Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings: The Ultimate Game Day Treat
When it comes to game day snacks, nothing beats the irresistible flavor and crispy texture of grilled lemon pepper chicken wings. Whether you’re hosting a gathering with friends or just enjoying the game from the comfort of your home, these wings are a sure-fire crowd-pleaser.
The combination of zesty lemon, the heat from hot sauce, and the perfect balance of spices makes these wings the star of any spread. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to make these delicious wings step by step, ensuring your game day is a hit.
Why Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings Are a Game Day Essential
Lemon pepper chicken wings have become a popular choice for wing lovers everywhere, and it’s easy to see why. The tartness of lemon combined with the warmth of black pepper creates a flavor profile that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
These wings are perfect for game day because they’re easy to eat, full of flavor, and can be paired with a variety of dipping sauces. Plus, grilling them adds a smoky element that takes the flavor to the next level.
Preparing Your Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
The key to great lemon pepper chicken wings lies in the preparation. Start by gathering all your ingredients and ensuring your wings are properly prepped.
Step 1: Cutting and Prepping the Wings
Begin with whole chicken wings and cut them at the knuckles to separate the drums and flats. This step is crucial for even cooking and allows for better seasoning coverage.
Once separated, pat the wings dry with paper towels. Drying the wings is an essential step that ensures a crispy texture once they’re grilled. Excess moisture can prevent the skin from achieving that coveted crunch, so don’t skip this step.
Step 2: Seasoning the Wings
Place the drums and flats in a large bowl. Pour in a small amount of hot sauce and toss the wings to coat them lightly. This initial layer of hot sauce acts as a binder, helping the seasoning adhere to the wings.
Next, it’s time to season the wings with a homemade lemon pepper dry rub.
This rub consists of 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, 2 teaspoons of freshly cracked black pepper, 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon zest, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
The cornstarch helps achieve a crispy exterior, while the combination of lemon zest and black pepper brings out the signature lemon pepper flavor.
Make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed across all the wings. Use your hands to massage the rub into the wings, ensuring that every nook and cranny is coated. The more thorough you are with this step, the more flavorful your wings will be.
Grilling Your Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Grilling adds an unmatched depth of flavor to chicken wings. The high, direct heat creates a crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy and tender. For this recipe, you’ll want to grill the wings over medium-high heat, around 350°F.
Step 3: Grilling the Wings
Preheat your grill to 350°F. Once the grill is heated, place the wings on the grates, ensuring they’re spaced out enough to cook evenly.
Close the lid and let the wings cook for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, flip the wings and allow them to cook for another 30 minutes.
This method ensures the wings cook evenly and develop a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
To achieve the perfect internal temperature, use a meat thermometer. The wings should reach an internal temperature of about 185°F.
This temperature ensures the wings are cooked through while still being juicy. Overcooked wings can become dry, while undercooked wings can be unsafe to eat, so this step is crucial.
Step 4: Preparing the Lemon Pepper Sauce
While the wings are grilling, it’s time to prepare the lemon pepper sauce. This sauce will add an extra layer of flavor and ensure the wings are bursting with that tangy, peppery goodness.
In a small pot, melt ½ stick of unsalted butter. Once melted, add 1 teaspoon of hot sauce, 1 teaspoon of honey, the juice from one medium-sized lemon, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, and a head of roasted garlic.
The combination of melted butter and lemon juice creates a rich, tangy sauce that perfectly complements the grilled wings.
Let the sauce simmer on low heat for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The roasted garlic adds a depth of flavor, while the honey balances out the tartness of the lemon juice.
Finishing Touches: Tossing and Garnishing
Once your wings have reached the desired internal temperature and your sauce is ready, it’s time to bring everything together.
Step 5: Tossing the Wings in the Sauce
Remove the wings from the grill and place them back into the large bowl. Pour the lemon pepper sauce over the wings, making sure they’re fully coated. Use tongs or toss the wings in the sauce, ensuring each wing is thoroughly coated.
Step 6: Garnishing the Wings
For an extra burst of flavor, garnish your lemon pepper chicken wings with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest and a dash of freshly cracked black pepper. The lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy note, while the black pepper reinforces the spicy, peppery kick.
Tips for the Perfect Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
To ensure your lemon pepper chicken wings turn out perfectly every time, here are a few additional tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and freshly cracked black pepper make a huge difference in flavor. The freshness of these ingredients will elevate your wings and make them stand out.
- Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: Cornstarch in the dry rub is essential for achieving crispy wings. It helps absorb moisture and creates a crunchy exterior when grilled.
- Monitor the Grill Temperature: Maintaining a consistent grill temperature of 350°F is key to evenly cooked wings. Too high, and the wings may burn; too low, and they may not cook through properly.
- Rest the Wings: After grilling, let the wings rest for a few minutes before tossing them in the sauce. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping the wings moist.
Conclusion
Grilled lemon pepper chicken wings are the perfect addition to any game day menu. Their zesty, peppery flavor, combined with the smokiness from the grill, makes them a standout dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers delicious results every time. So, fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy some of the best wings you’ve ever tasted. Your game day guests will thank you!
Be sure to try some of my other favorite wing recipe!
Bourbon Bacon Jam Wings combine smoky bourbon with sweet, savory bacon jam for a rich, indulgent flavor. The sticky glaze clings to each wing, offering a perfect balance of caramel-like sweetness and umami depth, making them a standout treat for any wing lover.
Grilled Chili Garlic Chicken Wings deliver a fiery kick with their spicy chili-garlic marinade. The bold flavors of garlic and chili are enhanced by the smoky char from the grill, making these wings a spicy and savory favorite for those who love heat.
Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Wings offer a burst of fresh, tangy flavor with a zesty chimichurri marinade. The combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and olive oil creates a vibrant, herbal taste that pairs perfectly with the smoky grilled wings.
Smoked Teriyaki Wings are a delicious blend of sweet and savory, with a rich teriyaki glaze that caramelizes during the smoking process. The result is a tender, juicy wing with a slightly charred exterior and a flavorful, sticky coating.
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Wings are a decadent treat, with each wing wrapped in crispy bacon for an extra layer of smoky, savory flavor. The bacon crisps up beautifully on the grill, creating a delicious contrast with the tender chicken inside.
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Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings are the perfect appetizer! Grilled chicken topped with a zesty lemon pepper sauce for the perfect bite!
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 wings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of whole chicken wings
Rub
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 tsp fresh lemon zest
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp of cornstarch
Sauce
- ½ stick of melted unsalted butter
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp honey
- Juice from 1 medium sized lemon
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 head of roasted garlic
Instructions
- Cut the whole chicken wings at the knuckles separating the drums and flats
- Place drums and flats in a bowl. Pour in hot sauce and mix the wings ensuring they are all lightly coated with hot sauce
- Season the wings with homemade lemon pepper seasoning making sure that the seasoning gets evenly distributed.
- Place the wings on the grill at 350° F for 1 hour.
- Flip the wings after 30 minutes and let them cook for another 30 minutes.
- Prior to the wings being done smoking, make the wing sauce in a small pot..
- Remove the wings from the grill once they reach an internal temperature of about 185°F.
- Place them in a bowl, pour in your sauce and toss the wings
- Garnish with lemon zest and black pepper then enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
