Grilled Spiced Wings with Tangy Buffalo Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken wings seasoned with a smoky spice rub, grilled until perfectly charred, and tossed in a zesty homemade buffalo sauce for game day or casual gatherings. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes blends smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, toss 2 lbs chicken wings with 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp olive oil until evenly coated. Let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the wings for 20-25 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, until skin is crisp and internal temperature reaches 165°F with some charred edges.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in 1/3 cup hot sauce, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tsp honey. Cook for 2 minutes until sauce is well combined and warm.
  4. Step 4: Transfer grilled wings to a large bowl and pour the buffalo sauce over them. Toss to coat thoroughly.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Spiced Wings with Tangy Buffalo Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Spiced Wings with Tangy Buffalo Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Spiced Wings with Tangy Buffalo Sauce?

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 Spiced Wings with Tangy Buffalo Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Spiced Wings with Tangy Buffalo Sauce?

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.

Related recipes