BBQ Chicken Wings & Cheeseburger Platter: A Perfect Feast for Every Occasion
When it comes to comfort food, few things hit the spot like a platter of BBQ chicken wings and cheeseburgers. These two crowd-pleasing favorites, with their juicy flavors and satisfying textures, have earned their places as staples in cookouts, family gatherings, game days, and casual get-togethers. The combination of smoky, tender BBQ chicken wings paired with perfectly grilled cheeseburgers creates a meal that’s both hearty and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying a delicious weekend meal, this BBQ chicken wings and cheeseburger platter is sure to impress.
In this article, we'll explore how to make these two dishes, guiding you step by step to create a feast that’s full of flavor and fun. From marinating the wings to grilling the perfect cheeseburger, we’ll cover all the essential tips to help you make this platter the star of your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you get started, gather your ingredients. The key to great BBQ chicken wings and cheeseburgers is using fresh, high-quality products, so be sure to shop for the best available options.
For the BBQ Chicken Wings:
- 12-15 chicken wings (whole or split into drums and flats)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)
For the Cheeseburgers:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- 4 burger buns
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions (for toppings)
- Ketchup and mustard (for condiments)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the BBQ Chicken Wings
The key to delicious BBQ chicken wings lies in getting the marinade and BBQ sauce just right, while ensuring the chicken is cooked to perfection.
Marinate the Chicken Wings: Start by patting your chicken wings dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning and sauce adhere better. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken wings in this mixture until they are evenly coated. If you have time, marinate the wings for 1-2 hours (or overnight) in the refrigerator for even more flavor.
Prepare the BBQ Sauce: While the wings are marinating, prepare your BBQ sauce. If you're using store-bought BBQ sauce, you can heat it up slightly in a saucepan over low heat for better flavor. For homemade BBQ sauce, mix ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, mustard, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Taste it and adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add honey or a little extra sugar.
Grill the Wings: Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 375-400°F or 190-200°C). Brush the grates with a little bit of oil to prevent the wings from sticking. Place the wings on the grill, cooking them for 20-25 minutes, turning every 5-7 minutes to ensure they cook evenly. During the last 5 minutes of grilling, start brushing the wings with the BBQ sauce. This will allow the sauce to caramelize and create a sticky, flavorful coating on the wings.
Check for Doneness: Chicken wings are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can cut into the thickest part of the wing to ensure the meat is no longer pink.
Step 2: Making the Cheeseburgers
Now that your wings are cooking, it’s time to prepare the cheeseburgers. The burger patties need to be juicy and flavorful, and it all starts with the right blend of meat and seasonings.
Prepare the Burger Patties: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix everything together. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can lead to tough burgers. Divide the meat into four equal portions and form them into patties. To make sure your burgers cook evenly, make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb. This prevents them from puffing up in the middle as they cook.
Grill the Burgers: Preheat your grill or griddle to medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C). Place the burger patties on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness. If you like your burgers more well-done, cook them a few minutes longer. When you flip the burgers, add a slice of cheese on top of each patty and close the grill lid to melt the cheese.
Toast the Buns: While the burgers are cooking, you can toast the burger buns. Place them cut-side down on the grill for 1-2 minutes until they are golden brown and slightly crispy. This adds a nice crunch and prevents the buns from becoming soggy once you add the toppings.
Assemble the Burgers: Once the burgers are done, it’s time to assemble them. Place the burger patties on the toasted buns and add your desired toppings. Classic options include lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, and onions, but feel free to get creative with extras like bacon, avocado, or even fried onions. Don’t forget to add your favorite condiments, such as ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise.
Step 3: Putting Together the Platter
Now that both the BBQ chicken wings and cheeseburgers are ready, it’s time to assemble the platter.
Serve the BBQ Chicken Wings: Arrange the wings on a large serving platter. You can drizzle a little more BBQ sauce over the wings or serve it on the side for dipping. If you prefer, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a touch of color.
Place the Cheeseburgers: Position the cheeseburgers next to the wings on the platter. If you have extra toppings, such as pickles or a side of coleslaw, you can add these around the burgers for variety and a balanced meal.
Side Dishes and Extras: To round out your platter, consider adding side dishes like crispy fries, onion rings, or a fresh salad. You can also serve some extra BBQ sauce or dipping sauces on the side for both the wings and the burgers.
Tips for the Perfect BBQ Chicken Wings & Cheeseburger Platter
- Chicken Wing Variations: If you’re looking to mix things up, try different BBQ sauce flavors, such as spicy buffalo sauce, honey mustard, or teriyaki. You can also experiment with dry rubs, like lemon pepper or Cajun seasoning, before grilling the wings.
- Burger Patty Tips: For even juicier burgers, try mixing in a bit of grated cheese or finely chopped onions into the meat before forming the patties. This adds extra moisture and flavor.
- Grill Marks: To get those beautiful grill marks on your burgers and wings, make sure the grill is preheated and oiled. Avoid moving the food too much while cooking to keep those perfect lines.
- Serving Suggestions: A platter like this is great for sharing, but if you’re hosting a larger crowd, you can easily double the recipe and offer more options. You can also offer a variety of cheeses for the burgers, such as Swiss, American, or blue cheese, to suit everyone’s preferences.
Conclusion
The BBQ chicken wings and cheeseburger platter is a timeless meal that delivers on taste, satisfaction, and versatility. Whether you’re preparing it for a summer barbecue, a casual weeknight dinner, or a special occasion, this meal is sure to please all ages. With tender, smoky wings, juicy, cheesy burgers, and a variety of tasty sides, you can create a memorable meal that everyone will enjoy. The combination of flavors, textures, and fun will make this platter a hit every time.