Washington BBQ Chicken Wings on Arteflame Grill

Introduction

Bring the flavors of the Pacific Northwest to your backyard with these juicy, smoky Washington-style BBQ Chicken Wings. Cooked to perfection on the Arteflame Grill using the reverse sear method, these wings are infused with homemade tangy BBQ marinade and then seared over 1,000°F for maximum flavor. The Arteflame's wood-fired flavor, hot center grill grate and surrounding flat griddle ensure every wing is perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, all without needing an oven or lid. Whether you're cooking for a game day or a summer gathering, this recipe locks in bold flavor while keeping things simple and effortless on the grill.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
• 1 cup Washington-style BBQ sauce (see variation below to make your own)
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika (smoked if available)
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
• Chopped green onion and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour a small amount of vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center of your Arteflame grill.
2. Stack hardwood firewood pieces over the napkins.
3. Light the napkins and let the firewood burn down to glowing embers. The grill will be ready for cooking in about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken Wings

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken wings, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, melted butter, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Toss to coat thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).

Step 3: Sear on the Center Grate

1. Place the chicken wings on the hot center grill grate of the Arteflame to sear at over 1,000°F.
2. Sear each side for about 2 minutes to lock in the juices and achieve grill marks.
3. Be careful not to over-sear; move any wings that start to char prematurely.

Step 4: Finish Cooking on the Flat Griddle

1. Move the seared wings to the surrounding flat cooktop griddle.
2. Use the hotter inner area for quicker cooking, or the outer zone for slower, more even cooking.
3. Continue grilling, flipping occasionally for even caramelization, for about 10–15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 170°F (remove at 155°F; carryover heat will finish them perfectly).

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Remove from the grill and let rest 5–7 minutes.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips

• Use only hardwood firewood—avoid softwoods like pine for cleaner, tastier smoke.
• Reverse searing on the Arteflame keeps wings juicy on the inside and crispy outside.
• Always remove meat when internal temp is 15°F below the target to prevent overcooking.
• Layer flavors by basting more BBQ sauce in the last few minutes of grilling.
• Use butter to grease the griddle for better caramelization and richer flavor.

Variations

1. Honey Jalapeño Wings: Add 2 tbsp honey and 1 minced jalapeño to the marinade for a sweet heat flavor.
2. Whiskey Maple BBQ Wings: Mix in 2 tbsp maple syrup and 1 tbsp whiskey to your marinade for a smoky-sweet twist.
3. Garlic Parmesan Wings: Skip the BBQ sauce. Toss grilled wings with melted butter, garlic, and freshly grated parmesan after grilling.
4. Asian Fusion Wings: Replace BBQ sauce with teriyaki sauce, a splash of fish sauce, and a squeeze of lime juice in the marinade.
5. Spicy Korean Wings: Use gochujang paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey to give your wings a bold Korean BBQ flair.

Best pairings

• Grilled corn on the cob with lime butter
• Washington apple slaw with apple cider vinaigrette
• Wood-fired sweet potato wedges
• Cold craft beer from the Pacific Northwest
• Grilled peaches or pineapple slices for dessert

Conclusion

Washington BBQ Chicken Wings cooked on the Arteflame Grill give you that unbeatable flavor of open-fire cooking with juicy, tender meat and a perfect char every time. The unique combination of the blazing hot grill grate and the even-heating flat griddle make this a surefire hit. Whether you're entertaining or just craving BBQ, this recipe brings the Pacific Northwest's signature taste right to your plate.