This delicious Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings recipe is perfect for an appetizer, game day snack, or even a light meal. The zesty lemon and bold pepper flavors make these wings a surefire crowd-pleaser!
You don’t have to be a seasoned grilling expert to master this grilled lemon pepper wings recipe. With just a few simple steps and some helpful tips, even a beginner can create these delicious wings. With a bit of patience and practice, you’ll be grilling up these mouthwatering wings like a pro in no time.
To create these scrumptious Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. Make sure to have tongs for flipping wings, a grill that can maintain a steady temperature, a mixing bowl for tossing in sauce, and a zesting tool handy.
I’ve been grilling and smoking since 2005 and these grilled lemon pepper wings have been a staple in our household for years. So let’s dive in and create a lip-smacking BBQ delight that’ll leave your friends and family craving more. Happy grilling!
How To Make Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings
Prepare the Wings
To start grilled lemon pepper wings recipe first, take the chicken wings out of the refrigerator and pat them dry using paper towels. Lightly spray the wings with avocado oil or brush them with a thin layer of oil using a food brush. This will help the seasoning stick to the wings and give them a nice crispy skin.
Season the Wings
In a small bowl, mix together 2 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of fresh cracked black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. This mixture will be your dry rub. Generously season the wings on all sides with this dry rub, making sure every nook and cranny is covered. If you prefer you can go with lemon pepper seasoning as well.
Preheat the Grill
Next, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You’ll want to make sure the grill is hot enough to cook the wings properly but not too hot that it causes flare-ups or burns the wings.
Grill the Wings
Once the grill is heated, place the seasoned wings on the grill grates. Keep an eye on the wings to make sure they don’t burn. Cook them for 15-20 minutes with the grill lid closed, turning them every 3 minutes. The constant rotation will allow the skin to crisp up without burning.
Check for Doneness
After the wings have been cooked, use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. They are done when the internal temperature reaches 170°F. Remove the wings from the grill when they’re ready.
Prepare the Sauce
While the wings are still warm, prepare the lemon pepper sauce. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon of cracked black pepper. Mix the sauce well to ensure all the ingredients are combined.
Toss the Wings in Sauce
Finally, toss the grilled wings in the lemon pepper butter sauce. Make sure every wing is coated with the sauce. Serve the grilled lemon pepper wings immediately and enjoy! You can use any remaining sauce for dipping as you eat.
Tips For Making Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings
Grilling lemon pepper chicken wings can be a fun and delicious experience, even for beginners. To help you get started, here are a few tips to make your grilling journey smooth and enjoyable.
- Grill Temperature: Keep your grill at medium-high heat to ensure the wings cook evenly without burning. If your grill runs too hot and you see flare-ups, reduce the heat to avoid charring the wings.
- Seasoning: Don’t be shy with the dry rub. Make sure to coat the wings thoroughly on all sides to maximize flavor. You can even let the wings sit in the seasoning for a few minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate deeper.
- Constant Rotation: Rotate and flip the wings every 3 minutes during the grilling process. This helps the skin crisp up evenly without burning and ensures even cooking.
- Checking for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the wings. They are done when they reach 170°F. Properly cooked wings will be juicy on the inside with crispy skin on the outside.
- Sauce Timing: Toss the wings in the lemon pepper sauce while they’re still warm from the grill. This will help the sauce stick better to the wings and maximize the flavor.
Best Beer To Serve With Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings
There’s nothing like enjoying your Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings with a refreshing, ice-cold beer. To make the most of your meal, it’s important to choose the perfect brew to complement those delicious, zesty flavors. Here are our top 3 beer recommendations to pair with your scrumptious grilled wings:
American Pale Ale
An American Pale Ale is a fantastic choice for Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings. The beer’s moderate hop bitterness complements the zesty lemon flavors, while the light malt backbone provides a smooth, balanced taste. The refreshing citrus notes in the ale will make those wings even more mouthwatering.
Hefeweizen
A German-style Hefeweizen is another great option for your grilled lemon pepper wings. The beer’s fruity esters and spicy phenols harmonize with the lemon and pepper flavors in the wings, creating a delightful taste experience. The wheat base and effervescence in the Hefeweizen provide a clean, refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery sauce.
Saison
Lastly, a crisp and peppery Saison pairs beautifully with grilled lemon pepper chicken wings. The fruity, spicy notes in the beer are a perfect match for the lemon and pepper flavors in the dish, while the dry finish of the Saison helps cleanse your palate between bites. It’s like a flavor symphony in your mouth!
Related Recipes of Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings
- Smoked Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe
- Grilled Chicken Wings Recipe
- Smoked Hot Wings Recipe
- Smoked Buffalo Wings
- Honey BBQ Wings
Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe
Equipment
- Grill
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 lb chicken wings
- Cooking spray
- 2 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
Instructions
- Pat wings dry and spray with cooking spray
- Combine salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and garlic powder for the dry rub.
- Season wings with the dry rub mixture.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Place wings on the grill and cook for 15-20 minutes, rotating every 3 minutes.
- Remove wings when the internal temperature reaches 170F.
- Prepare sauce by combining melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, dijon mustard, and 1 tsp black pepper.
- Toss warm wings in the sauce and serve.
Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings FAQs
How do you keep chicken wings tender on the grill?
To keep chicken wings tender on the grill, maintain a medium-high heat and ensure even cooking by flipping the wings regularly. You can also marinate the wings for a few hours before grilling to help lock in moisture and add flavor.
Do you toss wings in the sauce before or after grilling?
It’s best to toss wings in sauce after grilling. This ensures the wings maintain their crispy texture and allows the sauce to fully coat the wings without causing flare-ups or charring on the grill.
Should I oil my wings before grilling?
Yes, lightly oiling your wings before grilling can help prevent sticking and promote even browning. You can use a spray or brush on a thin layer of oil like avocado or olive oil.
Should I grill chicken wings with the lid open or closed?
Grilling chicken wings with the lid closed helps maintain a consistent temperature and encourages even cooking. However, make sure to monitor the wings and flip them regularly to prevent burning and to get perfect grilled lemon pepper wings.
What is the secret to crispy chicken wings?
The secret to crispy chicken wings is cooking them at the right temperature and allowing the fat in the skin to render. On the grill, maintain medium-high heat and rotate the wings every few minutes for even cooking. The consistent rotation will let the skin crisp and turn into golden brown without burning. Few people love to try air fryer to mark wings crispy.