Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw them completely and pat them very dry before cooking. Frozen wings that aren't properly thawed will steam rather than crisp up, and they won't absorb the seasonings as well. Add about 10-15 minutes to your cooking time if starting with previously frozen wings.

What exactly is gochujang and can I substitute it?

Gochujang is a fermented Korean chili paste that provides complex sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. While there's no perfect substitute, you can mix 2 tablespoons of red pepper flakes with 1 tablespoon of miso paste, 1 tablespoon of honey, and a dash of soy sauce to approximate the flavor profile.

How can I tell when the wings are done without a meat thermometer?

Without a thermometer, look for wings that are no longer pink at the bone when you cut into one. The meat should pull away from the bone easily, and the juices should run clear. However, investing in a meat thermometer is recommended for perfect results every time.

Can I make these wings less spicy for kids or spice-sensitive guests?

Absolutely! Reduce the gochujang to 2 tablespoons and omit the red pepper flakes entirely. You can also increase the honey slightly to balance the reduced spice with more sweetness. Have a separate spicier dipping sauce on the side for those who want more heat.

Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe

Name: Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 3 lbs chicken wings (bone-in, skin-on); 2 tablespoons avocado oil; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; ¼ cup gochujang; ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce; ¼ cup light brown sugar (packed); ¼ cup honey; 2 tablespoons tomato paste or ketchup; 2 tablespoons avocado oil; 1½ tablespoons sesame oil; 2 tablespoons garlic paste; 1 tablespoon ginger paste; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon sea salt; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; Sesame seeds; Sliced green onions

These Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Wings are a flavor explosion that will transform your backyard barbecue into a Korean-inspired feast! Perfectly crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and coated with a sweet, sticky, and slightly spicy sauce that will have everyone licking their fingers. This recipe combines the smokiness of the grill with the bold flavors of Korean cuisine for a wing experience you won’t soon forget.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Party Food: These wings are guaranteed crowd-pleasers at any gathering – whether it’s game day, a summer cookout, or just a weekend treat.
Balanced Flavor Profile: The sweet, savory, and spicy elements create a perfectly balanced bite that’s addictively good without overwhelming heat.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The sauce can be prepared ahead of time, making the actual cooking process streamlined and stress-free.
Grilling Magic: The two-zone grilling method ensures wings that are juicy inside with that irresistible crispy exterior – no deep fryer needed!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken wings: The star of the show, providing a perfect vehicle for that amazing sauce. Wings have enough fat to stay juicy on the grill.
Avocado oil: With its high smoke point, it’s perfect for grilling to prevent sticking and burning.
Chili powder: Adds a touch of heat and depth to both the wings and sauce.
Gochujang: The Korean chili paste that gives these wings their signature flavor – spicy, sweet, and deeply savory.
Soy sauce: Provides that umami foundation that makes the sauce so craveable.
Brown sugar and honey: Create that sticky-sweet coating that caramelizes beautifully.
Tomato paste: Adds richness and tanginess to balance the sweetness.
Sesame oil: That distinctive nutty flavor that’s essential to Korean cooking.
Garlic and ginger paste: The aromatic backbone of the sauce that infuses every bite.
Lemon juice: Brightens all the flavors with a touch of acidity.
Red pepper flakes: For an extra kick of heat that tingles but doesn’t overwhelm.
Sesame seeds and green onions: Not just pretty garnishes – they add texture and fresh flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Spice Level Adjustments

Increase the gochujang, red pepper flakes, or chili powder for extra heat. For milder wings, reduce these ingredients and add a bit more honey.

Oven-Baked Option

No grill? Bake wings at 425°F on a wire rack over a baking sheet for about 45-50 minutes, turning halfway through. Finish under the broiler for crispiness.

Air Fryer Method

Cook seasoned wings in batches at 380°F for 12 minutes, flip, then another 12 minutes. Toss with sauce after cooking.

Flavor Twists

Add a tablespoon of rice vinegar for tangier wings, or mix in some orange zest for a citrusy variation.

How to Make Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Wings

Step 1: Prepare the Grill

Set up your grill with two temperature zones – one high heat and one low. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. This dual-zone setup is crucial for perfectly cooked wings.

Step 2: Season the Wings

Pat the wings dry thoroughly with paper towels (this helps them get crispy). In a large bowl, toss them with avocado oil, chili powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Step 3: Start with Indirect Grilling

Place the wings close together on the cooler side of the grill. Cook for about 1 hour, turning every 10 minutes. Keeping them clustered creates steam that helps maintain juiciness.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

While the wings cook, combine all sauce ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer, cook for 5 minutes while stirring frequently, then remove from heat.

Step 5: Crisp the Wings

Once wings reach 165°F internally, move them to the high heat zone. Grill for 3-5 minutes, turning frequently until the skin crisps up and they reach at least 175°F internally.

Step 6: Sauce and Serve

Transfer the crispy wings to a large bowl, pour the sauce over them, and toss until thoroughly coated. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Dry Wings = Crispy Wings: Pat them really dry before seasoning. Any moisture will create steam and prevent crisping.
Keep the Lid Closed: Every time you peek, heat escapes. Trust the process and check only when turning the wings.
Sauce After Grilling: Never add the sauce while grilling or you’ll end up with burned, sticky wings and a messy grill.
Temperature Testing: Use a reliable meat thermometer. Wings are best at 175-180°F when they’re falling-off-the-bone tender.
Cluster Technique: Keeping wings close together on indirect heat is the secret to juicy results. Don’t spread them out until the crisping stage.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

These wings pair beautifully with cold, crisp cucumber salad, kimchi, or a simple Asian slaw with rice vinegar dressing to cut through the richness.

Make It a Meal

Turn this into a Korean-inspired feast by serving alongside steamed rice, lettuce wraps for making ssam, and banchan (small side dishes) like pickled vegetables.

Dipping Options

While these wings are saucy enough on their own, a side of cooling ranch or a tangy yogurt-based dip can be a nice contrast to the spice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate leftover wings in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavor actually develops nicely overnight!

Freezing

These wings freeze surprisingly well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze them before adding sauce.

Reheating

For crispy reheated wings, place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it makes the skin soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw them completely and pat them very dry before cooking. Frozen wings that aren’t properly thawed will steam rather than crisp up, and they won’t absorb the seasonings as well. Add about 10-15 minutes to your cooking time if starting with previously frozen wings.
What exactly is gochujang and can I substitute it?

Gochujang is a fermented Korean chili paste that provides complex sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. While there’s no perfect substitute, you can mix 2 tablespoons of red pepper flakes with 1 tablespoon of miso paste, 1 tablespoon of honey, and a dash of soy sauce to approximate the flavor profile.
How can I tell when the wings are done without a meat thermometer?

Without a thermometer, look for wings that are no longer pink at the bone when you cut into one. The meat should pull away from the bone easily, and the juices should run clear. However, investing in a meat thermometer is recommended for perfect results every time.
Can I make these wings less spicy for kids or spice-sensitive guests?

Absolutely! Reduce the gochujang to 2 tablespoons and omit the red pepper flakes entirely. You can also increase the honey slightly to balance the reduced spice with more sweetness. Have a separate spicier dipping sauce on the side for those who want more heat.

Final Thoughts

These Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Wings bring together the best of both worlds – the irresistible appeal of crispy chicken wings and the bold, complex flavors of Korean barbecue. The two-zone grilling method might take a little longer than simply throwing wings on high heat, but the juicy, tender results are absolutely worth it. Whether you’re hosting friends for the big game or just treating yourself to something special, these wings deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Trust me – once you try them, regular buffalo wings might just take a backseat in your recipe collection!