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: These provide juicy and tender meat that’s perfect for grilling. They absorb the flavors of the marinade beautifully, resulting in succulent wings with a hint of smokiness.

Garlic: Minced garlic adds a punch of savory flavor to the marinade, enhancing the overall taste of the chicken wings.

Olive Oil: Olive oil helps to tenderize the chicken wings while also adding richness and depth to the marinade.

Lemon Juice: The acidity of lemon juice helps to balance the flavors of the marinade, adding brightness and tanginess to the dish.

Paprika: Paprika lends a warm, earthy flavor and a vibrant color to the marinade, giving the chicken wings a visually appealing appearance.

Cayenne Pepper: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, cayenne pepper provides a spicy kick that elevates the flavor profile of the wings.

Salt and Black Pepper: These seasonings are essential for enhancing the taste of the chicken wings, ensuring they’re perfectly seasoned.

Parsley: Freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish, making it visually appealing and adding a hint of herbaceous flavor.

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.

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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

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Appetiser

Cuisine American, Western

Servings 4

Calories 370 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 kg Chicken Wings
• ▢ 3 cloves Garlic Minced
• ▢ 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• ▢ tsp Lemon Juice
• ▢ 1 tbsp Paprika
• ▢ 1 tbsp Cayenne Pepper
• ▢ Salt To taste
• ▢ Black Pepper To taste
• ▢ Parsley For garnish

Instructions

• In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This mixture will act as our marinade.
• Add the chicken wings to the bowl and ensure each piece is fully coated in the marinade. Let it rest for at least 2 hours, but if possible, marinating overnight will allow for the flavours to penetrate more deeply.
• Preheat your grill to a medium heat, around 175-200°C.
• Once the grill is ready, place the marinated chicken wings on the grill. Cook them for about 10 minutes on each side or until they’ve reached a nice golden-brown colour and are cooked through.
• Once the chicken wings are cooked, remove them from the grill and place them on a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade grilled chicken wings!

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: 370kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 25gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 104mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 250mgFibre: 0.4gSugar: 0.3gVitamin A: 792IUVitamin C: 6mgVitamin D: 0.1µgCalcium: 22mgIron: 1mg

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

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