Zesty Spicy Grilled Chicken Wings
These Zesty Spicy Grilled Chicken Wings are a family favorite that brings the heat and flavor to any gathering! The marinade, infused with fresh lemon juice and garlic, transforms these wings into a culinary delight. By allowing them to marinate for at least 12 hours (ideally up to 48), you’ll achieve a depth of flavor that makes each bite unforgettable. Perfect for lunch, snacks, or game day parties, these wings are conveniently versatile – they taste amazing hot off the grill, delicious at room temperature, and even chilled. Prepare a batch in advance and simply reheat or enjoy them as a cold option, making them a stress-free choice for any occasion. Don’t miss out on this recipe that guarantees a lip-smacking experience for your friends and family!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
black pepper
1 teaspoon (freshly ground)
salt
1 teaspoon (kosher or sea salt)
garlic
2 cloves (minced)
lemon juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (to taste)
hot pepper sauce
1 dash (or to taste)
canola oil
1/4 cup (or olive oil)
chicken wings
1 1/2 lbs (whole and trimmed)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine the black pepper and salt.
2
Add the minced garlic cloves and crush them together with the salt and pepper to form a thick paste.
3
Pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, followed by the crushed red pepper flakes and hot pepper sauce to taste.
4
Gradually whisk in the canola oil (or olive oil) until the marinade is well combined.
5
Place the chicken wings in a large sealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them.
6
Seal the bag tightly and shake it well to ensure all wings are evenly coated with the marinade.
7
Refrigerate the marinated wings for a minimum of 12 hours and up to 48 hours for the best flavor.
8
Remove the wings from the refrigerator and allow them to rest at room temperature for about 25-30 minutes as you preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
9
Grill the wings for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them frequently and brushing with the marinade until fully cooked.
10
In the last five minutes of cooking, stop brushing with the marinade to ensure all juices are cooked through for food safety.
11
Discard any leftover marinade.
12
Serve hot, at room temperature, or chilled for a refreshing snack.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of Zesty Spicy Grilled Chicken Wings?
These wings feature a bold, zesty, and spicy flavor profile derived from a marinade of fresh lemon juice, garlic, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
How much chicken is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of whole and trimmed chicken wings.
How long should I marinate the chicken wings?
For the best flavor, marinate the wings for at least 12 hours, and ideally up to 48 hours.
What are the main ingredients in the marinade?
The marinade consists of black pepper, salt, minced garlic, lemon juice, crushed red pepper flakes, hot pepper sauce, and canola or olive oil.
What type of oil is recommended for the marinade?
You can use either canola oil or olive oil to whisk into the marinade.
How do I prepare the garlic for the marinade?
Mince two cloves of garlic and crush them together with the salt and pepper to form a thick paste.
What kind of lemon juice should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice for optimal zest.
How do I ensure the wings are evenly coated with marinade?
Place the wings in a large sealable plastic bag with the marinade, seal it tightly, and shake well.
Do the wings need to sit out before grilling?
Yes, remove them from the refrigerator and let them rest at room temperature for 25-30 minutes before grilling.
What grill temperature is needed?
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for these wings.
How long does it take to grill the chicken wings?
The wings should be grilled for approximately 15-20 minutes.
How often should I flip the wings while they are on the grill?
You should flip the wings frequently to ensure even cooking and to brush them with marinade.
When should I stop brushing the wings with the marinade?
Stop brushing with marinade in the last five minutes of cooking to ensure all juices are cooked through for food safety.
Can I reuse the leftover marinade?
No, you must discard any leftover marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken.
Can these wings be served cold?
Yes, these wings are delicious served hot, at room temperature, or even chilled.
Are these wings suitable for a party?
Absolutely, they are a great choice for game day parties, lunch, or snacks.
What kind of salt is suggested for the recipe?
The recipe suggests using kosher salt or sea salt.
How much crushed red pepper flakes should I add?
One teaspoon is recommended, but you can adjust this amount to your personal spice preference.
Can I substitute the hot pepper sauce?
The recipe uses a dash of hot pepper sauce to taste; you can use your favorite brand or adjust the amount for heat.
What is the first step in making the marinade?
The first step is to combine 1 teaspoon of black pepper and 1 teaspoon of salt in a medium bowl.
How do I make the garlic paste?
Add the minced garlic to the salt and pepper and crush them together until a paste forms.
Is the marinade whisked together?
Yes, you should gradually whisk in the oil until the marinade is well combined.
Are the chicken wings trimmed?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1 1/2 lbs of whole and trimmed chicken wings.
Can I prepare these wings in advance?
Yes, because they can be served at room temperature or chilled, they are perfect for advance preparation.
What makes the wings 'zesty'?
The combination of 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice and minced garlic provides the signature zesty flavor.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While fresh is recommended for the best flavor, bottled juice can be used in a pinch, though it may lack some brightness.
How many servings does this recipe make?
Based on 1.5 lbs of wings, it typically serves 2-4 people as a snack or appetizer.
Is the black pepper ground?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
Is this a spicy recipe?
Yes, the inclusion of crushed red pepper flakes and hot pepper sauce gives these wings a spicy kick.
What is the benefit of a 48-hour marinade?
A longer marinating time allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat, resulting in a more flavorful wing.