Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings are a zesty, smoky, and irresistible appetizer or main dish that combines the bold flavor of lemon pepper seasoning with the char-grilled goodness of crispy chicken wings. These wings are easy to prepare and perfect for cookouts, game day, or a flavorful weeknight dinner. With their bright citrus punch and peppery kick, they’re always a crowd favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold, tangy lemon pepper flavor with smoky grill char
- Crispy outside, juicy inside—no deep frying needed
- Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients
- Naturally gluten-free and low-carb
- Great for parties, BBQs, and family dinners
- Can be made with fresh or frozen wings
- Perfect appetizer or main course
- Works on gas, charcoal, or indoor grill pans
- Easy to scale up for a crowd
- Delicious with dipping sauces or all on their own
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken wings (whole or flats and drumettes)
- Olive oil
- Lemon pepper seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- Garlic powder
- Salt (to taste)
- Lemon zest (optional, for extra brightness)
- Fresh lemon wedges (for serving)
- Optional: melted butter (for tossing after grilling)
directions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
- Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss them with olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, and salt.
- Place wings on the grill in a single layer. Grill for 20–25 minutes, turning every 5–7 minutes, until nicely charred and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Optional: toss grilled wings in a mixture of melted butter and more lemon pepper seasoning for added flavor.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4–6 as an appetizer or 3–4 as a main.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: 30–35 minutes
Variations
- Add extra lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice for more citrus punch
- Mix in crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy twist
- Use a garlic herb butter for a different flavor profile
- Swap lemon pepper seasoning for Cajun, buffalo, or jerk spice blends
- Make them sticky by brushing with lemon-honey glaze at the end
- Air fry or bake if grilling isn’t an option
- Serve with ranch, blue cheese, or garlic aioli
storage/reheating
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes or in an air fryer for crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the skin crispy. Wings can be frozen for up to 2 months.
FAQs
What is lemon pepper seasoning made of?
It typically includes dried lemon zest, black pepper, salt, and garlic or onion powder.
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, but thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning and grilling.
How do I keep wings from sticking to the grill?
Oil the grill grates well and let the wings cook undisturbed for a few minutes before flipping.
Can I make these in the oven?
Yes—bake at 425°F for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway, or broil for added crisp.
Should I marinate the wings first?
Not necessary, but you can marinate them in lemon juice, olive oil, and spices for an hour for extra flavor.
What’s the best dipping sauce for lemon pepper wings?
Ranch, blue cheese, or a lemon garlic aioli pair well with the citrusy flavor.
Are lemon pepper wings spicy?
They’re more tangy and peppery than spicy. You can add heat with cayenne or chili flakes.
Can I make my own lemon pepper seasoning?
Yes! Combine dried lemon zest, cracked black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
How do I get crispy skin on the grill?
Dry the wings well, don’t overcrowd the grill, and cook over consistent medium-high heat.
What sides go well with lemon pepper wings?
Coleslaw, potato salad, grilled veggies, fries, or corn on the cob are great pairings.
Conclusion
Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings are a tangy, bold, and smoky twist on classic chicken wings—perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as a game-day snack, summer BBQ staple, or easy weeknight meal, these wings deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. Fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy one of the most addictive wing recipes out there!
PrintGrilled Lemon Pepper Wings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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2 pounds chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
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Zest of 1 lemon
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2 tablespoons lemon juice
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
Instructions
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Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 375–400°F).
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Prep the wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl.
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Season: Drizzle with olive oil and toss with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and lemon zest. Mix until evenly coated.
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Grill the wings: Place the wings on the grill in a single layer. Grill for 20–25 minutes, turning every 5–7 minutes, until cooked through and the skin is crispy.
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Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, and lemon pepper seasoning.
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Toss and serve: Transfer the cooked wings to a large bowl and pour the lemon pepper butter sauce over them. Toss to coat evenly. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or sides.
Notes
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For extra crispy skin, leave the wings uncovered in the fridge for a few hours to dry out before grilling.
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You can also use a grill pan indoors if you don’t have an outdoor grill.
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Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning.