Bangin’ BBQ Beer Can Chicken Wings

Bangin’ BBQ Beer Can Chicken Wings

Find the perfect recipe for BBQ Chicken Wings, inspired by a famous restaurant or street-food classic, with this advanced copycat recipe.

Time: Prep Time: 15 minutes - Cook Time: 1 hour - Total Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Advanced
Cuisine: American

Allergens

Contains gluten (from BBQ sauce). Check your BBQ sauce and beer for other allergens.

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs chicken wings, tips removed and wings separated at the joint
  • 1 can (12 oz) beer of choice, room temperature
  • 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to medium heat (350°F).
  2. In a large bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
  3. Open the beer can and pour half of the mixture into it. Place the wings in a large pot or bowl and pour the remaining BBQ sauce mixture over them. Toss to coat evenly.
  4. Stand the coated wings upright in the can, one wing on each side of the can, with the tips touching the bottom of the grill. Ensure that the cans are resting on the grill grates to prevent tipping.
  5. Grill wings, covered, for 1 hour, basting occasionally with remaining BBQ sauce mixture.
  6. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and wings have a slightly charred exterior. Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Chef’s Insight

The beer can method creates a moist, flavorful wing that's sure to impress your guests!

Notes

This recipe requires an outdoor grill with a side burner or gas grill. Adjust cooking time based on the heat of your specific grill.

Cultural or Historical Background

This recipe is inspired by the classic American street food favorite, BBQ wings, and puts a modern twist on it with the use of beer.