Grilled Chicken Wings with Mambo Glaze

If you’re craving a combination of smoky, chargrilled chicken wings with a bold, flavorful twist, look no further than this quintessential grilled chicken wing recipe: Grilled Chicken Wings with Mambo Sauce.

The wings are perfectly crisped on the grill, locking in that irresistible smoky flavor, while the sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy Mambo Sauce takes them to the next level.

This D.C.-inspired sauce adds the perfect kick to your wings, making them the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your next cookout or game day snack. Prepare to savor every bite as the flavors blend in perfect harmony!

Related Wings Recipes:

• Slow Smoked Wings
• Deep Fried Wings
• Buttermilk Fried Whole Chicken Wings

Lots of grilled wings recipes lack the crispy texture. And when you crank the heat up on the grill to compensate oftentimes you get too much of that chargrilled taste. What makes these unique is flash frying them in my deep fryer. You get smoky grilled flavor with that crisp skin.

Introduction to Grilled Chicken Wings

Grilled chicken wings are a beloved dish that brings together the best of smoky, charred flavors and juicy, tender meat. Perfect for parties, game days, or casual family dinners, these wings are a true crowd-pleaser. The grilling process imparts a rich, savory taste that pairs beautifully with a variety of sauces, from spicy buffalo sauce to tangy BBQ sauce.

Whether you prefer your wings hot and spicy or sweet and tangy, grilled chicken wings offer endless possibilities for seasoning and flavoring. The combination of crispy skin and succulent meat makes them an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Beats and Eats (music to pair with mambo wings)

Muddy Waters' "You Shook Me" pairs so well with grilled chicken wings because both embody a deep, soulful essence. The slow, bluesy rhythm of the song, filled with raw emotion and rich, smoky guitar riffs, mirrors the way grilled wings are cooked low and slow over the flames, developing layers of flavor.

Just as the blues tells a story that lingers in your soul, each bite of a perfectly grilled wing—crispy, tender, and infused with smoke—leaves a lasting impression. The combination of that earthy blues sound and the boldness of grilled wings creates an experience that’s satisfying on every level.

What is Mambo Sauce

Mambo Sauce is a flavorful condiment that originated in Washington, D.C. Known for its unique blend of sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors, it’s often made with a base of ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and hot sauce.

Traditionally served with fried chicken, wings, and fries, Mambo Sauce has become a beloved staple of D.C.'s food culture. Its versatile taste, somewhere between BBQ and sweet-and-sour sauce, makes it perfect for adding a punch of flavor to a variety of dishes like these wings

Choosing the Right Chicken Wings

Selecting the perfect chicken wings is the first step to achieving grilling greatness. Look for fresh, plump wings that are free from any visible damage or bruising. You can choose from different wing parts, including drumsticks, flats, and whole wings, but for grilling, wings around 2-3 inches in length are ideal as they cook more evenly and quickly.

When it comes to seasoning, start with the basics: kosher salt, chili powder, and garlic powder. These ingredients lay a solid foundation for flavor. For an extra kick, consider adding hot sauce, blue cheese dressing, or garlic parmesan sauce. Patting the wings dry with paper towels before grilling is crucial for achieving that coveted crispy skin.

Grill your chicken wings over medium heat to ensure they cook evenly without burning. Depending on the size, grill them for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

This method ensures your wings are perfectly cooked, with a crispy exterior and juicy interior. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create grilled chicken wings that are sure to impress everyone at your next gathering.

Ingredients for Grilled Wings

• Chicken Wings
• Olive Oil
• Creole Spice - make your own (smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, thyme) or store-bought
• Coarse Black Pepper
• Mambo Sauce

How to make Crispy Grilled Chicken Wings

This grilled chicken wing recipe is a must-try for any grilling enthusiast, offering a perfect balance of smoky flavor and crispy texture.

You can make the mambo sauce ahead of time or while the wings are on the grill.

Coat wings in olive oil.

Season the wings with the creole spice mix.

Heat grill to medium heat (375°F). Using tongs, place wings on the grill over indirect heat.

Grill chicken wings for 35-40 minutes, turning them using tongs every 10 minutes or so.

Heat deep fryer to 375 degrees F. Flash fry the wings for 1 minute.

Place wings in a large bowl and toss with the mambo sauce.

Alternatively skip the frying step and just grill wings over direct heat and baste with mambo sauce per below directions.

Move wings over direct heat and baste with the mambo sauce. Turn them over after 4-5 minutes and then baste again. Let them cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Once done, remove from grill and serve.

Treat these like buffalo wings and dip them in some cool blue cheese dressing or a garlic parmesan sauce.

What to Serve with Grilled Chicken Wings

Grilled wings pair well with a variety of side dishes that complement their smoky, flavorful taste. Here are some great options:

1. Coleslaw: The cool, creamy texture contrasts nicely with the heat of the wings.
2. Potato Wedges or Fries: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside—classic comfort food alongside wings.
3. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled, corn adds a sweet and buttery side to balance out the bold flavors of the wings.
4. Mac and Cheese: A rich, cheesy side dish that pairs well with the smoky flavor of grilled wings.
5. Baked Beans: Sweet and savory beans make a hearty, flavorful complement to the wings.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and onions add a light, crunchy balance to your meal.

Cooking Considerations and Tips

When cooking chicken wings here are key cooking considerations and tips for the best grilled chicken wings:

Prepping the Wings

• Tip: Pat the wings dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure a crispy skin when grilled.
• Consideration: Trim any excess skin or fat for more even cooking and a cleaner presentation.

Seasoning or Marinating

• Tip: Season wings generously with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices, or marinate them for at least 1-2 hours for deeper flavor.
• Consideration: Avoid sugar-heavy marinades while grilling to prevent burning. If using a sweet sauce, apply it in the last few minutes of cooking.

Indirect vs. Direct Heat

• Tip: Start wings over indirect heat to cook them through, then finish over direct heat for a crispy char.
• Consideration: Grilling over high heat for too long can cause flare-ups and burnt skin, while the meat may still be undercooked.

Grill Temperature

• Tip: Keep the grill temperature around 350°F to 400°F for even cooking without drying out the wings.
• Consideration: Use a grill with a lid to maintain consistent heat and prevent drying out the meat.

Saucing the Wings

• Tip: Toss wings in sauce after frying to maintain a crispy exterior, or baste them in the last few minutes of cooking for caramelization.
• Consideration: Applying sauce too early can cause it to burn due to the sugar content.

Resting

• Tip: Let the wings rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute.
• Consideration: This will keep the wings juicy when you bite into them.

Following these tips will help ensure your grilled chicken wings come out crispy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time!

Variations On Mambo Wings

This recipe is really about the technique. You could easily make this a grilled buffalo chicken wings recipe or any of these others:

Garlic Mambo Wings

• Variation: Incorporate fresh minced garlic or garlic powder into the Mambo Sauce for a more savory, garlicky twist.
• Tip: Grill the wings and brush them with garlic-infused Mambo Sauce during the last few minutes to let the flavors meld.

Citrus Mambo Wings

• Variation: Add a splash of lime or lemon juice to the Mambo Sauce for a bright, citrusy kick.
• Tip: Zest some lime or lemon over the wings after grilling to enhance the tangy flavor.

Buffalo-Mambo Wings

• Variation: Combine equal parts Mambo Sauce and Buffalo Sauce to create a fiery, tangy fusion.
• Tip: Grill the wings to a crisp, then toss them in this hybrid sauce for a bold and spicy experience.

Smoky BBQ Mambo Wings

• Variation: Mix a bit of BBQ sauce with Mambo Sauce for a smoky, tangy blend that gives the wings a rich depth of flavor.
• Tip: Grill the wings low and slow for extra smokiness, then coat them with the BBQ-Mambo mix for a sweet and smoky finish.

These variations add unique twists to the classic grilled Mambo wings, letting you experiment with different flavors while keeping the signature sweet-tangy foundation.

Make These Mambo Wings

If you make this grilled chicken wing recipe, enjoy it with an ice cold brew or champagne if that’s your thing. Either way please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.

You can also keep up with my food exploits as well as original recipes! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. If you like any of the music you find on the site, visit me at Spotify to find curated monthly playlists.

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