Grilled Chicken Wings with Corn Recipe

If you’re craving a delicious, smoky meal that’s perfect for summer cookouts or casual weeknight dinners, Grilled Chicken Wings with Corn should be your next go-to recipe! Picture this: tender chicken wings with a perfectly crispy, smoky skin, paired with sweet, juicy grilled corn on the cob. It’s the kind of meal that gets everyone gathered around the table, ready to dig in and enjoy the bold flavors. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, and you can totally customize it with your favorite seasonings and toppings. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just treating yourself to something tasty, these wings and corn will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love Grilled Chicken Wings with Corn

Smoky and Flavorful: Grilling imparts that perfect smoky flavor, and when combined with your favorite seasonings or marinades, these chicken wings become irresistible.

Simple and Quick: Grilled chicken wings don’t take long to prepare, and corn cooks beautifully alongside the wings, making this a hassle-free, one-pan meal.

Summer Vibes: There’s something about the combination of grilled chicken and corn that screams summer. It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for outdoor gatherings, BBQs, or even just a cozy dinner on your patio.

Customizable: You can switch up the flavor profile of the wings by changing the seasoning—go spicy, sweet, or tangy depending on your mood. The corn can also be seasoned with butter, herbs, or spices to suit your taste.

Easy to Scale: Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just cooking for yourself, this dish can be easily scaled up or down to suit the number of servings you need.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for Grilled Chicken Wings with Corn:

For the Grilled Chicken Wings:

• Chicken Wings: The star of the dish! Tender and juicy with a crispy exterior when grilled.
• Olive Oil: To help the seasoning stick to the wings and give them a nice crispiness on the grill.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a savory depth to the wings.
• Paprika: For a touch of smokiness and color.
• Ground Black Pepper: A classic seasoning to bring everything together.
• Salt: To season the wings and bring out their natural flavor.
• Cayenne Pepper (optional): For a bit of heat, if you like your wings spicy.
• Lemon Juice or Vinegar: A little acidity to balance the richness of the wings.
• BBQ Sauce or Your Favorite Marinade (optional): For glazing the wings and adding an extra burst of flavor.

For the Grilled Corn:

• Corn on the Cob: Fresh, sweet, and juicy—corn is perfect for grilling.
• Butter: For slathering on the corn to add richness and flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the corn for a perfect balance.
• Chili Powder or Paprika (optional): For a little extra flavor on the corn.
• Fresh Lime (optional): A squeeze of lime juice on the corn adds a refreshing zing.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Time to get grilling!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings

In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper (if using), and lemon juice. Make sure the wings are evenly coated in the seasoning.

Step 2: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C). If you’re using a charcoal grill, make sure to set up a two-zone fire so you can grill the wings on indirect heat before finishing them on direct heat.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken Wings

Place the chicken wings on the grill over indirect heat and cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Once the wings are almost cooked through, move them to direct heat to crisp up the skin for another 3-5 minutes, turning frequently to avoid burning. If you’re using BBQ sauce, brush it on the wings during the last few minutes of grilling to let it caramelize.

Step 4: Prepare the Corn

While the wings are grilling, prepare the corn. Brush each ear of corn with butter and season with salt, pepper, and chili powder (if using). You can also add a squeeze of lime for a bit of citrusy freshness.

Step 5: Grill the Corn

Place the corn on the grill, turning occasionally, and cook for about 10-12 minutes, until the kernels are tender and slightly charred. You can also wrap the corn in foil for a more subtle, steamed texture, but grilling it directly on the grate will give it that nice charred flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once everything is grilled to perfection, serve the wings and corn on the cob together for a delicious and satisfying meal. Don’t forget to add a little extra butter to the corn if you like!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 500
Total Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 700mg
Total Carbohydrate: 16g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 45g
Vitamin A: 10%
Vitamin C: 15%
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 10%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Wings with Corn

Salads: Serve with a crisp green salad or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad to balance the rich flavors of the wings and corn.

Dips: A creamy ranch or blue cheese dip pairs wonderfully with the wings, especially if you like your wings extra saucy.

Sides: Add some coleslaw or roasted veggies on the side for a well-rounded meal. Grilled potatoes or baked sweet potato fries are great options too.

Additional Tips

• Marinate the Wings: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken wings for an hour or overnight before grilling. This helps the flavors penetrate the meat and results in a more tender, juicy wing.
• Make it Spicy: If you love spice, add some hot sauce to the wings before grilling or sprinkle red pepper flakes on the corn for a fiery kick.
• Perfect Corn: To keep the corn from drying out on the grill, brush it with plenty of butter and avoid overcooking. A light char is all you need for that perfect grilled flavor.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked wings, use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the meat.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken wings?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings! Just make sure to thaw them completely before grilling, and pat them dry to ensure a crispy texture.

Q2: Can I make these wings in the oven?
A2: Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill, bake the wings in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll still get a nice crispy texture.

Q3: How can I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftover chicken wings and corn in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for crispy wings and enjoy the corn cold or reheated.

Q4: Can I add a glaze to the wings?
A4: Yes! For extra flavor, brush your wings with a glaze (like honey mustard or a spicy BBQ sauce) during the last few minutes of grilling.

Q5: Can I use another vegetable instead of corn?
A5: Absolutely! Grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or even asparagus would pair nicely with the wings. Just season them similarly and grill them alongside the wings.

Q6: What’s the best way to grill chicken wings?
A6: Start with indirect heat to cook the wings through without burning them, then finish with direct heat to get that crispy skin. It’s the key to perfectly cooked wings!

Q7: How can I make this dish spicier?
A7: Add cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix or brush the wings with a spicy BBQ sauce. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle hot sauce on the corn.

Q8: Can I use a gas grill?
A8: Yes, a gas grill works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure the heat is medium-high, and adjust the temperature as needed.

Q9: Can I make this ahead of time?
A9: The wings are best served fresh off the grill, but you can prep the seasoning and marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. You can also pre-grill the corn and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Q10: What type of chicken wings should I use?
A10: You can use drumettes (the meaty part of the wing) or traditional wing sections with the wingtip. Both work well and can be grilled to perfection!

Conclusion

Grilled Chicken Wings with Corn is the ultimate summer meal that’s bursting with smoky, savory flavors. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or just want something quick and delicious, this dish is sure to be a hit. The juicy wings and charred corn create a combination that’s hard to beat. With a little seasoning, some butter, and a few simple grilling techniques, you’ll have a meal that tastes like a celebration. So fire up the grill, gather your friends and family, and get ready to dig in!

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