If you’re craving a mouthwatering, smoky summer treat that brings together juicy, tender chicken and sweet, charred corn, this Grilled Chicken Wings with Corn Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s straightforward but packed with flavor, combining classic spices with fresh, vibrant ingredients for that perfect balance. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a casual family dinner or impressing friends at your next backyard gathering, these wings with corn will quickly become a crowd favorite that everyone asks for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Grilled Chicken Wings with Corn Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a vital role to create a perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color. From the aromatic spices on the wings to the natural sweetness of the corn, everything comes together beautifully with just a handful of essentials.
- Chicken wings (10-12, split into flats and drumettes): The star of the dish, providing tender, juicy bites that soak up the seasoning.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp for wings, 1 tbsp for corn): Helps the spices cling and keeps the wings and corn moist while grilling.
- Garlic powder (1 tbsp): Adds a warm, savory base note that enhances the wings’ flavor.
- Paprika (1 tsp): Offers a mild sweetness and beautiful color to the chicken.
- Onion powder (1/2 tsp): Brings subtle depth without overpowering the other spices.
- Ground cumin (1/2 tsp): Introduces a slightly earthy, smoky element that elevates the wings.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp, optional): Adds a burst of brightness and tenderizes the chicken slightly.
- Corn on the cob (4 ears, husked and cleaned): Sweet and juicy, perfect for grilling alongside the wings.
- Smoked paprika (1/4 tsp, optional for corn): Gives the corn a subtle smoky kick that pairs well with the wings.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, optional): Adds a fresh, green pop of color and flavor.
- Lime wedges (optional): For squeezing over the finished wings and corn, enhancing the zestiness.
- Grated parmesan or cotija cheese (optional, for corn): Introduces a salty, creamy contrast that works wonders with the grilled corn.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Wings with Corn Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings
Start by patting your chicken wings dry with paper towels—a little dryness on the surface ensures crispier skin on the grill. Toss them in olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. If you’re using lemon juice, add it here for an extra zing. Let the wings marinate for at least 15-20 minutes to soak up all those beautiful spices.
Step 2: Prep the Corn
While the wings marinate, husk the corn and brush each ear with olive oil. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and smoked paprika over the corn for that irresistible smoky flavor that complements the wings perfectly.
Step 3: Heat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to get those signature grill marks and a nice char without burning the food. Cleaning the grill grates and oiling them lightly will also help prevent sticking.
Step 4: Grill the Wings
Place the chicken wings on the grill in a single layer. Grill for about 20-25 minutes total, turning every 5 minutes so they cook evenly and develop a lovely, smoky crust. Cooking times can vary by grill, so it’s important that the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure they’re safe and juicy.
Step 5: Grill the Corn
Put the corn directly on the grill grates. Turn the ears every 3-4 minutes until the kernels are tender and have some char marks, about 10-12 minutes total. The grill adds a wonderful smoky-sweet flavor that transforms simple corn into something truly special.
Step 6: Finish and Rest
Once grilled, remove the wings and corn from the fire. Optionally, toss the corn with grated parmesan or cotija cheese and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over everything. Let the wings rest for a few minutes so the juices redistribute—this keeps every bite juicy and satisfying.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Wings with Corn Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your grilled feast with freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of lime juice over the chicken wings and corn. The parsley adds fresh herbal notes and vibrant color, while the lime juice cuts through the richness with a refreshing tang. For the corn, sprinkling parmesan or cotija cheese adds an unexpected salty creaminess that’s absolutely irresistible.
Side Dishes
Though this Grilled Chicken Wings with Corn Recipe stands strong on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad, creamy coleslaw, or some buttery garlic bread can round out the meal beautifully. The freshness of the salad can balance the richness of the wings, while the bread offers a comforting element to mop up any leftover juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the wings and corn on a rustic wooden board or a colorful platter, adding lime wedges and small bowls of dipping sauces like garlic aioli or spicy buffalo. Another idea is to cut the corn off the cob after grilling and toss it with chili powder, cheese, and herbs to create a street-style corn salad that pairs wonderfully with the wings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken wings will stay delicious for up to 3 days, while the corn should be eaten within 1-2 days for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze grilled chicken wings if needed—wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Corn doesn’t freeze as well after grilling because it can become watery and lose texture.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat the wings in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to crisp them back up. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess. Gently warm leftover corn on the stove in a skillet or a grill pan to restore some of its charred goodness.
FAQs
Can I make this Grilled Chicken Wings with Corn Recipe indoors?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill, use a grill pan or your oven’s broiler. While you won’t get the exact smoky flavor, you can still achieve a delicious result by using smoked paprika and turning the wings and corn often for even cooking.
What if I don’t have all the spices listed?
No worries! The beauty of this recipe is in its flexibility. If you’re missing some, just use what you have—salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika are the key players. The wings will still taste incredible with a simple seasoning.
How can I tell when the wings are fully cooked?
The safest method is to use a meat thermometer. Once the internal temperature hits 165°F, they’re perfectly cooked. The juices should run clear, and the skin should be crispy and golden.
Is it better to use flat or drumette pieces?
Both are delicious! Flats tend to have more skin and crisp up nicely, while drumettes are meatier and easier to hold. Splitting the wings into both types helps provide variety and texture to your meal.
Can I add other flavors to the corn?
Definitely! You can try butter and fresh herbs like cilantro, sprinkle with chili powder for heat, or drizzle with a bit of honey for sweetness. The corn is a fun canvas to experiment with and pairs wonderfully with the smoky wings.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about grilling chicken wings alongside fresh corn—each bite bursting with smoky, savory, and sweet notes. This Grilled Chicken Wings with Corn Recipe is simple to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for sharing around the table with loved ones. I can’t encourage you enough to give this recipe a whirl at your next meal and watch how quickly it disappears. Trust me, it’s a winning combination that will have everyone asking for seconds!
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Grilled Chicken Wings with Corn Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Grilled Chicken Wings with Corn recipe offers a flavorful and smoky meal perfect for summer cookouts. Chicken wings are seasoned with a blend of garlic, paprika, cumin, and a hint of lemon juice, then grilled to crispy perfection. Accompanied by charred, seasoned corn on the cob sprinkled with smoked paprika and a touch of cheese, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Wings
- 10–12 chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
For the Corn
- 4 ears of corn, husked and cleaned
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Lime wedges (optional)
- Grated parmesan or cotija cheese (optional, for the corn)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Wings: In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Optionally, add lemon juice for extra zest and mix until the wings are evenly coated.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken Wings: Place the wings on the grill and cook for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the wings are cooked through and have a nice char. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Prepare the Corn: Brush the husked and cleaned ears of corn with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using.
- Grill the Corn: Place the corn on the grill alongside the wings, turning every few minutes for about 10-15 minutes until charred and tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove wings and corn from the grill. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, grated parmesan or cotija cheese on the corn if desired. Serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- For crispier wings, pat them dry before seasoning.
- You can marinate the wings for 1-2 hours beforehand to enhance flavor.
- Adjust grilling time depending on the size of wings and intensity of your grill.
- Use fresh lime juice to brighten flavors just before serving.
- Parmesan or cotija cheese adds a nice salty element to balance the smoky flavor.
