Grilled Chicken Wings with Alabama White BBQ Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

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 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 preferred)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish (hot horseradish preferred)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon hot sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients—mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, brown mustard, brown sugar, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper—until smooth and well combined.
2. Use the sauce immediately for best flavor or transfer it to a sealable jar and refrigerate for a few hours to allow the flavors to develop and meld.
3. Place the chicken wings in a large bowl and add salt, smashed garlic cloves, fresh peppercorns, and honey. Cover with water completely. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 3 hours to brine; for deeper flavor, brine overnight.
4. After brining, remove the wings and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Place the wings back into a large bowl and rub the Cajun seasoning blend all over the wings, ensuring the seasoning coats the skins well.
5. Heat your grill to medium heat, preparing it for direct grilling of the wings.
6. Place the wings on the grill and cook for 20 minutes total, turning once halfway through cooking. Monitor the wings closely to prevent the skin from burning. The wings are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit measured with a meat thermometer.
7. Once cooked through, transfer the wings to a large bowl and toss them evenly with the Alabama White BBQ Sauce. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Spice Factor is mild to medium, but you can adjust by adding hotter chili powders or chili flakes if a spicier wing is desired.
• If time allows, brining the wings overnight enhances flavor and juiciness significantly.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure wings are safely cooked to 165°F internal temperature.
• The Alabama White BBQ Sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• For a smoky flavor, consider adding wood chips to the grill during cooking.