Grilled Memphis-Style BBQ Chicken Wings with Tangy Slaw
Juicy grilled chicken wings seasoned with a smoky Memphis dry rub, served alongside a crisp cabbage slaw with a vinegar-based dressing. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs chicken wings, paprika, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 24 pieces chicken wings
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups, finely shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup, finely shredded red cabbage
- 1 medium, shredded carrot
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper to create the dry rub.
- Step 2: Toss 24 chicken wings with 2 tbsp olive oil, then evenly coat with the dry rub. Let rest for 20 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F). Grill the wings for 20-25 minutes, turning every 5 minutes until skin is charred in spots and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix 3 cups finely shredded green cabbage, 1 cup finely shredded red cabbage, and 1 shredded medium carrot.
- Step 5: Whisk together 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Pour over cabbage mixture and toss well to coat.
- Step 6: Serve grilled wings hot with a side of tangy cabbage slaw.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Memphis-Style BBQ Chicken Wings with Tangy Slaw take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Grilled Memphis-Style BBQ Chicken Wings with Tangy Slaw?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken wings from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Memphis-Style BBQ Chicken Wings with Tangy Slaw?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Grilled Memphis-Style BBQ Chicken Wings with Tangy Slaw for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Grilled Memphis-Style BBQ Chicken Wings with Tangy Slaw?
American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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