Description
This recipe features juicy grilled chicken wings brined for extra flavor and tenderness, then tossed in a tangy and creamy Alabama White BBQ Sauce. The wings are seasoned with a Cajun blend for a flavorful kick, making it a perfect dish for summer grilling or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Grilled Chicken Wings & Brine:
- 2 pounds chicken wings separated and tips removed
- 4 tablespoons salt
- 1 quart water or enough to cover the wings
- 5 cloves garlic smashed
- 1 tablespoon fresh peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning blend or use your favorite personal seasoning blend
For the Alabama White BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown mustard (spicy brown mustard recommended)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish (hot horseradish recommended)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste (½ teaspoon each recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the Alabama White BBQ Sauce: Whisk all sauce ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth. Use immediately or cover and refrigerate for a few hours to let flavors meld.
- Brine the Chicken Wings: Place chicken wings in a large bowl. Add salt, smashed garlic, fresh peppercorns, and honey, then cover with water. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Dry and Season the Wings: Remove wings from brine and pat dry thoroughly. Place wings in a large bowl and rub Cajun seasoning blend evenly into the skin.
- Grill the Wings: Preheat grill to medium heat. Grill wings for 20 minutes, turning once halfway through to ensure even cooking. Monitor to avoid overcooking the skin. Wings are done when internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F using a meat thermometer.
- Toss with Sauce and Serve: Once cooked through, toss the grilled wings with the Alabama White BBQ Sauce until well coated. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or add chili flakes to the sauce or seasoning.
- Brining the wings overnight results in more flavorful and tender meat.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the wings are cooked safely to 165 degrees F.
- Adjust salt levels in the brine and sauce according to taste and dietary needs.
- The Cajun seasoning blend can be substituted with your favorite seasoning mix if preferred.
