Crispy Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe: A Zingy Summer Treat

Crispy, zesty grilled lemon pepper wings dance with tangy flavor and irresistible crunch.

Weeknight dinners demand something special that breaks the monotony of predictable meals.

Summer barbecues spark excitement when unexpected taste sensations arrive at the table.

Classic wing preparations often feel repetitive, but this recipe brings unexpected excitement to your plate.

Salt, black pepper, and fresh lemon zest combine in a magical marinade that elevates simple chicken.

When you want maximum taste with minimal effort, these wings deliver pure culinary joy.

Pack these wings for your next outdoor gathering, and watch everyone’s eyes light up with anticipation.

Why Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings Are A Zesty Treat

• Speedily Satisfy Grilling Cravings: These lemon pepper wings deliver restaurant-quality flavor right from your backyard grill, perfect for spontaneous weekend cookouts or casual gatherings with friends.
• Quick and Foolproof Technique: Requiring just basic seasoning and simple grilling steps, this recipe welcomes cooking novices and grilling enthusiasts alike, ensuring deliciously crispy wings every single time.
• Flavor-Packed Crowd-Pleaser: Zesty lemon and bold black pepper create an irresistible combination that appeals to both kids and adults, making these wings an instant hit at family dinners or game day parties.
• Minimal Ingredient, Maximum Taste: With common pantry spices and straightforward preparation, you can transform ordinary chicken wings into a mouthwatering dish without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Everything In Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings

• Chicken Wings: Juicy protein base for the dish, skin-on wings provide crispy texture. Opt for fresh, high-quality wings for best results.

• Salt, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Black Pepper: Classic spice mix for enhancing chicken flavor. Use fresh, fragrant spices for maximum taste.
• Lemon Zest: Bright citrus notes that add freshness and depth to the seasoning.

• Olive Oil: Helps seasonings stick to wings and promotes even grilling. Choose extra virgin for best flavor.
• Butter: Creates rich, smooth sauce base with luxurious mouthfeel.
• Lemon Juice: Adds tangy brightness to the butter sauce. Fresh-squeezed recommended.
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Signature flavor blend that gives wings signature zesty pepper kick.

How To Cook Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings

Step 1: Fire Up the Grill

Ignite your grill and bring it to a sizzling medium-high temperature. Aim for that perfect grilling sweet spot around 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit (190-204 degrees Celsius). The goal is to create a crispy exterior that’ll make taste buds dance.

Step 2: Prepare Wing Warriors

• Paper towels
• Chicken wings

Gently pat each wing dry, eliminating excess moisture. This secret technique ensures maximum crispiness. Transfer the wings to a spacious mixing bowl, ready for their flavor transformation.

Step 3: Seasoning Spectacular

• Olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Fresh cracked black pepper
• Vibrant lemon zest

Drizzle olive oil over the wings, then sprinkle each magical ingredient. Toss with enthusiasm until every wing glistens with flavor-packed goodness.

Step 4: Grill Master Technique

Arrange wings in a single layer across the grill grates. Let them sizzle and transform for 20-25 minutes. Flip every 5-7 minutes, creating those gorgeous char marks. Watch for golden-brown skin and ensure internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 5: Luscious Lemon Pepper Sauce

• Melted butter
• Fresh lemon juice
• Zesty lemon pepper seasoning

Blend ingredients until harmoniously combined, creating a sauce that’ll make wings irresistible.

Step 6: Final Flavor Fusion

Transfer grilled wings to a large mixing bowl. Pour the tantalizing lemon pepper sauce over the wings. Toss with vigor, ensuring each wing is lovingly coated. Serve immediately alongside cool ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Helpful Tips For Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings

• Dry Wings Perfectly: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring crispy skin that'll make your wings irresistibly crunchy on the grill.
• Master the Grill Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat around 375-400F to achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior without burning the chicken.
• Zesty Seasoning Trick: Add fresh lemon zest to your spice mix for an extra punch of citrusy flavor that elevates the entire wing experience.
• Even Cooking Technique: Flip wings every 5-7 minutes during grilling to guarantee uniform cooking and prevent any burnt or undercooked spots.
• Sauce Application Pro Tip: Toss wings in the lemon pepper butter sauce immediately after grilling to help the flavors penetrate the crispy skin while the wings are still hot.

How To Store Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings

• Refrigerate leftover grilled lemon pepper wings in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
• Keep wings fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring they're stored at or below 40°F to prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat wings in the oven at 350°F for best results, which helps maintain their crispy texture.
• Avoid microwaving, as this can make the skin soggy and tough.
• When ready to enjoy, warm the wings for 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Freeze cooked wings for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for a quick and delicious meal.

Tasty Pairings With Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings

• Enhance Citrus Freshness: Pair these zesty wings with a crisp, cold wheat beer or a light sauvignon blanc to complement the bright lemon notes and cut through the richness of the grilled chicken.
• Cool Down the Heat: Serve with a tangy blue cheese or ranch dipping sauce to balance the peppery kick and provide a creamy contrast to the crispy wing exterior.
• Refresh the Palate: Add a simple cucumber salad or coleslaw on the side to introduce a cool, crunchy element that refreshes the taste buds between bites of the spicy, tangy wings.
• Complete the Meal: Round out the dish with roasted garlic potato wedges or a light summer quinoa salad to create a satisfying and well-balanced meal that highlights the wing's bold flavors.

Fun Twists On Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings

• Spicy Citrus Kick: Add red pepper flakes and cayenne to the seasoning mix for a fiery version that amplifies the zesty lemon pepper flavor. Drizzle with a hot honey glaze after grilling for extra heat and sweetness.
• Mediterranean Herb Wings: Replace traditional seasoning with dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Marinate wings in olive oil and lemon juice for an hour before grilling to infuse Mediterranean flavors. Serve with tzatziki sauce on the side.
• Asian-Inspired Lemon Pepper Wings: Swap butter sauce with a blend of soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions after grilling. Incorporate rice wine vinegar for a tangy Asian-style profile.
• Smoky BBQ Lemon Pepper Fusion: Mix in smoked paprika and a touch of barbecue rub with the original seasoning. Brush wings with a homemade smoky lemon pepper barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of grilling for a rich, complex flavor.

Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings FAQ

• Why pat the chicken wings dry before seasoning?

Patting wings dry helps the seasoning stick better and ensures crispy skin when grilling. Moisture creates steam, which prevents that perfect crispy texture you want.

• Can I use dried lemon zest instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon zest provides the brightest flavor, but dried lemon zest works in a pinch. Just use about half the amount since dried zest is more concentrated.

• How do I know when the wings are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the wing. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and fully cooked through.

• What if I don't have a grill?

You can easily make these wings in the oven at 425°F on a baking sheet with a wire rack. The cooking time will be similar, and you’ll still get deliciously crispy wings.

Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling lemon pepper wings bring zesty Mediterranean flair to backyard gatherings. Crispy, tangy, and packed with bold flavors, these wings promise a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave at every cookout.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) chicken wings (drumettes and flats)

Seasoning and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
• Zest of 1 lemon

Wet Ingredients and Oils:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Prepare the grill by heating it to a medium-high temperature, targeting around 375-400°F for optimal cooking conditions.
2. Thoroughly dry the chicken wings using paper towels, ensuring maximum moisture removal for crispy skin.
3. Create a flavor base by drizzling olive oil over the wings and generously coating them with a blend of salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, freshly ground black pepper, and vibrant lemon zest.
4. Arrange the seasoned wings on the grill grates, positioning them in a single layer to promote even cooking and prevent overcrowding.
5. Carefully monitor the wings, rotating them every 5-7 minutes to develop a uniform golden-brown exterior and prevent burning.
6. Continue grilling for approximately 20-25 minutes, checking for complete internal cooking and achieving a crisp, caramelized skin.
7. While the wings are grilling, craft a zesty sauce by whisking together melted butter, fresh lemon juice, and robust lemon pepper seasoning.
8. Once fully cooked, transfer the wings to a large mixing bowl and generously drizzle the prepared lemon pepper butter sauce.
9. Gently toss the wings to ensure complete and even sauce coverage, creating a glossy and flavorful finish.
10. Plate immediately and serve hot, accompanied by your preferred dipping sauce or complementary side dishes.

Notes

• Pat wings completely dry to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent steaming instead of grilling.
• Use fresh lemon zest for an intense, bright citrus flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Rotate wings frequently during grilling to prevent burning and achieve uniform golden-brown color with perfect char marks.
• For gluten-free option, replace regular lemon pepper seasoning with a certified gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg