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Grilled Chicken Wings with Spiced Lemon Marinade Recipe

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3.9 from 1 review

This Grilled Chicken Wings recipe offers a flavorful and smoky delight, marinated with a vibrant blend of spices and fresh ingredients. The wings are marinated for several hours to absorb the juices and then grilled to perfection over direct heat, resulting in crispy, juicy, and aromatic chicken wings. Perfect for gatherings or a delicious main course served with grilled lemons and optional dipping sauce.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including marinating)
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Marinade

  • 1 large red onion, quartered
  • 8 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper (or 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes)
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Main Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 pounds chicken wings
  • Kosher salt, to season
  • 2 lemons, halved (for grilling and serving)

Instructions

  1. Make the marinade: In the bowl of a large food processor fitted with a blade, combine the quartered red onion, garlic cloves, olive oil, lemon juice, and all spices including paprika, coriander, cumin, Aleppo pepper, turmeric, and nutmeg. Pulse until it forms a well-combined thick marinade.
  2. Season the wings: Season the chicken wings generously with kosher salt. Place them in a zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag tightly and massage to ensure the wings are evenly coated with the marinade.
  3. Marinate: Lay the bag flat on a large plate or tray and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours. Turn the bag over once midway through to redistribute the marinade for even absorption.
  4. Warm up the grill: Preheat your gas grill to 425°F (220°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
  5. Grill the wings: Shake off excess marinade from the wings. Arrange them over direct heat on the grill. Cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes total, turning every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. The wings should be fully cooked through with crispy, charred skin. Grill the lemon halves flesh side down until slightly caramelized.
  6. Serve and enjoy: Serve the grilled wings immediately with the grilled lemon halves. Squeeze the lemon juice over the wings to your liking. Optionally, serve with a dipping sauce such as tzatziki for a cool contrast.

Notes

  • Marinating for at least 2 hours enhances the flavor and tenderness but do not marinate longer than 4 hours to avoid overpowering the wings.
  • Ensure the grill is properly preheated and oiled to prevent the wings from sticking and promote good grill marks.
  • Turning the wings frequently on the grill helps cook them evenly and prevents burning.
  • The recipe uses Aleppo pepper for a mild heat and fruity flavor, but red pepper flakes can be used as an alternative for more heat.
  • Leftover wings can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Grilled Chicken Wings
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean