Citrus BBQ Chicken Wings

This Barbecue Chicken Wings Recipe is made with chicken wings, olive oil, lemons, Worcestershire sauce, marmalade, and horseradish.

Barbecue chicken wings are a popular dish often served as an appetizer or main course. They are typically made by seasoning chicken wings with a dry rub or marinade, then grilling or baking them until crispy and cooked through. Once the chicken wings are cooked, they are coated in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, which can be homemade or store-bought. The sauce is often a combination of ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices, giving the wings a smoky and savory flavor. Barbecue chicken wings are enjoyed by people of all ages and are a classic dish at many summer barbecues, game day parties, and family gatherings.

If you are looking to grill and have been craving chicken wings like me, then I would totally make these wings! Most people buy Franks hot sauce for chicken wings, but I STRONGLY encourage you to try making this sauce. There is nothing better than Rao's Citrus Barbecue Sauce. It's ABSOLUTELY phenomenal!

What are Barbecue Chicken Wings?

Barbecue chicken wings are a popular dish made by cooking chicken wings in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. The wings are typically grilled or baked until they are crispy and then coated with the barbecue sauce. They are a favorite at backyard barbecues, sports events, and casual dining restaurants. Barbecue chicken wings can be served as an appetizer or as a main dish, and they are often enjoyed with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.

Why you will love this recipe

• Flavor: The combination of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors in barbecue sauce creates a delicious coating for the chicken wings.
• Versatility: Barbecue chicken wings can be served as an appetizer or a main dish, making them a versatile option for any meal.
• Easy to make: With just a few ingredients and a grill or oven, you can make delicious barbecue chicken wings in no time.
• Crowd-pleaser: Barbecue chicken wings are a favorite among many people, making them a great dish to serve at parties or gatherings.
• Finger food: Chicken wings are the perfect finger food, making them easy to eat and enjoy without the need for utensils.
• Affordable: Chicken wings are an affordable protein option, making them a great meal for families or those on a budget.

Barbecue Chicken Wings Recipe Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

• Chicken wings
• Olive oil
• Lemon
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Citrus marmelade
• Garlic
• Horseradish
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper

See recipe card for quantities.

How to make Barbecue Chicken Wings

Preheat the grill to 350 F. In a medium bowl, combine the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, citrus marmalade, minced garlic, lemon juice, horseradish and red pepper flakes.

Pat the wings dry. Brush olive oil on both sides of each wing. Add salt and pepper to your liking. 

Once the grill is hot, place the wings on the grill spread out.

Grill, flipping the wings every 5 minutes, for a total of 20 minutes, until no longer pink and golden brown.

During the last two flips, with a basting brush, brush the citrus barbecue sauce all over the wings. Place on a plate and squeeze half a lemon on it. Serve and enjoy. 

What to serve with Barbecue Chicken Wings

• Classic sides: Traditional sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or mac and cheese pair well with barbecue chicken wings.
• Veggies: Serve your wings with a side of grilled or roasted vegetables, like roasted corn on the cob, zucchini, or asparagus.
• Dips and sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce. These can also be used as a sauce for the wings.
• Fries: French fries or sweet potato fries are a great side dish to go with the wings.
• Salad: A fresh and light salad like a Caesar salad or a garden salad with a vinaigrette dressing can balance out the richness of the wings.
• Bread: Serve with garlic bread or rolls to sop up any extra sauce.
• Beverages: A cold beer, lemonade, or iced tea are all refreshing beverage options to go with barbecue chicken wings.

Substitutions

• Ketchup: You could use tomato sauce or tomato puree instead of ketchup.
• Worcestershire sauce: You could use soy sauce or tamari sauce instead of Worcestershire sauce.
• Citrus marmalade: You could use orange or lemon zest instead of citrus marmalade.
• Garlic: You could use garlic powder or minced shallots instead of minced garlic.
• Lemon juice: You could use lime juice or vinegar instead of lemon juice.
• Horseradish: You could use Dijon mustard or wasabi paste instead of horseradish.
• Hot red pepper flakes: You could use cayenne pepper or paprika instead of hot red pepper flakes.

Barbecue Chicken Wings Recipe Variations

• Honey Mustard: Mix together equal parts honey and mustard with a splash of apple cider vinegar for a sweet and tangy glaze. Try my Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks.
• Garlic Parmesan: Toss the wings in a mixture of grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and olive oil for a savory twist on the classic barbecue flavor.
• Korean: Mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes for a spicy, umami-rich marinade. Grill the wings until crispy and glazed, then sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Feel free to also try my Gochujang Chicken Wings.
• Cajun: Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt to make a Cajun-style dry rub. Grill the wings until crispy and serve with a side of ranch dressing for dipping.
• Jamaican Jerk: Mix together allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, garlic, onion, and thyme for a Jamaican-style marinade. Grill the wings until crispy and serve with a side of mango salsa for a sweet and spicy flavor combination.

Equipment

• Grill: You can use a charcoal or gas grill. A charcoal grill will give you a smokier flavor, while a gas grill is easier to control the temperature.
• Tongs: Use long tongs to turn the wings without burning yourself.
• Basting brush: Use a basting brush to apply the barbecue sauce to the wings.
• Aluminum foil: Use aluminum foil to create a barrier between the grill and the wings to prevent sticking.
• Meat thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken wings are cooked to the proper internal temperature.

How to store Barbecue Chicken Wings

To store barbecue chicken wings, let them cool to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the wings for longer storage. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for a couple of hours, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to eat them, reheat the wings in the oven, microwave, or on the grill until they're heated through.

Barbecue Chicken Wings Recipe Top tips

• Dry the chicken wings with paper towels before marinating or seasoning them. This helps the chicken skin to crisp up on the grill.
• Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F. Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
• Grill the chicken wings for 10-12 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Baste with barbecue sauce during the last 5 minutes of grilling.
• Let the chicken wings rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
• Serve the barbecue chicken wings with extra barbecue sauce, lemon wedges, and your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, potato salad, or grilled corn.
• For extra crispy wings, you can also bake them in the oven at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, then finish them on the grill for a smoky flavor.

Barbecue Chicken Wings Recipe

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• Author: Maxine Dubois
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 10 chicken wings 1x

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Description

This Barbecue Chicken Wings Recipe is made with chicken wings, olive oil, lemons, Worcestershire sauce, marmalade, and horseradish. 

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds Chicken Wings 
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• Half a lemon
• Salt and Pepper as needed

Citrus Barbecue Sauce 

• 1 cup of ketchup 
• 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce 
• 1 tablespoon of citrus marmalade 
• 2 tablespoons of minced garlic 
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice 
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of horseradish 
• 1 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes 

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Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to 350 F. 
2. In a medium bowl, combine the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, citrus marmalade, minced garlic, lemon juice, horseradish and red pepper flakes.
3. Add the chicken wings into a pan or a big plate and with a cooking brush, brush olive oil on both sides of each wing. Add salt and pepper to your liking on each side as well. 
4. The total cooking time will be 25 minutes on the grill if you would like a nice char on the chicken wings. Place the wings on the grill for 10 minutes and close the grill. Open the grill and flip the wings to the other side for another 10 minutes and close the grill. For the last 5-10 minutes, keep the grill open and you will brush the sauce on each wing, flip and repeat on the other side. Repeat about 4 times over and over for maximum flavor!
5. Place on a plate and squeeze half a lemon on it. Serve and enjoy. 

Notes

• Dry the chicken wings with paper towels before marinating or seasoning them. This helps the chicken skin to crisp up on the grill.
• Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F. Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
• Grill the chicken wings for 10-12 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Baste with barbecue sauce during the last 5 minutes of grilling.
• Let the chicken wings rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
• Serve the barbecue chicken wings with extra barbecue sauce, lemon wedges, and your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, potato salad, or grilled corn.
• For extra crispy wings, you can also bake them in the oven at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, then finish them on the grill for a smoky flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 312
• Sodium: 89mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 94mg

Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.