Tennessee Nashville Hot Chicken Wings

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like Tennessee-style Nashville Hot Chicken Wings made right on the Arteflame Grill. Grilling with real wood adds layers of authentic smoky flavor and using the reverse sear method gives you juicy, tender wings with a fiery crust. Best of all, the Arteflame’s flat top griddle means you can grill up your entire meal at once, all without dirtying a single pan. Let’s fire it up and get grilling!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for sauce)
• 2 tbsp cayenne pepper (for sauce)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (for sauce)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (for sauce)
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Pickle chips (for serving)
• Ranch dressing (for dipping)
• Butter for greasing the griddle

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour a splash of vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center of the Arteflame Grill.
2. Stack dry firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
3. Wait about 20 minutes for the fire to mature and the center grill grate to reach 1,000°F.

Step 2: Prep the chicken wings

1. Pat the wings dry with paper towels to help them crisp up.
2. Season them evenly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne.

Step 3: Sear the wings

1. Place the wings directly on the center grill grate for a hot sear, about 1-2 minutes per side until the skin starts to crisp and color deepens.
2. Use tongs to turn them carefully and avoid flare-ups.

Step 4: Reverse sear on the flat top

1. Move the wings to the inner part of the flat top griddle (closer to center for higher heat, outward for gentler cook).
2. Let them cook slowly until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Then remove from the grill to rest—they’ll coast up to a perfect 175°F.

Step 5: Make the Nashville hot sauce

1. On the hottest part of the Arteflame flat griddle, melt 1/4 cup of butter.
2. Stir in cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder using a spatula.
3. Once the spices bubble slightly and the mixture becomes smooth, remove from heat.

Step 6: Toss the wings

1. Place grilled wings in a large mixing bowl.
2. Pour the hot Nashville sauce over the wings and toss until evenly coated.

Step 7: Serve

1. Arrange wings on a serving platter with pickle chips and a side of ranch dressing.
2. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Tips

• Always season wings ahead of time and let them sit while the grill heats up.
• Use butter instead of oil for richer flavor and optimal sear on the flat top.
• Move wings to cooler edges of the griddle if they cook too fast.
• Remove wings when internal temp hits 160°F—they'll rise to 175°F while resting.
• Don’t skip the pickles—they cut the heat just right.

Variations

1. Smoky Honey Hot: Add 2 tbsp honey to the Nashville sauce for a sticky-sweet contrast to the heat.
2. Garlic Parmesan Wings: Swap spicy sauce with melted butter, minced garlic, and grated parmesan, then toss wings and finish with cracked pepper.
3. Lemon Pepper Heat: Mix lemon zest and cracked pepper with cayenne and butter for a citrus-kick version.
4. BBQ Bourbon Wings: Add 2 tbsp bourbon and 3 tbsp barbecue sauce to your melted butter for a deep-South twist.
5. Maple Chipotle Wings: Blend 2 tbsp maple syrup, chipotle powder, and smoked paprika for a sweet heat profile.

Best pairings

• Icy cold craft beer or sweet tea to balance the heat.
• Classic southern coleslaw for a crunchy, cool side.
• Grilled cornbread wedges cooked right on the Arteflame flat top.
• Slice of grilled watermelon as a refreshing dessert.

Conclusion

These Nashville Hot Chicken Wings made on the Arteflame Grill pack bold Tennessee flavor, an irresistible crispy finish, and a juicy interior. With no pots, pans, or oven required, this full-flavored recipe delivers maximum taste with minimal clean-up. Serve them up with bright pickles and creamy ranch for the ultimate outdoor grilling experience!