You may want to double or triple this grilled lemon pepper chicken wings recipe — the wings are buttery, bright, and wildly satisfying.
Table of Contents
- What are lemon pepper wings
- Ingredients
- How to grill lemon pepper chicken wings
- How to serve lemon pepper wings
- Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More chicken wings recipes + tips
- Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings Recipe
What are lemon pepper wings
Lemon pepper seasoning blends dried lemon zest with cracked black pepper and often other herbs. It gives chicken wings a bright, citrusy flavor balanced by peppery heat. Different commercial blends vary in salt content, so check the label and adjust amounts accordingly.
These lemon pepper wings are seasoned with a dry rub, cooked on the grill, and finished by tossing them in a simple lemon pepper butter sauce. They make a great game-day appetizer or a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner thanks to their straightforward ingredients and method.
Ingredients
- Chicken Wings: Use whole wings or pre-cut party wings, about 1 lb per serving.
- Chicken Rub: A basic chicken wing rub provides savory depth. You can use a premade rub or your favorite homemade blend.
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Choose a blend with low or no salt if you want more control over seasoning. If it contains salt, reduce added salt elsewhere.
- Melted Butter: Use unsalted butter if your lemon pepper contains salt; otherwise, regular butter is fine.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and servings.
How to grill lemon pepper chicken wings
These wings are best cooked over indirect heat so the skin crisps and the interior becomes tender without burning. Aim for a grill temperature around 350°F and target an internal wing temperature of 195–205°F for ideal tenderness.
- Prep and season: Pat the wings dry with paper towels. Mix the chicken rub with 2 teaspoons of lemon pepper seasoning. Rub the mixture evenly over the wings.
- Grill: Arrange the wings in a single layer over indirect heat on a preheated grill set to 350°F. Cook until the wings reach an internal temperature of 195–205°F, about 30–60 minutes depending on your grill and wing size.
- Finish with sauce: While the wings cook, melt 1/4 cup butter and stir in 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning. When the wings are done, remove them from the grill and toss immediately in the melted lemon pepper butter so they’re evenly coated.
How to serve lemon pepper wings
Serve the wings right away while they are hot and glossy with lemon pepper butter. If you like, reserve extra melted lemon butter for dipping. Fresh lemon wedges or a sprinkle of extra lemon pepper just before serving brighten the dish further.
Storage
Wings are best enjoyed immediately, as the skin will lose crispness over time. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven to help restore crispness; the microwave will warm them faster but can soften the skin. You can freeze cooked wings for up to four months, though texture and flavor are best when fresh.
GCG Pro Pitmaster Tips
- Use a salt-free lemon pepper seasoning if you prefer to control sodium.
- Cook wings over indirect heat and aim for 195–205°F internal temperature for tender meat.
- Toss wings in butter while hot and serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — they offer a smoky, crisp exterior combined with a citrusy, buttery finish that many people love.
They can be keto-friendly if the rub and lemon pepper seasoning contain no added sugars. The basic recipe uses mainly fat and protein.
Pat wings dry before seasoning. The dry surface helps the rub adhere to the skin and crisp up while cooking.
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Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken wings
- 1 tsp chicken wing rub
- 2 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
Lemon Pepper Butter Sauce
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
Instructions
- Heat Grill: Preheat the grill to 350°F and set up an indirect heat zone.
- Season: Mix the chicken rub with 2 teaspoons lemon pepper. Pat wings dry and coat evenly with the rub mixture.
- Grill: Place wings over indirect heat in a single layer. Cook until internal temperature reads 195–205°F, about 30–60 minutes depending on your grill.
- Sauce: Stir melted butter and 1 tablespoon lemon pepper together. Toss cooked wings in the butter mixture until well coated, then serve immediately.
Notes
Not all lemon pepper blends are the same; some contain significant salt. If salt is high on the ingredient list, reduce how much you add or use unsalted butter. Using a salt-free lemon pepper allows more control over sodium.
Nutrition
Calories: 327 kcal • Carbohydrates: 3 g • Protein: 16 g • Fat: 29 g • Sodium: 182 mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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