If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion, you can’t go wrong with grilled chicken wings. This classic recipe is a staple at barbecues, picnics, and game day gatherings, and for good reason.

With just a few simple ingredients and a hot grill, you can create juicy, tender chicken wings with a deliciously charred exterior that will have everyone coming back for more.

Originating as a popular dish in American cuisine, grilled chicken wings have evolved into a beloved favorite around the world. The combination of smoky, grilled flavor and zesty marinade makes these wings irresistible to both kids and adults alike.

While they may seem intimidating to make at first, I assure you, they’re surprisingly easy to prepare, making them an ideal choice for beginner cooks looking to impress their friends and family.

The key to perfect grilled chicken wings lies in the marinade. Garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper come together to create a flavorful mixture that infuses the chicken with layers of delicious taste.

Marinating the wings for at least 2 hours allows the flavors to meld together, but if you have the time, letting them sit overnight will result in even more mouthwatering wings.

Expert Tip: Serve the grilled chicken wings immediately for the best flavor and texture. They are best enjoyed hot off the grill!

Ingredients

Chicken Wings: The main protein of this dish, chicken wings are flavorful and tender when grilled. They are perfect for absorbing the marinade and spices, resulting in juicy and succulent wings.

Oil: Oil is used to coat the chicken wings before grilling, helping them crisp up and prevent sticking to the grill. It also adds moisture and enhances the overall texture of the dish.

Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds a bright and tangy flavor to the grilled chicken wings. Its acidity helps tenderize the meat while also balancing out the savory and spicy seasonings.

Paprika: Paprika adds a mild heat and a deep red color to the chicken wings. It also provides a subtle smokiness that enhances the grilled flavor of the dish.

Salt: Salt is essential for seasoning the chicken wings, enhancing their natural flavors and making the other spices stand out. It also helps to tenderize the meat and keep it juicy.

Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a subtle heat and aromatic flavour to the grilled chicken wings. It complements the other spices and adds a touch of warmth to the recipe.

Garlic Powder: Garlic powder provides a savory and aromatic flavor to the chicken wings. It adds depth to the overall taste profile and enhances the grilled aroma of the recipe.

Oregano: Oregano contributes a herbaceous and slightly peppery flavour to the grilled chicken wings. It complements the other spices and adds a Mediterranean touch to the recipe.

Cayenne Pepper: Cayenne pepper provides a spicy kick to the grilled chicken wings. It adds heat and depth of flavour without overpowering the other seasonings, creating a well-balanced and flavorful recipe.

Expert Tip: Don’t overcrowd the grill when cooking the chicken wings. Leave some space between each wing to allow for even cooking and to prevent them from steaming instead of grilling.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these delicious grilled chicken wings as a main dish at your next barbecue or picnic. They pair perfectly with classic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or corn on the cob.
• Create a wing bar for your guests by offering a variety of dipping sauces, such as barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or blue cheese dressing, alongside the grilled chicken wings.
• Turn these wings into a complete meal by serving them with a side of rice or quinoa and a crisp green salad tossed in your favorite vinaigrette dressing.
• For a casual gathering, serve the grilled chicken wings alongside a selection of finger foods and appetizers, such as vegetable crudites, cheese and crackers, and fruit skewers.

Expert Tip: For extra crispy wings, pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels before marinating them. This helps to remove excess moisture, allowing the skin to crisp up nicely on the grill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken drumsticks instead of wings?

Absolutely! You can use chicken drumsticks in place of wings if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.

Can I bake these wings in the oven instead of grilling them?

Yes, you can bake the chicken wings in the oven if you don’t have access to a grill. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the wings on a lined baking sheet for about 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are cooked through and crispy.

How long can I marinate the chicken wings for?

You can marinate the chicken wings for at least 2 hours, but they can also be marinated overnight for maximum flavor. Just be sure to cover the bowl or container and refrigerate them while they marinate.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken wings for later?

Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken wings in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before grilling.

Can I adjust the level of spiciness in the marinade?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the marinade to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer milder wings, you can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Buffalo Wings
• Hot Wings
• Tandoori Chicken Wings
• Garlic Chicken Wings
• Ranch Wings

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Grilled Chicken Wings

by Nabeela Kauser

Unleash your inner chef with our mouth-watering grilled chicken wings recipe. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, this dish adds a burst of flavour to your meal.

5 from 3 votes

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Appetiser

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 371 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 kg Chicken Wings
• ▢ 2 tbsp Oil
• ▢ 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
• ▢ 1 tsp Paprika
• ▢ 1 tsp Salt
• ▢ 1 tsp Black Pepper
• ▢ 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• ▢ 1 tbsp Oregano
• ▢ 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper

Instructions

• Pat the Chicken Wings dry using kitchen paper to remove excess moisture, ensuring they become crispy during grilling.
• In a large mixing bowl, add the Chicken Wings along with the ingredients. Mix thoroughly until the wings are evenly coated with the seasoning.
• Cover the bowl and set it aside to marinate for 30 minutes, allowing the flavours to infuse into the Chicken Wings.
• Preheat a grill or pan to medium heat. Place the marinated Chicken Wings on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes on one side, ensuring they develop a golden-brown crust.
• Flip the Chicken Wings and cook for another 6-8 minutes, ensuring they are fully cooked and have a crispy exterior.

Video

Notes

For best results, try to marinate the chicken wings overnight. This will ensure the flavours are deeply infused into the chicken, making it tastier.

Also, remember to turn the wings regularly on the grill to prevent them from burning.

If you like your wings spicy, you can add more cayenne pepper according to taste.

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 371kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 25gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 104mgSodium: 681mgPotassium: 259mgFibre: 1gSugar: 0.3gVitamin A: 469IUVitamin C: 4mgVitamin D: 0.1µgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg

Keyword BBQ, Chicken, Chicken Wings, Cooking, Food, Grilled, Party Food, Recipe, Summer

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