Close-up of spicy grilled chicken wings with a smoky char

Fiery and Juicy Spicy Grilled Chicken Wings

Name: Fiery and Juicy Spicy Grilled Chicken Wings
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 pieces Chicken wings, fresh and skin-on (choose wings that smell fresh and look pink without discoloration); 2 tbsp Olive oil (extra virgin for better flavor); 1 tbsp Chili powder (adjust amount for desired heat level); 1 tsp Paprika (smoked paprika preferred for deeper flavor); 1 tsp Garlic powder; 1/2 tsp Ground black pepper, freshly ground; 1 tsp Salt; 1 tbsp Lime juice, freshly squeezed (about 1 lime); 1 tbsp Honey (optional, for slight sweetness to balance spice); 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)

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easy

20 min

Nutritional value per serving

Calories300kcal

Carbs8gram

Fat15gram

Protein25gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Chicken wings, fresh and skin-on (choose wings that smell fresh and look pink without discoloration)12 pieces
Olive oil (extra virgin for better flavor)2 tbsp
Chili powder (adjust amount for desired heat level)1 tbsp
Paprika (smoked paprika preferred for deeper flavor)1 tsp
Garlic powder1 tsp
Ground black pepper, freshly ground1/2 tsp
Salt1 tsp
Lime juice, freshly squeezed (about 1 lime)1 tbsp
Honey (optional, for slight sweetness to balance spice)1 tbsp
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)2 tbsp

This spicy grilled chicken wings recipe is perfect for anyone wanting a flavorful, juicy, and slightly fiery treat. The marinade combines chili, garlic, and lime for a zesty kick, while grilling imparts a delicious smoky char. Suitable for beginner cooks, this recipe emphasizes food safety and achieving the perfect internal temperature for chicken. The total ingredient cost is approximately $10 USD / €9 / £7.50 / ₹800, serving 4 people, with around 300 kcal per serving. Preparation and cooking take about 45 minutes, and the recipe is easy to follow with standard kitchen tools.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the marinade and wings

1In a large bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, lime juice, and honey if using. Mix well. Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss thoroughly to coat all wings evenly with the marinade. Let them marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature, covered.

Preheat the grill

2While the wings marinate, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 200°C (390°F). Oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking.

Grill the chicken wings

3Place the marinated wings on the grill in a single layer. Grill for about 6-7 minutes per side, turning wings carefully to avoid burning. Keep the grill lid closed as much as possible to maintain heat and smoke.

Check for doneness and safety

4Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the wing, avoiding bone. The chicken is safe to eat once it reaches 75°C (165°F). If not yet cooked, continue grilling and check every 2-3 minutes.

Serve with garnish

5Once cooked, remove wings from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes. This helps juices redistribute, keeping meat moist. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired and serve hot.

Cooking Tips

1If you prefer less heat, reduce the chili powder or substitute with sweet paprika.

2To keep wings crispy after grilling, place them on a baking rack and broil for 2 minutes.

3Avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils and plates for raw and cooked chicken.

4If you don't have a grill, bake the wings in an oven preheated to 220°C (425°F) for 25-30 minutes, turning once.

Equipment

Grill (charcoal or gas)
Large mixing bowl
Tongs or grill spatula
Meat thermometer
Measuring spoons
Small bowl for mixing marinade (optional)

Shopping List

[ ] 12 pieces fresh chicken wings (~$6): Choose wings that are pink and fresh, avoid any with off odor.
[ ] Olive oil (~$0.50): Extra virgin for flavor.
[ ] Chili powder (~$0.50): Opt for a fresh container for best spice.
[ ] Paprika (~$0.30): Smoked paprika adds great flavor.
[ ] Garlic powder (~$0.20): Ensure powder is fresh for strong aroma.
[ ] Black pepper (~$0.10): Freshly ground preferred.
[ ] Salt (~$0.05): Any basic cooking salt.
[ ] Lime (~$0.50): Look for firm limes with smooth skin.
[ ] Honey (~$1.00, optional): Substitute with maple syrup or skip if desired.
[ ] Fresh cilantro (~$0.80, optional): For garnish only.

Total approximate cost: $10.00

FAQ

How do I know when the chicken wings are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the wing (avoiding the bone). The internal temperature should reach at least 75°C (165°F) to ensure safety.