Easy Chicken Wings on a Pellet Grill
There’s nothing quite like the smoky flavor of chicken wings on a pellet grill—crispy skin, juicy meat, and a subtle kiss of wood-fired goodness in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, game day party, or just want to treat yourself to something special, this chicken wings recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything from choosing the right wings to achieving perfectly crisp skin, all while harnessing the power of your pellet grill. So fire it up and get ready for some of the best wings you’ve ever made!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Wings on a Pellet Grill
Cooking chicken wings on a pellet grill is the perfect blend of convenience and flavor. The indirect heat and consistent temperature of pellet grills create an ideal environment for smoking and roasting meat, especially wings. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Unbeatable flavor from natural wood smoke.
- Perfect texture with crispy skin and juicy insides.
- No deep frying needed, making it a healthier alternative.
- Easy to customize with your favorite rubs, sauces, or spice levels.
- Great for a crowd—just scale up the recipe.
If you’ve been searching for a foolproof method to cook wings outdoors, your pellet grill is your best friend.
Ingredients for chicken wings on a pellet grill
To make about 4 servings of perfectly smoked and grilled chicken wings, gather the following:
For the Wings:
- 2.5 to 3 lbs chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free, for crispy skin)
For the Dry Rub (adjust to taste):
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or oregano (optional for herb flavor)
Optional Sauce for Finishing (Choose One):
- Classic Buffalo: ½ cup hot sauce + 3 tablespoons melted butter
- BBQ: ½ cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
- Teriyaki: ½ cup teriyaki sauce + 1 tablespoon honey
- Garlic Parmesan: ¼ cup melted butter + 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan + 1 teaspoon garlic powder
How to Make Chicken Wings on a Pellet Grill (Step-by-Step)
Let’s break it down into manageable steps so you get that crispy, smoky perfection every time.
Step 1: Preheat Your Pellet Grill
Set your pellet grill to 225°F (107°C) for the first phase—this low-and-slow method helps the wings absorb the smoke flavor. Use a mild wood like apple, cherry, or hickory. Let the grill preheat for about 10-15 minutes with the lid closed.
Tip: Clean your grill grates beforehand and lightly oil them to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken Wings
- Pat dry the wings thoroughly using paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
- In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil and baking powder. The baking powder raises the pH of the skin, promoting browning and crisping.
- Sprinkle the dry rub evenly over the wings and toss until fully coated.
Pro Tip: If you have time, refrigerate the seasoned wings uncovered for 1-4 hours. This air-drying process enhances the crisp factor.
Step 3: Smoke the Wings Low and Slow
Place the wings directly on the pellet grill grates, spacing them out so air can circulate.
- Smoke at 225°F for about 45–60 minutes.
- This stage infuses the meat with deep smoky flavor while slowly rendering the fat under the skin.
Step 4: Turn Up the Heat for Crispy Skin
After the wings have smoked, increase the grill temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- Continue cooking for an additional 30–35 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through.
- The skin should get crisp and golden brown while the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) (use a meat thermometer for accuracy).
Optional: If you want extra crispy wings, you can finish them off over direct heat for the last few minutes—but watch them closely to avoid burning.
Step 5: Sauce or Serve Dry—Your Choice
Once the wings are done:
- If you love saucy wings, toss them in your sauce of choice while they’re hot.
- If you prefer dry-rubbed wings, serve as-is with a side of dipping sauces.
Sauce Tip: Warm your sauce slightly before tossing it with the wings. Cold sauce can cause the wings to lose their crispiness.
Tips and Tricks for Pellet Grill Chicken Wings
- Avoid overcrowding: Give your wings space to breathe on the grill for even cooking and better smoke circulation.
- Don’t skip the baking powder: It’s the secret weapon for that crackly, crispy skin without frying.
- Use a wire rack inside a sheet pan: If you’d rather not place the wings directly on grill grates, this setup works well and catches drippings.
- Change up the wood pellets: Each wood type offers a unique flavor. Try hickory for strong smoke, or fruitwoods like cherry for a sweeter note.
- Add a sugar-based rub only at the end: Sugar can burn at higher temps, so apply sweet glazes or rubs after crisping the wings.
Variations to Try
Once you master the basics, get creative with these tasty variations.
1. Asian-Inspired Wings
- Add five-spice powder and sesame oil to the rub.
- Finish with a glaze of soy sauce, hoisin, and honey.
2. Lemon Pepper Wings
- Use lemon zest and cracked pepper in your dry rub.
- Toss with melted butter and fresh lemon juice after grilling.
3. Spicy Cajun Wings
- Swap in a Cajun or Creole seasoning blend.
- Serve with a creamy ranch or blue cheese dip.
4. Sweet & Sticky BBQ
- Baste with your favorite BBQ sauce during the final 10 minutes for a sticky finish.
- Add brown sugar and chili powder to your dry rub for extra depth.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storing Leftover Wings:
- Let the wings cool completely before storing.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Use within 3 months.
Reheating:
- Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F for 10–15 minutes until hot and crispy.
- Avoid microwaving, as it softens the skin.
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Smoke Time | 45–60 minutes |
| Grill Time | 30–35 minutes |
| Total Time | About 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Servings | 4 (about 6–8 wings per person) |
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Way to Make Chicken Wings
Once you try chicken wings on a pellet grill, you may never go back to any other method. The combination of smoke, heat, and flavorful rubs or sauces makes this dish a standout for any occasion. With just a little preparation and a reliable pellet grill, you’ll be serving up wings that rival any restaurant—crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor.
Whether you like them hot and spicy, sweet and sticky, or just smoky and simple, this recipe has the flexibility to fit your mood and taste. Now that you know how to do it, all that’s left is to gather your ingredients, fire up your grill, and impress your friends and family with these incredible wings.
