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Flavorful Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Wings

honey chipotle grilled chicken wings - featured image

These grilled chicken wings combine the smoky heat of chipotle with the natural sweetness of honey for a sticky, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dish that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900g) fresh chicken wings, split at the joints, skin-on
  • 1/4 cup (85g) honey
  • 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder (smoked)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Optional: smoked sea salt instead of regular salt
  • Optional: dash of hot sauce for extra spice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by whisking together honey, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, olive oil, and fresh lime juice in a medium bowl.
  2. Add the chicken wings to the marinade and toss until fully coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1 hour.
  3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F / 190°C). If using charcoal, wait until coals are covered with gray ash.
  4. Place the wings skin-side down on the grill grates. Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, flipping carefully with tongs. Baste occasionally with leftover marinade to keep wings sticky and flavorful.
  5. Check for doneness using a meat thermometer; wings should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If no thermometer is available, cut into a thick part to ensure juices run clear.
  6. Remove wings from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat wings dry before marinating to ensure crispy skin. Avoid flare-ups by controlling grill heat and using a spray bottle if needed. Marinate for about 1 hour for best flavor without mushy texture. If grilling is not possible, bake wings at 425°F (220°C) for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway, then broil for 2-3 minutes to mimic charred finish.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken wings, grilled chicken, honey chipotle wings, smoky wings, easy chicken recipe, backyard BBQ, finger food