Tangy BBQ Chicken Wing Platter

Name: Tangy BBQ Chicken Wing Platter
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken wings; 1 cup barbecue sauce; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: 5-Ingredient Fix Recipes

I absolutely love serving up a platter of Tangy BBQ Chicken Wings for gatherings. The combination of savory chicken and zesty barbecue sauce always wins over friends and family. The secret lies in marinating the wings overnight, allowing all those bold flavors to really soak in. When grilled to perfection, these wings deliver a satisfying crunch on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside. Trust me, you won't be able to stop at just one!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-17T17:06:28.024Z

My journey with BBQ chicken wings started during a summer barbecue, where the tangy sauce we used became an instant hit. I experimented with different ingredients until I found the right balance of sweetness and tang. One crucial detail that makes these wings stand out is the care taken in the marinating process; letting them soak overnight elevates the flavor to an entirely new level.

I’ve served these wings at countless parties, and the response is always the same—pure delight! I've learned that grilling these wings rather than frying not only reduces the grease but also adds that amazing smoky flavor that everyone craves. It's a simple adjustment that really makes a big difference!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Perfectly balanced tangy barbecue flavor with a hint of sweetness
Juicy and crispy wings that will keep you coming back for more
Ideal for parties, game days, or any special gathering

      

Understanding the Marinade

The marinade for these Tangy BBQ Chicken Wings serves two essential purposes: flavor and tenderness. The acidity from the apple cider vinegar not only enhances the taste but also helps to tenderize the meat, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply. Marinating the wings for at least 2 hours is crucial, but for optimal results, overnight marination is recommended. This extended time gives the chicken ample opportunity to absorb the bold and tangy flavors, resulting in an explosion of taste with every bite.

When mixing your marinade ingredients, ensure everything is well-blended until the sauce appears glossy. If you find the barbecue sauce too thick, adding a teaspoon of water or extra vinegar can help achieve a more desired consistency. Remember to taste the marinade; adjusting the sweetness with a little more honey or the tanginess with additional vinegar can customize it to your liking.

Perfect Grilling Techniques

To achieve the ultimate crispy texture on your wings, controlling the grilling temperature is key. Preheating the grill to medium-high heat ensures that the wings cook evenly and develop a lovely char. You want the grill surface hot enough so that the wings sizzle upon contact but not so hot that they burn before cooking through. An ideal grill temperature is around 375°F to 400°F, which allows the skin to crisp beautifully while retaining juiciness within.

During grilling, it's important to turn the wings occasionally, about every 7-10 minutes, to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. Keep an eye on them, especially towards the last few minutes when they start to get crispy. You’ll know they’re done when the skin is golden brown and the meat pulls easily from the bone. Using a meat thermometer, check for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are thoroughly cooked.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started on your Tangy BBQ Chicken Wing Platter:

Ingredients for Marinade and Sauce

2 lbs chicken wings
1 cup barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to have all ingredients fresh and ready to go!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your perfect platter of Tangy BBQ Chicken Wings:

Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, combine barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until well blended.

Marinate the Wings

Add the chicken wings to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This step is crucial to achieve crispy wings.

Grill the Wings

Remove the wings from the marinade and place them on the grill. Cook for about 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally until crispy and cooked through.

Serve

Once cooked, transfer the wings to a serving platter and drizzle with extra barbecue sauce. Enjoy!

Your Tangy BBQ Chicken Wings are now ready to be devoured!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a few drops of hot sauce to the marinade or garnishing with chopped green onions before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These Tangy BBQ Chicken Wings can easily become the centerpiece of your gathering. Serve them on a large platter surrounded by fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and celery for a pop of color. Including dipping sauces such as ranch or blue cheese dressing provides an extra layer of flavor and gives guests options. I also love pairing these wings with classic sides like coleslaw or potato salad to balance the tangy richness with something refreshing.

For a fun twist, consider serving the wings with a variety of barbecue sauces on the side. This way, guests can customize their experience by adding more sweetness or heat according to their palate. A spicy sauce can be a great complement, especially for those who enjoy a fiery kick.

Storing and Reheating

If you find yourself with leftover wings, be sure to store them properly to maintain their texture and flavor. After cooling completely, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Avoid letting them sit out for extended periods at room temperature, as this can compromise food safety. For longer storage, you can freeze the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet before placing them in a freezer-safe bag, where they will keep well for up to 3 months.

When reheating, ensure the wings are warmed evenly without drying out. A great method is to use the oven: preheat to 350°F, place the wings on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, and cover them with foil to prevent excessive drying. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, then remove the foil for the last few minutes to regain that crispy exterior. Alternatively, you can reheat them in an air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes, which revives their crunch factor beautifully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I bake these wings instead of grilling?

Yes, you can bake them at 425°F for approximately 40-45 minutes or until crispy, flipping halfway through.

→ How can I ensure the wings stay crispy?

Make sure to let excess marinade drip off before grilling and avoid overcrowding the grill.

→ Can I use frozen chicken wings?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating for even flavor distribution.

→ What is the best way to store leftovers?

Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to retain crispiness.