Now That I Make Chicken Wings Like This, I’ll Never Make Them Another Way

Now That I Make Chicken Wings Like This, I’ll Never Make Them Another Way
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overhead shot of gochujang butter wings, topped with white sesame seeds and green onion, on a teal plate.
Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe ;Food Styling: Spencer Richards

Of all the wing recipes I’ve made over the years, these gochujang butter grilled wings are the ones I keep coming back to. I’ve made them several times now for summer cookouts, and they’re always the first thing to disappear. The wings are coated in a buttery gochujang sauce that’s the perfect mix of spicy and sweet. It clings to every bite and makes these wings completely irresistible.

Serve them as a party appetizer, or make them the main course with your favorite summer side dishes. I like to pair them with grilled corn on the cob, creamy potato salad, and spicy cucumber kimchi for some crunch. They taste just as good at a backyard BBQ as they do on a weeknight with a cold drink and a few simple sides. Once you try them, they’ll definitely earn a regular spot in your grilling rotation.

Get the recipe: Gochujang Butter Grilled Wings

What Makes Gochujang Butter Grilled Wings So Good

Tossing the wings with baking powder and cornstarch before grilling is a small but important step: It helps draw out moisture from the skin, so it crisps up better on the grill. Grilling them keeps things simple and adds a light, smoky char.

But the real magic of this recipe is in the sauce! Gochujang brings a deep chili flavor without overwhelming heat, and when it’s mixed with honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, butter, and fresh ginger, it turns into a thick, glossy coating. The sauce hits every note: spicy, sweet, tangy, and rich.

This is a great recipe no matter what type of grill you have (charcoal, gas, or even a pellet grill). You can grill the wings over direct heat for a faster cook, or go the indirect route to cook them a little more gently, then crisp them up at the end. Either way, you end up with a plate of wings that are packed with flavor and perfect for sharing.

What if I Don’t Have Access to a Grill?

You can also make these wings in the oven! Bake them at 425°F until the top of the wings are golden-brown and crisp, about 20 to 25 minutes. Flip the wings, then bake until the second side is golden-brown and crisp, about 20 to 25 minutes more.

Get the recipe: Gochujang Butter Grilled Wings