BBQ Chicken Wing Marinade

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Last Updated on January 16, 2025 by Toya

This delicious homemade chicken wing marinade only needs a handful of easy-to-find ingredients and tastes amazing. It’s also versatile and will work for any chicken wing recipe!

This chicken wing marinade delivers a balanced blend of savory and sweet flavors.

This BBQ chicken wing marinade will infuse the wings with a rich, smoky flavor from the smoked paprika and garlic. The tangy sweetness of the BBQ sauce and apple cider vinegar balances perfectly, so each wing is bursting with the best flavors.

You’ll love this marinade recipe!

Why Marinate Chicken Wings

Marinating chicken wings isn’t just about flavor. Here’s why it’s so essential:

• Tenderizes the meat: The acidic components in a marinade, such as citrus juice or vinegar, help break down the protein, making the wings more tender and juicy.
• Adds moisture: Marinades lock in moisture, ensuring your chicken wings are not only flavorful but also juicy and succulent.
• Enhances flavor: A well-balanced marinade will deeply penetrate the chicken, infusing it with the best flavors.

Let’s see how to make this easy chicken wings marinade.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

How To Make Chicken Wing Marinade

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, olive oil, vinegar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well blended.
2. Place your chicken wings in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the wings, ensuring they are coated well. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours. For the best results, marinate the wings overnight to allow the flavors to fully develop.
3. Then Cook the Wings:
   • Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the wings for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally until the wings are fully cooked and have a crispy exterior.
   • Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through.
4. Once cooked, serve the wings with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or a spicy buffalo sauce.

Customizing Your Chicken Wing Marinade

If you need to make customizations, you can easily tweak the ingredients. Here are some variations to consider:

1. Spicy Buffalo Marinade

For those who love heat, add 1/4 cup of hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot) to the base marinade recipe. You can also include some crushed red pepper flakes or extra cayenne for a spicier kick.

2. Sweet and Tangy Marinade

If you enjoy a balance of sweetness and acidity, replace the soy sauce with 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, and add 1/4 cup of orange juice. Honey or maple syrup can be used as a sweetener for added depth.

3. Asian-Inspired Marinade

For an Asian twist, add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of grated ginger. Soy sauce remains the base, but a splash of hoisin or sriracha will enhance the overall flavor.

4. Lemon Herb Marinade

For a lighter, herbaceous option, increase the lemon juice to 3 tablespoons and add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano. A bit of lemon zest and olive oil keeps this marinade bright and flavorful.

More Marinade Recipes to Try

If you’re looking to explore more marinade options for other meats, check out these delicious recipes:

• Pork Chop Marinade
• Chicken Drumstick Marinade
• Homemade Chicken Marinade
• Classic Steak Marinade
• Turkey Marinade Recipe