Virginia Peanut Butter BBQ Chicken Wings

Introduction

These Virginia-style wings are coated in a crave-worthy peanut butter BBQ glaze with just the right balance of sweet, savory, and smoky. Using the Arteflame Grill, we unleash that flavor over two precise cooking zones—the blazing-hot center grill grate and the gently sizzling flat top griddle. This method locks in juices, crisps the skin, and caramelizes the sauce without burning. Let’s fire up the grill and dive into some next-level wing grilling!

Ingredients

• 3 lbs chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite, preferably smoky)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne (optional for heat)
• 2 tbsp butter, for grilling
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

1. Place three paper napkins soaked in vegetable oil in the center of your Arteflame grill.
2. Stack quality firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
3. Let the grill heat up for about 20 minutes until the center grate is over 1,000F for searing, and the outer flat griddle has established multiple heat zones.

Step 2: Make the Virginia Peanut Butter BBQ Sauce

1. In a bowl, mix peanut butter, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne until smooth.
2. Set aside for glazing the wings.

Step 3: Season and Sear the Wings

1. Pat wings dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Add a dab of butter to the center grill grate for flavor boost and sear the wings over high heat for about 1-2 minutes per side to crisp the skin and lock in juices.

Step 4: Cook on the Flat Griddle

1. Move seared wings to the flat top griddle, closer to the outer edge where it's medium-hot—perfect for indirect grilling.
2. Brush wings with the peanut butter BBQ glaze.
3. Cook wings for 20–25 minutes, flipping and re-glazing every 5–7 minutes until fully cooked. Internal temp should reach 165F—remove them around 150F to allow carryover cooking to finish the job.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once wings have rested for 5 minutes, serve them hot and garnish with chopped peanuts or green onions if desired.

Tips

• Use butter instead of oil when grilling—adds amazing richness to the wings.
• Don't walk away during searing—the grate is over 1,000F and moves fast!
• Apply glaze in layers for deep caramelization without burning.
• Let wings rest off the grill so juices spread evenly inside.
• Experiment with sauce ratios based on your preferred sweetness or smokiness.

Variations

1. Spicy Thai Style: Add sriracha and lime juice to the peanut BBQ sauce for a tangy kick.
2. Smoky Maple Version: Replace honey with maple syrup and add a touch of bourbon for deep Southern character.
3. Garlic Sesame Twist: Use toasted sesame oil and minced garlic in the glaze with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for garnish.
4. Sticky Caribbean Style: Infuse the glaze with jerk seasoning and a splash of pineapple juice for a tropical hit.
5. Sweet Chili Crunch: Blend in sweet chili sauce and crushed peanuts for texture and zesty heat.

Best pairings

• Cold craft beer (IPA, wheat ale or crisp lager)
• Grilled corn with chili butter on the Arteflame griddle
• Charred peach slices or pineapple rings for a sweet contrast
• Classic coleslaw with tangy vinaigrette
• Potato wedges or sweet potatoes grilled right on the flat top

Conclusion

These Virginia Peanut Butter BBQ Wings grilled on the Arteflame bring together bold flavors and pro techniques for an irresistible bite. Using the power of the reverse sear and leveraging multiple heat zones on your Arteflame, there's no need for an oven or pan—just rich flavor, crispy skin, and juicy wings made the right way, outdoors.