Experience restaurant-quality chicken wings right in your backyard with this game-changing infrared grilling method. Using the Big Horn® 1500°F infrared grill, you'll achieve crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside wings with a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. Plus, learn the secret sauce hack that will revolutionize your wing game!
Why Infrared Grilling Changes Everything
Traditional grilling methods take time and require constant attention. The Big Horn® infrared grill operates at an incredible 1500°F, creating an instant sear that locks in juices while delivering that coveted crispy skin. This high-heat method cuts cooking time to just 2 minutes per side, making these wings not only delicious but incredibly efficient to prepare.
Part 1: Prep Work - Keep It Simple
The Chicken Wings
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You don't need fancy marinades or complex rubs:
- Wings: Use regular party wings (flats and drumettes)
- Seasoning: Just kosher salt – let the grill and sauce do the heavy lifting
- Preparation: Pat dry and season generously with salt on all sides
The Homemade Blue Cheese Dip
Skip the bottled dressing. This quick homemade version is fresher, creamier, and takes just minutes to prepare.
Ingredients:
- Mayonnaise
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Red wine vinegar
- Heavy cream
- Blue cheese crumbles
- Sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, and red wine vinegar in a mixing bowl
- Add heavy cream and mix until smooth
- Fold in blue cheese crumbles
- Add sour cream for extra richness
- Season with salt and pepper
- Refrigerate while preparing the wings
Part 2: The Infrared Grilling Method
This is where the magic happens. The infrared technology on the Big Horn® grill delivers consistent, intense heat that creates an incredible texture.
Setup and Cooking Process
- Prepare the drip tray: Add 2-3 tablespoons of butter to the drip tray (this is crucial for the sauce later)
- Position the wings: Place wings upside down on the specialized grill rack
- Grill placement: Insert the rack into the middle slot of the grill
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Cooking time:
- First side: 2 minutes
- Rotate rack
- Second side: 2 minutes
- Temperature check: Cook until internal temperature reaches 175°F – this ensures the meat pulls cleanly from the bone
Pro Tips for Perfect Wings
- Don’t overcrowd: Ensure wings have space between them for even cooking
- Watch the skin: The high heat works fast – keep an eye on them
- Check internal temp: Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 175°F
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Let them rest: Allow wings to rest for 1-2 minutes after removing from the grill
Part 3: The Game-Changing Sauce Hack
Here's where this recipe truly stands out from the crowd. Instead of melting butter separately in a saucepan, you'll use the rendered chicken fat and melted butter from the drip tray to create an incredibly flavorful sauce base.
The Secret Sauce Method
- Use the drip tray contents: The melted butter combined with rendered chicken fat creates a rich, savory base
- Add hot sauce: Pour in approximately 6 oz of your favorite hot sauce directly into the hot drip tray
- The secret ingredient: Add a generous splash of vinegar-based BBQ sauce for tanginess and a touch of sweetness
- Mix and coat: Stir the sauce in the tray, then pour over the cooked wings
- Toss to coat: Transfer wings to a large bowl and toss until evenly coated
Why This Method Works
- Enhanced flavor: The rendered chicken fat adds depth you can’t get from butter alone
- Proper emulsification: The hot fat helps the sauce stick to the wings perfectly
- Less cleanup: One less pan to wash
- Efficiency: The sauce is ready exactly when your wings are done
The Final Product
Transfer your sauce-coated wings to a serving platter. The contrast between the wet, glossy sauce and the crispy skin underneath creates the perfect textural experience.
Serving Suggestions
- Presentation: Stack wings on a platter with blue cheese dip on the side
- Garnish: Fresh celery and carrot sticks
- Extra sauce: Keep additional hot sauce on hand for those who want extra heat
- Beverages: Pair with cold beer or lemonade
What Makes These Wings Special
The combination of:
- Ultra-high heat grilling - Creates unmatched crispiness
- Simple seasoning - Lets the chicken flavor shine through
- Innovative sauce method - Adds depth and richness
- Homemade blue cheese - Provides the perfect cooling counterpoint
Results in wings that rival or exceed your favorite restaurant’s version.
Tips for Success
Equipment
- Big Horn® Infrared Grill: The 1500°F capability is key to this method
- Meat thermometer: Ensures perfectly cooked wings every time
- Large mixing bowl: For tossing wings in sauce
Timing
- Make blue cheese dip (5 minutes)
- Prep and season wings (3 minutes)
- Heat grill and setup (2 minutes)
- Cook wings (4 minutes total)
- Make and toss sauce (2 minutes)
Total time: About 15-20 minutes from start to finish
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the grill: Leads to uneven cooking
- Skipping the thermometer: Results in undercooked or overcooked wings
- Forgetting the butter in the drip tray: You'll miss out on the signature sauce
- Not drying the wings: Moisture prevents proper crisping
Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, experiment with:
- Different hot sauces: Try sriracha, habanero, or ghost pepper sauce
- Sauce additions: Honey, garlic powder, or sesame oil
- Seasoning variations: Add garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne to the salt
- Dipping options: Try ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo alongside the blue cheese
Master Infrared Grilled Wings
This infrared grilling method proves that you don’t need hours of preparation or complex techniques to create exceptional chicken wings. The combination of extreme heat, simple seasoning, and that clever sauce hack delivers restaurant-quality results in a fraction of the time.
The Big Horn® 1500°F infrared grill creates an intense heat that forms a perfectly crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy and tender inside. Combined with the homemade blue cheese dip and that unique drip-tray sauce method, these wings will become your go-to recipe for game days, parties, or whenever the craving strikes.
So fire up that infrared grill, keep your seasoning simple, and let the high heat do the work. Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!
Quick Recipe Card
Ingredients:
- 2-3 lbs chicken wings (flats and drumettes)
- Kosher salt
- 2-3 tbsp butter
- 6 oz hot sauce
- 2 tbsp vinegar-based BBQ sauce
Blue Cheese Dip:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Make blue cheese dip and refrigerate
- Season wings with kosher salt
- Add butter to grill drip tray
- Grill wings 2 minutes per side at 1500°F until internal temp reaches 175°F
- Add hot sauce and BBQ sauce to drip tray, mix with rendered fat
- Toss wings in sauce and serve with blue cheese dip
Yield: 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
