It’s my favorite time of year again: football time. Nothing quite beats tailgating season, and this BBQ Coca-Cola chicken wings recipe will make this year one for the ages. You can’t go wrong with the smell of good food, fresh beer and the potential for a winning season in the air. Fair warning, though: when you throw these freakin’ delicious Coca-Cola wings on the grill, people might stop caring about who wins the game. They’re just that good.
I make these wings with Cowboy Charcoal, which is the cleanest, best-burning charcoal out there. I always feel confident grilling with Cowboy Charcoal, since I know it burns super hot and clean every time I use it. I’ve even used it to make my smoked butter and smoked chimichurri recipes. The smoke flavor is truly next level.
Post Sponsored by Cowboy Charcoal
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love BBQ Coca Cola Chicken Wings
- BBQ Coca Cola Chicken Wings Ingredients
- How to Cut Whole Chicken Wings
- This sauce is FYR!
- How to Make BBQ Coca Cola Chicken Wings
- What to Serve With BBQ Coca Cola Chicken Wings
- For More Wings
- Leftovers and Reheating
- FAQs
- Flavor X Fire & FOOD X Fire
- Spicy BBQ Cola Wings Recipe
Why You’ll Love BBQ Coca Cola Chicken Wings
These homemade chicken wings get loads spicy flavor from Cowboy Charcoal’s Cowboy Prairie Fire BBQ Sauce and hints of sweetness from a fresh can of Coke. Since we’re using 4-5 pounds of wings, you’ll have enough from this easy recipe to feed a whole crowd of friends and family. If you’re traveling to the big game, you can prep the BBQ sauce at home and throw them on your portable grill when you get there. There’s a reason that chicken wings are a perfect appetizer or delicious main course at tailgates. I promise these new fan favorites are easy to make, super delicious, and guaranteed to be a win.
Want more barbecue sauce in your life? Who doesn’t! Check out my recipes for BBQ Bacon Burger, BBQ Volcano Potatoes and BBQ Steak Sandwich.
BBQ Coca Cola Chicken Wings Ingredients
We’re got a pretty short ingredient list here!
- Chicken Wings: ‘Nuff said. You can use wingettes too, if that’s what you have on hand.
- BBQ Coca Cola Sauce: To make our freakin’ delicious sauce, we’ll mix together the following ingredients: Cowboy Prairie Fire BBQ Sauce, a can of your favorite cola, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, all-purpose flour, kosher salt and black pepper.
How to Cut Whole Chicken Wings
Depending on the stock at your grocery store, you may be able to find party wings. Party wings already have the drumette and the flat separated, so they’re easy to just get on the grill.
If you can only find whole chicken wings (which are cheaper than party wings), it’s real easy to cut the chicken wings yourself. First, flip the wings over so you can see the joints. You’ll see three parts: the wingette, the flat and the drumette. Then, using a sharp knife, cut the wingette from the flat at the joint. Your knife should do this easily if you cut at the right spot. For your final cut, separate the flat from the drumette.
That’s it! You’re ready for cooking wings! This short video from America’s Test Kitchen also has a great demo.
Get stoked for life
This sauce is FYR!
Born from a deep passion for food and flavor. Whether you’re grilling in the backyard or live fire cooking around the world, we have what you need to transform every meal into an adventure.
How to Make BBQ Coca Cola Chicken Wings
In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups Cowboy Prairie Fire BBQ Sauce, 1 can of cola, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, kosher salt and black pepper. Then, pour the BBQ sauce mixture in a sauté pan, add 1/4 cup of all purpose flour to thicken, and bring the mixture to a boil on the stovetop. Stir the sauce frequently to keep it from burning.
When the sauce has come to a boil, pull it off heat. Add 4-5 pound of chicken wings to the BBQ sauce and coat wings completely in sauce.
Now, it’s time to grill. Light your Cowboy Hardwood Lump Charcoal in a charcoal chimney starter or mound the coals inside your grill and let them burn for 10-15 minutes. If you’d like more smoke flavor, add 3-4 pieces of applewood on top of the charcoal.
Once charcoal is hot (around 325-350 degrees Fahrenheit), move all of it to one side of grill to indirectly cook the chicken. Place wings in a single layer on the side of the grill opposite the charcoal. Cook 8-10 minutes per side. When they’re done cooking, remove the BBQ Coca-Cola chicken wings from the grill and coat with more Cowboy Prairie Fire BBQ Sauce. Pile these freakin’ delicious wings on a serving plate and enjoy!
What to Serve With BBQ Coca Cola Chicken Wings
These BBQ Coca-Cola chicken wings are great with classic sides like cornbread, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, coleslaw or a simple green salad. If you’re looking for more ideas for your tailgate spread, check out my roundup for The Best Tailgating Recipes and Grilled Appetizer Recipes.
For More Wings
Leftovers and Reheating
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, use an oven or an air fryer basket to help maintain the crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can result in a soggy finish.
FAQs
Definitely! If you want a substitute, you can use chicken drumsticks, bone-in chicken thighs or chicken legs for this BBQ Coca Cola chicken wings recipe. Just remember that the cooking times will be different for these cuts, so adjust accordingly (and check with your meat thermometer!). I’ve got lots of other ideas in this roundup for The Best Chicken Leg Recipes.
So, when I say “Coke,” I’m using it the Southern way — as a generic term for any type of dark soda. I get it can be confusing! So you can use regular Coke, diet Coke, root beer, or any other dark soda that makes your tastebuds happy. If you want to stay away from soda, you can use apple juice, ginger ale or soda water and honey.
Since Cowboy Charcoal is the best stuff around, it’s easy to find around the country. Check out the company’s store locator to find a grocery store or hardware store that carries it near you. You can also buy it online.
Get The Cookbooks!
Flavor X Fire & FOOD X Fire
All the major tastes—salty, sour, sweet, bitter, and umami—are explored in depth, along with an investigation of other components you should consider when it comes to flavor, such as aroma, heat, and texture.
Spicy BBQ Cola Wings
Ingredients
- 4-5 lbs of Chicken Wings Wingettes can be used as well!
- 2 cups of Cowboy Prairie Fire BBQ Sauce
- 1 12 oz can of your favorite cola
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup of white flour
- Salt & pepper
Instructions
- In a bowl, add Cowboy Prairie Fire BBQ Sauce, can of cola, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt & pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Pour mixture into saute pan, add flour to thicken and bring to a boil. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Pull mixture off heat & add Chicken Wings. Coat wings in sauce completely.
- Light the Cowboy Hardwood Lump Charcoal in a charcoal chimney or mound inside your grill and let burn for 10-15 minutes. (Optional) Add 3-4 pieces of apple wood to the top of the charcoal for added flavor!
- Once charcoal is hot (around 325-350F), move all of it to one side of grill in order to indirectly cook the chicken. (Optional) Add soaked apple wood smoking chips for added flavor!
- Place chicken on opposite side of charcoal and cook 8-10 minutes per side.
- Pull chicken off and coat with more Cowboy Prairie Fire BBQ Sauce
- Serve & enjoy the football game!
