Perfect Pellet Grill Chicken Wings

The secret to extraordinary chicken wings on a pellet grill is a combination of proper preparation, seasoning, and cooking techniques. Follow this guide to achieve grill-master levels of perfection, with delicious wings boasting natural smoke flavor and crispy texture.

Setting Up the Grill

1. Preheat: Set your pellet grill to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and preheat with the lid closed for about 15 minutes.
2. Cooking: Place the seasoned wings on the grill and cook for approximately 35 minutes, turning them halfway through. Aim for an internal temperature of 175 to 180 degrees for the best texture.

Seasoning Options

1. Brine: Soak wings in a mixture of salt and water, optionally adding aromatics like garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Brine for up to 24 hours for juicier wings.
2. Dry Rub: Apply a mix of spices and seasonings, including salt and pepper, to the wings after patting them dry. Consider adding cornstarch or baking powder for extra crispiness.
3. Sauce: Brush on sauces like soy or hot sauce near the end of cooking or toss the cooked wings in sauce before serving. You can also serve sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips for Crispy Skin

1. Dry Brine: Generously salt the wings and refrigerate them on a rack overnight to dry out the skin.
2. Pat Dry: If cooking the same day, thoroughly pat the wings dry with paper towels to remove moisture.
3. Direct Grilling: Grill the wings directly on the grates to allow moisture to drip away and air to circulate for crispier skin.

Keeping Wings Moist

1. Two-Zone Cooking: Start cooking over indirect heat, then sear over direct heat.
2. Monitor Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
3. Covering: Cover the wings with the grill lid or foil during cooking to trap steam.
4. Resting: Let the wings rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.

Best Wood Pellets

For strong-flavored wings, use mesquite or hickory pellets. Traeger's Signature Blend is also a great option, complementing the bold flavors of chicken wing sauces.

Chicken Wings Recipes

1. Buffalo Wings: Combine hot sauce, butter, and mustard. Whisk together and brush on the wings.
2. Honey Garlic Wings: Season with a pork and poultry rub, then coat with a spicy honey garlic sauce.
3. Parmesan Garlic Wings: Mix butter, parmesan, dried herbs, and garlic. Brush onto the wings for a rich, savory flavor.

Sides to Pair with Wings

• Smoked Hummus with Roasted Vegetables: Acts as a cooling element for spicy wings.
• Fries and Homemade Ketchup: Crispy fries with spicy chipotle ketchup.
• Smoked Mac & Triple Cheese: Rich and cheesy to balance the spiciness of the wings.

With these tips and recipes, you can master the art of grilling chicken wings on a pellet grill, ensuring they are juicy, flavorful, and perfectly crispy. Enjoy experimenting with different seasonings and sauces to find your favorite combination.