’s enough space between each piece. Overcrowding the grill can reduce airflow, lower the cooking temperature, and prevent the wings from crisping up properly. If you have a large batch, it’s better to grill them in two smaller batches to ensure every wing gets the heat and air circulation it needs for that perfect crispy finish.
Weber Kettle Grilled Buffalo Chicken Wings
Equipment
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1 Weber Kettle Grill
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1 Charcoal Chimney Fire Starter
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1 BBQ Tongs
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1 Meat Thermometer
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1 Medium Saucepan
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1 Large Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Ingredients for the chicken wing rub
- 3 pounds chicken wings and drumettes, roughly 15 wings
- ¾ cup chicken wing rub, plain chicken rub is fine, too
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
Ingredients for the Buffalo chicken wing hot sauce
- 1 cup hot pepper sauce
- 1 stick, 1/2 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon powdered garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Set up your Weber Kettle for indirect smoking – Fill your charcoal chimney fire starter with charcoal briquettes, and when ready, empty the chimney in the center of the charcoal grate. With tongs, move the charcoal to both sides of the Weber Kettle, creating two equal piles. Add three more charcoal briquets to each pile.
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Bring the chicken wings to room temperature – Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel. Combine the chicken wing rub with the cornstarch in a medium-sized bowl. Sprinkle each chicken wing with the chicken wing rub, ensuring the entire chicken wing is completely covered with the rub.
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Place the chicken wings on the Weber Kettle grill grate – Place the chicken wings in the center of the Weber Kettle grill grate and grill indirectly for 20 minutes, then flip the chicken wings over and grill indirectly for another 20 minutes. Rotate the chicken wings away from the heat of the coals if necessary. Add more charcoal to both piles if necessary as well.
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As the chicken wings are grilling, make the Buffalo chicken wing sauce – Combine all the Buffalo chicken wing sauce ingredients in a medium-sized saucepan and, while stirring with a whisk, bring to a low simmer.
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Move the chicken wings over the charcoal pile for extra char – With grill tongs, move the chicken wings to the sides of the Weber Kettle grill grate for direct grilling. This will complete the grilling of the chicken wings and add a nice char-finishing flavor. This step should take about a minute a side. Watch the chicken wings carefully, as you don’t want to burn your precious hard-earned yumminess.
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Remove the chicken wings and add the Buffalo hot sauce – Place the Buffalo chicken wing hot sauce in a large bowl. While both the Buffalo chicken wing hot sauce and the grilled chicken wings are still warm, add the chicken wings to the Buffalo sauce about five at a time. Thoroughly submerge and mix the chicken wings with the Buffalo sauce until the chicken wings are completely covered in the Buffalo sauce. Repeat this process until all the chicken wings are covered with the Buffalo sauce.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info