How to Cook Wings on A Charcoal Grill?

20 minutes read

Cooking wings on a charcoal grill can yield deliciously smoky and flavorful results. Here's a general guide on how to do it:

  1. Start by preparing the grill: Begin by arranging charcoal briquettes on the bottom grate of the grill, stacking them in a pyramid shape. Leave a small space in the center to easily light the charcoal.
  2. Light the charcoal: Carefully douse the briquettes with charcoal lighter fluid, following the instructions on the packaging. Allow the fluid to soak into the charcoal for a few minutes. Use a long-reach lighter or long matches to ignite the charcoal at the center. You can also use a chimney starter to light the charcoal separately.
  3. Let the charcoal ash over: Allow the flames to burn and the charcoal to turn grayish-white. This process usually takes around 15-20 minutes. Make sure the charcoal is distributed evenly across the bottom grate.
  4. Adjust the vents: Control the temperature of the grill by adjusting the vents. For higher heat, open the vents wide; for lower heat, close them slightly. This helps regulate airflow and maintains the desired cooking temperature.
  5. Prepare the wings: While the charcoal is heating up, you can season the wings. Use your preferred seasoning mix, such as a dry rub or marinade, and coat the wings evenly. You can add barbecue sauce later during the cooking process.
  6. Set up the grill for direct grilling: Once the charcoal is ready, clean the grate with a grill brush and oil it lightly to prevent sticking. Arrange the seasoned wings directly on the grate, leaving a small gap between each piece.
  7. Grill the wings: Place the lid on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes per side. Flip the wings only once using tongs, rather than a fork, to prevent piercing and losing juices. Ensure the internal temperature of the wings reaches 165°F (74°C) to make sure they are fully cooked.
  8. Add barbecue sauce (optional): If you prefer saucy wings, you can baste them with barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of grilling. Apply the sauce, close the lid, and let it cook for a few minutes until the sauce caramelizes and glazes the wings.
  9. Check for doneness: To confirm the wings are cooked, you can make a small cut near the bone to ensure there is no pinkness. Juices should run clear.
  10. Rest and serve: Once the wings are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and makes for more tender wings. Serve hot and enjoy!


Remember, cooking times may vary depending on the heat intensity of your charcoal grill, so it's essential to keep an eye on the wings as they cook.

Best Charcoal Grills of December 2024

1
Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker with Cover, 811 Square Inches, Black, Outdoor Camping

Rating is 5 out of 5

Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker with Cover, 811 Square Inches, Black, Outdoor Camping

  • 811 Square Inches: Includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 184 sq. in. chrome-plated warming rack and 184 sq. in. offset smoker.
  • Tasty Smoke Flavors: The offset smoker is firmly attached to grill to ensure good circulation of heat and smoke. Easy to open side door to add charcoal and remove ashes; air vent stokes fire instantly.
  • Adjustable Pan: 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan creates better heat control and holds up to 4.4 lbs. of coal.
  • Temperature Monitor: Lid-mounted thermometer gauge helps check and monitor the cooking temperature and you can cook with great confidence.
  • Grill Cover Included: Made of heavy-duty fabric, the cover protects your grill from elements and withstands the harshest weather.
  • Ample Space: Front and side tables offer workspace for seasonings and grilling tools. The bottom shelf provides extra storage space and holds up to only 20 lb. accessories when they are evenly distributed.
2
Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill

Rating is 4.9 out of 5

Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill

  • Stay true to the modern version of the kettle that started it all—the Original Kettle, invented by Weber’s founder, and loved around the world. Its ultra-durable, porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat, while the damperseasily adjust for precise temperature control. With a One-Touch cleaning system for easy cleanup after a long day of grilling, the Original Kettle will always be the grill built for everyone
  • Holds up to 13 burgers made with a Weber burger press
  • One-Touch cleaning system provides hassle-free ash cleanup.Removable, aluminum ash catcher
  • Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl Retain heat, and won’t rust or peel
  • Use the lid hook to avoid placing the lid on the ground while grilling
  • Dampers allow you to easily control the temperature inside your grill
  • 3D interactive assembly instructions for this product are available through the free BILT app.
3
Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill, Black

Rating is 4.8 out of 5

Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill, Black

  • CHARCOAL GRILL - Barrel style BBQ Grill with heavy duty steel construction and powder coating finish, the perfect grilling solution for small decks, backyards, and patios
  • LARGE COOKING AREA - 250 square inch total cooking area delivers exceptional taste and charcoal flavor
  • BARBECUE GRILL FEATURES - Thick Cast Iron Cooking Grates, Bottom Storage Rack, Heavy-Duty Steel Construction, Side Air Vent, Stay Cool Wood Handle, Wheels for Easy Mobility, and Side Shelf Workstation with Barbecue Tool Storage Hooks
  • EASY TO ASSEMBLE & CLEAN - Assembles easily and quickly cleans up after use with the Easy Dump Ash Pan
4
Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Barrel Charcoal Grill with Side Table, 627 Square Inches, Outdoor Backyard, Patio and Parties, Black

Rating is 4.7 out of 5

Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Barrel Charcoal Grill with Side Table, 627 Square Inches, Outdoor Backyard, Patio and Parties, Black

  • 627 Smoking Space: 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates with 184 sq. in. chrome-plated steel wire warming rack offer enough space to cook.
  • Heat Control: Close the side air vent completely that cuts off the oxygen flow to help extinguish coals and adjust the smoke stack for extra heat control.
  • Adjustable Fire Grates: 2-level height-adjustable fire pan ensures more controlled cooking and holds up to 6 lbs. of coal.
  • Temperature Monitor: Lid-mounted thermometer gauge helps check heat fluctuations for confident grilling.
5
Royal Gourmet CD1824M 24-Inch Charcoal Grill, BBQ Smoker with Handle and Folding Table, Perfect for Outdoor Patio, Garden and Backyard Grilling, Black, Medium

Rating is 4.6 out of 5

Royal Gourmet CD1824M 24-Inch Charcoal Grill, BBQ Smoker with Handle and Folding Table, Perfect for Outdoor Patio, Garden and Backyard Grilling, Black, Medium

  • Spacious Cooking Area: 384 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates and 106 sq. in. stainless steel warming rack provide a total of 490 sq. in. cooking space respectively, serving up to 10 people.
  • Height-adjustable Charcoal Pan: The crank handle controls the distance between the charcoal pan and food for fine-tuning temperature and regulating heat. The charcoal pan holds charcoal up to 4.5 lb. for each use.
  • Convenient Access Door: Front charcoal access door with heat-resistant spring handle provides more convenience for adding charcoal and controls heat loss to a minimum during cooking.
  • Built-in Thermometer Gauge: The lid-mounted thermometer indicates the temperature changes precisely in real-time.
  • Air Flow: Two adjustable air vents control air circulation to enhance sufficient burning of charcoal for efficient smoking.
6
Royal Gourmet Barrel Charcoal Grill with Front Storage Basket, Backyard BBQ Party and Outdoor Cooking Grill on Clearance Prime with Wheels, Black, CC1830T

Rating is 4.5 out of 5

Royal Gourmet Barrel Charcoal Grill with Front Storage Basket, Backyard BBQ Party and Outdoor Cooking Grill on Clearance Prime with Wheels, Black, CC1830T

  • Additional Cooking Options: The charcoal grill can meet your versatile cooking demands by slow smoking or grilling ribs, veggies, lobster tails, or other preferred ingredients.
  • Ample Cooking Area: To accommodate 23 hamburgers at once, there are 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates and a 184 sq. in. chrome-plated steel wire warming rack as a secondary heating area.
  • Impressive Storage: Store seasonings in the front basket, hang some cooking utensils on the integrated hooks, place plates and other food on the side tables, and meanwhile put your charcoal on the bottom storage shelf.
  • Adjustable Charcoal Pan: Easily control the distance between food and fire with the lifting handle to regulate cooking temperature, which also saves fuel in the meantime.
  • Heat Control: Customize your desired temperature by twisting the air damper and smoke stack, thus getting the best cooking results.
7
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black

Rating is 4.4 out of 5

Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black

  • Holds up to 13 burgers made with a Weber burger press; Built-in lid thermometer. Rust-resistant aluminum dampers
  • One-Touch cleaning system with high-capacity ash catcher provides hassle-free ash cleanup
  • Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat, and won’t rust or peel
  • Use the lid hook to avoid placing the lid on the ground while grilling
  • Cooking grate is hinged for easily adding charcoal while grilling
8
Royal Gourmet CC1830S 30" BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker | 811 Square Inch cooking surface, Outdoor for Camping | Black

Rating is 4.3 out of 5

Royal Gourmet CC1830S 30" BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker | 811 Square Inch cooking surface, Outdoor for Camping | Black

  • 811 Square Inches: Includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 184 sq. in. chrome-plated warming rack and 184 sq. in. offset smoker.
  • Tasty Smoke Flavors: The offset smoker is firmly attached to grill to ensure good circulation of heat and smoke. Easy to open side door to add charcoal and remove ashes; air vent stokes fire instantly.
  • Adjustable Pan: 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan creates better heat control and holds up to 4.4 lbs. of coal.
  • Temperature Monitor: Lid-mounted thermometer gauge helps check and monitor the cooking temperature and you can cook with great confidence.
9
Dyna-Glo DGN576SNC-D X-Large Premium Dual Chamber Charcoal Grill

Rating is 4.2 out of 5

Dyna-Glo DGN576SNC-D X-Large Premium Dual Chamber Charcoal Grill

  • Removable firebox divider for single or dual cooking zone
  • Primary cooking area is 576 square inches
  • Secondary cooking area is 240 square inches
10
Royal Gourmet CC1830W 30 Barrel Charcoal Grill with Side Table, 627 Square Inches, Outdoor Backyard, Patio and Parties, Black

Rating is 4.1 out of 5

Royal Gourmet CC1830W 30 Barrel Charcoal Grill with Side Table, 627 Square Inches, Outdoor Backyard, Patio and Parties, Black

  • Spacious Cooking Area: Includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 184 sq. in. chrome-plated steel wire warming rack, and 184 sq. in. offset smoker.
  • Offset Smoker: Use the side fire box to get tasty and authentic smoky flavors in the main chamber. Smoking, grilling, or searing all will be your choices.
  • Adjustable Charcoal Pan: 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan ensures better heat control and holds up to 4.4 lb. of coal.


How do I check if the wings are cooked thoroughly?

There are a few ways to check if wings are cooked thoroughly:

  1. Look for clear or slightly pink juices: Make sure there are no traces of blood or pinkness in the juices that come out of the wings. Well-cooked wings will have clear or slightly tinted juices.
  2. Check the internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature of the wings. The safe temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the wing, avoiding contact with bone, and ensure it registers at least 165°F (74°C).
  3. Observe the color and texture: Cooked wings should have a golden brown color and the meat should be opaque (not translucent) throughout. Additionally, the skin should be crispy and the meat should easily separate from the bone.
  4. Perform a wiggle test: Grab a wing with tongs and give it a gentle shake. If the meat feels loose and separates easily from the bone, it's likely cooked thoroughly. Undercooked wings tend to still have some resistance and tighter meat-to-bone connection.


Remember to always follow recommended cooking times and temperatures for wings and make sure they are cooked properly to avoid any risks of foodborne illness.


How can I prevent the wings from getting dry while grilling?

To prevent wings from getting dry while grilling, you can follow these tips:

  1. Marinate the wings: Marinating the wings in a flavorful marinade or brine can help keep them moist during grilling. You can use a combination of oil, acid (like citrus juice or vinegar), herbs, spices, and seasonings to create a delicious marinade. Let the wings sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes to a few hours before grilling.
  2. Use a dry rub: Applying a dry rub made with spices, herbs, and seasonings can help seal in moisture and add flavor. Make sure to apply the rub evenly on all sides of the wings before grilling.
  3. Preheat the grill: Properly preheating the grill is important to maintain consistent heat for grilling. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F (190-200°C), before placing the wings on the grates.
  4. Indirect grilling: If you're using a charcoal grill, set up a two-zone fire by arranging the charcoal on one side of the grill and leaving the other side empty. This allows for indirect grilling, where the wings can cook away from direct heat. This helps to prevent the wings from drying out too quickly.
  5. Basting or spraying: Periodically baste or spray the wings while grilling with a flavorful liquid, such as a marinade or sauce, to keep them moist. This also adds additional flavor to the wings.
  6. Use a meat thermometer: To avoid overcooking the wings, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Cook the wings until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures they are fully cooked and safe to eat without becoming dry.
  7. Don't overcrowd the grill: Avoid overcrowding the grill with too many wings at once. Give them sufficient space to allow for even cooking and proper airflow. This will prevent them from steaming and getting overly dry.
  8. Grill with the lid on: Keeping the grill lid closed while cooking will help to maintain a consistent temperature and trap moisture, resulting in juicier wings.
  9. Grilling time: Pay attention to the cooking time and avoid leaving the wings on the grill for too long. Overcooking can cause them to dry out. Regularly check for doneness and adjust the cooking time accordingly.


By following these tips, you can help prevent your wings from getting dry while grilling and ensure they turn out juicy and flavorful.


What temperature should the charcoal grill be set to?

The ideal temperature for a charcoal grill can vary depending on the specific cooking method and type of food being prepared. However, a common starting point is to aim for a grill temperature of around 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit (107-121 degrees Celsius) for low and slow cooking, such as smoking meats. For direct heat grilling, such as searing steaks, a higher temperature of around 350-450 degrees Fahrenheit (176-232 degrees Celsius) is typically recommended. It's essential to adjust the airflow and charcoal placement to achieve and maintain the desired temperature throughout the grilling process.


Should I oil the grill grates before placing the wings?

Yes, it is generally recommended to oil the grill grates before placing the wings. This will help prevent sticking and make it easier to flip the wings without tearing the skin. You can use a neutral or high smoke point oil, such as vegetable oil or canola oil, to lightly coat the grates before grilling.


How long should I cook the wings on each side?

The cooking time for wings can vary depending on the recipe and the temperature you are using. However, a general guideline is to cook the wings for about 10-12 minutes on each side if you are frying them. If you are baking them in the oven, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake them for approximately 45 minutes, flipping them halfway through. It is always recommended to check the wings for doneness by ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.

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