Saugatuck BBQ Chicken Wings with Michigan Sauce

Introduction

Fire up your Arteflame grill and prepare to make the most flavorful Saugatuck BBQ Chicken Wings. These wings are marinated, seared to lock in their juices, and then slow-cooked on the flat cooktop griddle before being coated in a sweet and spicy Michigan BBQ sauce. The Arteflame grill’s even heat distribution and high-temperature center grate ensure the perfect balance of crispy char and juicy tenderness. Get ready for the tastiest wings you’ve ever made!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken wings
• 1/2 cup Michigan BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp butter (for cooking)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• Vegetable oil (for lighting grill)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the soaked napkins in the center of the grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins.
4. Light the napkins and allow the fire to build.
5. Wait about 20 minutes until the grill is hot and the flat cooktop is evenly heated.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. Rub the spice mixture onto the chicken wings.
3. Let the wings rest for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken Wings

1. Place the wings on the center grill grate at 1,000F for a high-heat sear.
2. Sear each side for approximately 2 minutes to develop a flavorful crust.
3. Move the wings to the flat cooktop to continue cooking.

Step 4: Cook the Wings to Perfection

1. Add butter to the flat cooktop griddle.
2. Place the seared wings on the griddle and cook, flipping occasionally.
3. Cook until the internal temperature of the wings reaches 170°F (remember to remove them at 155°F as they will continue cooking).

Step 5: Apply the Michigan BBQ Sauce

1. In a bowl, mix the Michigan BBQ sauce with honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
2. Coat the wings in the sauce and place them back on the griddle for 1-2 minutes to caramelize.
3. Remove the wings from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips

• Use the high-heat center grill grate to build a crust before moving the wings to the flat cooktop.
• Let the wings rest before serving to keep them juicy.
• Adjust the heat zones by moving the wings towards the outer edge if cooking too fast.
• Add more butter for extra richness and crispier edges.

Variations

1. Spicy Sriracha Wings: Replace the Michigan BBQ sauce with a mix of sriracha, honey, and lime juice for a fiery kick.
2. Garlic Parmesan Wings: Omit the BBQ sauce and toss wings in melted butter, minced garlic, and grated parmesan.
3. Asian-Style Wings: Substitute BBQ sauce with a blend of soy sauce, hoisin, and ginger for an umami-packed variation.
4. Honey Mustard Wings: Use honey mustard instead of BBQ sauce for a tangy and sweet flavor.
5. Buffalo Wings: Coat wings in a classic buffalo sauce made from hot sauce and melted butter.

Best Pairings

• Grilled corn on the cob brushed with garlic butter
• Roasted sweet potatoes with cinnamon
• Creamy coleslaw for a refreshing crunch
• Chilled Michigan craft beer or hard cider

Conclusion

The Arteflame grill ensures the most flavorful and juicy Saugatuck BBQ Chicken Wings by searing at high heat and finishing on the flat griddle. Try out different variations and enjoy perfectly grilled wings every time!