Introduction
Grilled Chicken Wings and Steak make the perfect backyard feast—crispy, spicy, and downright irresistible. Whether you’re hosting friends or craving a hearty family dinner, these two protein stars deliver big on flavor with minimal fuss. The smoky aroma of perfectly charred wings mingles with the juicy richness of rib-eye steak, while golden, crispy fries soak up every drop of sauce. It’s a trio that never fails to impress.
My first taste of this combo came at a summer cookout where the host slathered wings in a fiery barbecue glaze and finished steaks with the same sauce for a spicy twist. Guests couldn’t stop raving—plates came back empty and conversations buzzed around “how to get that glaze.” From that day on, I refined the technique: seasoning wings and steak separately, grilling each to ideal doneness, then brushing on sauce in the final minutes for a perfect finish.
What makes this meal special is its balance: wings with a kick, a tender steak cooked just right, and fries with a satisfying crunch. If you loved our Tangy Shredded Pork night, you’ll find the same easy, hands-on approach here—just fire up the grill and watch everyone gather around. Ready for your most epic cookout yet? Let’s get grilling.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Dual-Protein Delight: Wings and steak share the spotlight for maximum satisfaction.
- Spice & Smokiness: A blend of chili powder and barbecue sauce packs a punch.
- Crispy-Soft Contrast: Golden fries complement tender, juicy meat.
- Simple Prep, Big Impact: Minimal ingredients, straightforward steps.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for game days, cookouts, or a fun family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Grilled Chicken Wings
- 12 chicken wings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup spicy barbecue sauce
- 2 tbsp creamy white sauce (ranch or blue cheese dressing)
For the Grilled Steak
- 2 rib-eye steaks (about 1″ thick)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp steak seasoning (optional)
- 2 tbsp spicy barbecue sauce
For the Crispy Fries
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)
Equipment You’ll Need
- Grill (charcoal or gas) or grill pan
- Baking sheet
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Tongs and spatula
- Large bowl for tossing fries
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Prep the Wings & Fries
- Rinse wings and pat dry. Place in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour seasoning over wings and toss to coat evenly.
- Peel (if desired) and cut potatoes into thin fry shapes. In another bowl, toss fries with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet.
- Start the Fries
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place fries in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping once halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Grill the Chicken Wings
- Preheat grill to medium heat (about 350–375°F).
- Arrange wings on the grill, leaving space between each.
- Grill 20–25 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, until the skin is crisp and meat is cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
- In the last 5 minutes, brush both sides with spicy barbecue sauce and let it caramelize.
- Grill the Steaks
- While wings grill, rub steaks with olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional seasoning.
- Place steaks on the hot grill.
- Cook 4–6 minutes per side for medium-rare (130–135°F internal).
- In the final 1 minute, brush with barbecue sauce for a glossy finish.
- Remove and rest for 5 minutes under foil.
- Finish & Plate
- Pull fries from the oven and sprinkle with fresh herbs if using.
- Transfer wings and steak to a cutting board. Slice steaks against the grain.
- Arrange fries, wings, and steak slices on a platter.
- Serve wings with white sauce for dipping and extra barbecue sauce on the side.
Serving Suggestions
- Dips & Sides: Offer ranch, blue cheese, or extra barbecue sauce.
- Veggie Plate: Cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and carrot sticks add freshness.
- Salad: A simple slaw or mixed greens with vinaigrette cuts the richness.
- Beverages: Pair with ice-cold beer, iced tea, or a zesty lemonade.
FAQs
Can I use drumettes instead of wings?
Yes—drumettes cook similarly and offer a meatier bite. Adjust grill time by a few minutes if needed.
How do I get extra-crispy fries?
Soak sliced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, pat dry thoroughly, then bake as directed.
What if I don’t have a grill?
Use a hot grill pan or broil wings and steak in the oven, flipping halfway through.
Can I marinate wings ahead of time?
Absolutely. Marinate wings up to 4 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor.
Nutrition Facts (per serving; serves 4)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 650 kcal |
| Protein | 45 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| – Dietary Fiber | 5 g |
| – Sugars | 6 g |
| Fat | 32 g |
| – Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Recipe Tips
- Even Slices: Cut fries uniformly for consistent cooking.
- Rest Meat: Always let steak rest to retain juices.
- Control Flare-Ups: Move wings off direct flame if dripping fat causes flames.
- Sauce Layering: Brush sauce in the final minutes to prevent burning.
- Herb Garnish: Chopped parsley or cilantro adds a fresh pop.
Conclusion
This Grilled Chicken Wings and Steak with Crispy Fries recipe is your ticket to a memorable grill night—bold, spicy, and ridiculously easy. With wings glazed to perfection, steaks bursting with flavor, and fries that stay crisp, every bite is a winner. Looking for more grilled goodness? Try our Smoky BBQ Pork Ribs or Citrus-Marinated Grilled Salmon. Fire up the grill and let the feast begin!