Zesty Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe: Finger-Licking Goodness

Crispy and zesty grilled lemon pepper wings dance with vibrant flavors that promise an unforgettable meal.

Mediterranean sun-kissed ingredients blend perfectly for this mouthwatering dish.

Tangy citrus notes mingle beautifully with peppery undertones, creating a sensational wing experience.

Summer barbecues demand bold and exciting recipes like these.

Each wing carries a punch of robust seasoning that makes taste buds sing.

Marinating brings out incredible depth and complexity in every bite.

Let’s fire up the grill and make wing night something spectacular.

Pair These With Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings

• Pair these zesty lemon pepper wings with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, which cut through the richness and complement the bright citrus notes.
• Select a cold, light beer such as a pilsner or wheat beer that balances the wings' bold seasonings and provides a refreshing contrast to the spicy-tangy profile.
• Serve with a creamy ranch or blue cheese dip to neutralize the pepper's kick and add a smooth, cooling element that elevates the overall taste experience.
• Add a side of fresh cucumber salad or citrus slaw to bring additional brightness that echoes the lemon's zesty character and helps cleanse the palate between bites.

Switch Things Up With Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings

• Oven-Baked Zesty Wings: Replace grilling with baking in a preheated 425F oven, placing wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet for 35-40 minutes until crispy.
• Gluten-Free Herb Option: Swap standard seasoning with gluten-free lemon pepper blend and use coconut oil instead of butter for allergic or sensitive individuals.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Eliminate any sugar-based seasonings, use avocado oil for coating, and increase black pepper and herbs for extra flavor profile without adding carbohydrates.
• Air Fryer Quick Preparation: Cook wings in air fryer at 380F for 18-22 minutes, shaking basket midway, achieving same crispy texture with less oil and faster cooking time.

Most Asked Questions About Lemon Pepper Wings

• Why pat the chicken wings dry before seasoning?

Patting the wings dry helps the seasonings stick better and ensures crispy skin when grilling. Moisture can prevent proper browning and crispiness.

• Can I use dried lemon zest instead of fresh?

Yes, dried lemon zest works fine, but fresh zest provides a more vibrant and intense lemon flavor. If using dried, use slightly less as it’s more concentrated.

• How do I know 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.

• What type of grill works best for these wings?

Both gas and charcoal grills work well. The key is maintaining a consistent medium-high heat around 375-400°F to get crispy skin and even cooking.

Zesty Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings for Any Day

• Simplify outdoor cooking with this foolproof wing recipe that requires minimal preparation and delivers maximum flavor.
• Impress friends and family with restaurant-quality wings that are crispy, zesty, and packed with tangy lemon pepper goodness.
• Adjust seasoning levels to suit personal taste preferences, making these wings adaptable for spice lovers and mild flavor enthusiasts alike.
• Grill wings in just 20-25 minutes, creating a delicious meal that's faster than takeout and significantly healthier than deep-fried alternatives.

All You Need for Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings

• Chicken Wings: Juicy main protein packed with flavor, best when fresh and plump.
• Olive Oil: Helps seasonings stick and creates crispy exterior, choose extra virgin for best taste.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Lemon Zest: Classic spice mix that adds depth and zesty brightness, freshly ground spices provide more intense flavor.

• Butter, Lemon Juice, Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Creates tangy, rich coating with signature lemon pepper profile, unsalted butter recommended for better seasoning control.

Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings in Simple Steps

Step 1: Fire Up The Grill

Crank your grill to a hot zone around 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Wing Preparation

• Select fresh chicken wings
• Use paper towels to completely dry each wing
• Place wings in a spacious mixing bowl

Step 3: Flavor Explosion

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Bright lemon zest

Massage seasonings into wings until every inch is beautifully seasoned.

Step 4: Grilling Magic

Place wings across grill grates in a single layer. Allow each side to develop gorgeous golden-brown crispy edges. Rotate wings every 5-7 minutes for even cooking. Total grilling time will be approximately 20-25 minutes.

Step 5: Liquid Gold Sauce

• Melted unsalted butter
• Fresh squeezed lemon juice
• Tangy lemon pepper seasoning

Step 6: Final Flavor Toss

Transfer grilled wings to a large mixing bowl. Pour sauce over wings and gently toss until every wing glistens with zesty goodness. Serve immediately with cool ranch or blue cheese dip.

Useful Pointers for Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings

• Maximize Wing Crispiness: Pat chicken wings completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in flavor.
• Prevent Burning: Monitor grill temperature and turn wings frequently to avoid charring while achieving even cooking and beautiful grill marks.
• Zest Up the Flavor: Use fresh lemon zest for a bright, citrusy punch that elevates the overall taste profile of the wings.
• Customize Heat Levels: Adjust black pepper quantity to control spiciness, allowing you to personalize the wing's heat intensity to your preference.
• Sauce Timing Trick: Pour lemon pepper butter sauce immediately after grilling to help the wings absorb maximum flavor while maintaining their crisp texture.

Lemon Pepper Wings Stay Fresh This Way

• Store leftover grilled lemon pepper wings in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating and crispy skin.
• Reheat wings at 375°F for 4-6 minutes, shaking the basket midway to restore crispiness. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Before serving reheated wings, drizzle a small amount of reserved lemon pepper butter sauce to revive moisture and enhance flavor profile.

Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

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

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Description

Zesty grilled lemon pepper wings deliver a flavor explosion that dances between tangy citrus and bold black pepper spice. Crispy exterior and juicy meat make these wings a perfect centerpiece for weekend gatherings where guests crave bold, irresistible flavors.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

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

Seasoning Blend:

• 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

Liquid and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Ignite the grill to a medium-high temperature, targeting around 375-400°F for optimal wing cooking conditions.
2. Thoroughly blot chicken wings with paper towels to remove excess moisture, creating a perfect surface for seasoning and grilling.
3. Drizzle wings with olive oil, then generously coat with a harmonious blend of salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, freshly ground black pepper, and vibrant lemon zest, ensuring every wing receives an even distribution of flavors.
4. Carefully arrange wings on the grill grates in a single, uncrowded layer to promote even cooking and crispy exterior development.
5. Grill the wings, rotating them every 5-7 minutes to prevent burning and encourage uniform browning, continuing until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin transforms into a crispy, golden-brown shell.
6. While wings are grilling, craft a luxurious sauce by whisking together melted butter, zesty lemon juice, and aromatic lemon pepper seasoning in a small mixing bowl.
7. Once wings are perfectly cooked, transfer them to a spacious bowl and lavishly drench with the prepared lemon pepper butter sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete and even coating.
8. Plate the wings immediately while piping hot, accompanying them with your preferred dipping sauce or complementary side dishes for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Pat wings completely dry to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent steaming on the grill.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal wing temperature reaches 165°F for food safety without overcooking.
• Marinate wings for 30 minutes before grilling to enhance flavor penetration and tenderness.
• Experiment with gluten-free lemon pepper seasoning for those with dietary restrictions, maintaining the same zesty flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 50 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg