Okay, listen up! If there’s one thing I know how to do right, it’s grill. And when the weather turns nice (or even when it doesn’t, because I’m dedicated!), I’m firing up the grill for wings. Forget those greasy, deep-fried restaurant versions for a minute. We’re talking about something way better, way fresher, and honestly, way easier to pull off at home. We’re diving headfirst into the world of Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings!
Seriously, these are a total game-changer. They hit all the right notes – smoky from the grill, bright and zesty from the lemon pepper, and perfectly crispy without all the fuss of a fryer. Every time I make these, they disappear in minutes. Like, I barely get them off the grill before people are snatching them up. They’re the absolute definition of a crowd-pleaser, whether it’s a backyard BBQ, game day, or just a Tuesday night when you’re craving something amazing. Trust me on this one, these wings are going to be your new favorite thing.
Why You’ll Love These Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Okay, so besides the fact that they taste absolutely incredible, there are a bunch of reasons why these Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings are going to become your go-to recipe. They’re just… easy and satisfying in a way that few other things are. You get that amazing smoky flavor from the grill that you just can’t replicate any other way, and the lemon pepper is such a classic combo for a reason. It’s bright, it’s tangy, it’s got that little kick of pepper… it’s just *good*. Plus, grilling keeps things from getting greasy, which is always a win in my book!
- They’re ridiculously easy to make – seriously, just toss and grill!
- That lemon pepper flavor is super addictive and crowd-pleasing.
- Grilling gives them the best crispy skin without all the oil.
- They’re perfect for literally any occasion.
- They disappear fast, but the memories last (mostly of how good they were!).
Simple and Delicious Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Honestly, the beauty of these wings is in their simplicity. You don’t need a million fancy ingredients or complicated steps. It’s just good wings, a killer seasoning blend, and the magic of the grill. The result is something so packed with flavor and so perfectly cooked, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with anything else. They’re the definition of simple, delicious grilling perfection.
Ingredients for Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Alright, let’s get down to business and talk about what you’ll need to make these glorious wings. The list is short, sweet, and packed with flavor potential! You’ll want:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes.
- 1/4 cup olive oil. Any kind is fine, but I usually grab the extra virgin.
- 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning. Use your favorite store-bought or whip up your own blend!
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
That’s it! See? Told you it was simple. Just good, honest ingredients ready to turn into something amazing on the grill.
Equipment for Making Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
You don’t need a fancy setup for these, just the basics! You’ll definitely need a grill, obviously (gas or charcoal, whatever you’ve got!). A big mixing bowl is a must for tossing those wings with all that yummy seasoning. Grab some tongs for flipping, and maybe a plate or tray to put the cooked wings on. Oh, and a good brush for cleaning your grill grates before you start is always a good idea!
How to Prepare Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Okay, now for the fun part – actually making these bad boys! This is where the magic happens. We’re going to get these wings seasoned up and ready for their date with the grill. It’s super straightforward, I promise. No complicated marinades or anything like that! Just a simple toss and you’re golden.
- First things first, let’s get that grill ready. You want it at a nice medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, give your grill grates a good brush down so nothing sticks.
- Grab that big bowl we talked about. Toss your chicken wings in there.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the wings.
- Now, sprinkle in the lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Don’t be shy!
- Get in there with your hands (or tongs, if you prefer, but hands are more fun!) and toss everything together until every single wing is coated beautifully in that seasoning mix. Make sure you get into all the nooks and crannies.
- Once your grill is hot and ready, carefully place the seasoned wings on the grates in a single layer. Try not to overcrowd them, you want good airflow around each wing.
- Close the lid and let them do their thing for about 20-25 minutes total.
Grilling Steps for Perfect Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
During that 20-25 minutes of grilling time, you’ll need to keep an eye on them and flip ’em occasionally. I usually flip them every 5-7 minutes or so. You’re looking for that gorgeous golden-brown color and crispy skin. Make sure they’re cooked all the way through – no pink near the bone! If you’re unsure, you can always poke one with a knife near the bone to check. They should be nice and juicy inside.
Tips for Success with Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Okay, so while these wings are super easy, a few little tricks can make them go from great to absolutely mind-blowing. First off, make *sure* you really toss those wings well in the seasoning. You want every single surface covered – that’s where all the flavor is! Also, don’t crank your grill *too* high. Medium-high is perfect; it gets them crispy without burning the outside before the inside is cooked.
And seriously, keep an eye on them while they’re grilling. Grills can have hot spots! Flip them regularly so they cook evenly and get that beautiful color all over. If you’re new to grilling wings, don’t be afraid to pull one off and cut into it to check for doneness. Better safe than sorry! Follow these little tips, and you’ll have perfect, juicy, crispy wings every time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
I get asked a few common questions about making these wings, so I figured I’d answer them right here! Hopefully, this clears things up and gets you grilling with confidence.
Q: Can I use different parts of the chicken for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While wings are classic, this lemon pepper seasoning is fantastic on chicken thighs or even drumsticks. Just keep in mind that bigger pieces will take longer to cook on the grill, so you’ll need to adjust your grilling time accordingly.
Q: How do I store leftover grilled chicken wings?
A: If you have any leftovers (a rare occurrence in my house!), let them cool completely, then pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll be good for 3-4 days. Reheating them in the oven or even back on the grill for a few minutes is the best way to get that crispy skin back!
Q: Can I make the seasoning ahead of time?
A: You sure can! Mix up a bigger batch of the lemon pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper and keep it in a small jar in your pantry. That way, you’re always ready to whip up a batch of these delicious wings whenever the craving strikes!
Can I Make Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings in the Oven?
Okay, if the weather isn’t cooperating or you just don’t have a grill, you *can* make these in the oven. It won’t have that smoky grill flavor, obviously, but they’ll still be tasty! Toss the wings the same way, then bake them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet at a high temperature (like 400-425°F or 200-220°C) for about 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re cooked and crispy. You can even finish them under the broiler for a minute or two for extra crispiness, just watch them closely!
Serving Suggestions for Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
So, you’ve got a pile of these incredible Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings hot off the grill. What do you serve with them? Honestly, they’re so good, they can totally stand on their own! But if you want to make it a whole meal or a serious party spread, they pair perfectly with classic BBQ sides. Think creamy coleslaw, a tangy potato salad, some fresh corn on the cob (grilled, of course!), or even just some simple celery and carrot sticks with ranch or blue cheese dip. A big green salad is always a good idea too to balance things out. Seriously, you can’t go wrong!
Nutritional Information for Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Okay, for those of you keeping track of the numbers, here’s a quick peek at the estimated nutritional info for these wings. Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and things like the exact size of your wings or the specific brands of oil and seasoning you use can change these a bit. Think of it as a general guideline!
- Serving Size: About 6 wings
- Calories: Around 350
- Fat: Roughly 25g
- Protein: About 30g
- Carbohydrates: Around 2g
See? Not too shabby for something so incredibly delicious! It’s mostly protein and healthy fats, which is pretty great for a wing recipe.
Make These Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings Today
Seriously, what are you waiting for?! These Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings are just too good and too easy not to make. Fire up that grill, follow these steps, and get ready for some major flavor! When you make them, please come back and tell me how they turned out in the comments below. I absolutely LOVE hearing from you! And hey, if you snap a pic, share it and tag me – I’d love to see your delicious creations!
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Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings: One tasty bite!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Grilled chicken wings with a zesty lemon pepper flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- In a large bowl, toss chicken wings with olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Grill wings for 20-25 minutes, flipping occasionally, until cooked through and crispy.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust lemon pepper seasoning to your preference.
- For extra crispiness, finish under the broiler for a few minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 wings
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: grilled chicken wings, lemon pepper, chicken recipe, grilling