Jalapeño Lime Grilled Chicken Wings

Here’s a detailed, step-by-step Jalapeño Lime Grilled Chicken Wings recipe that’s perfect for cookouts or oven/grill-pan backups.

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🌶️🍋 Jalapeño Lime Grilled Chicken Wings

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🛒 Ingredients

Chicken

• 2 lbs (900 g) chicken wings, split & tips removed

• 1 tbsp oil

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

Jalapeño Lime Marinade

• 3 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped
  (remove seeds for milder heat)

• Zest of 2 limes

• ⅓ cup fresh lime juice

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp chili powder

• ¼ tsp cayenne (optional, for extra heat)

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

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🔥 Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prep the Wings

1. Pat wings completely dry with paper towels.

2. Place in a large bowl.

3. Toss with oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

4. Set aside while preparing marinade.

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Step 2: Make the Marinade

1. In a bowl, combine:

   • Chopped jalapeños

   • Lime zest & juice

   • Garlic

   • Honey

   • Olive oil

   • Cumin, chili powder, cayenne

   • Cilantro

2. Mix well until fully combined.

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Step 3: Marinate

1. Pour marinade over wings.

2. Toss until wings are evenly coated.

3. Cover and refrigerate:

   • Minimum: 30 minutes

   • Best flavor: 4–8 hours

4. Remove wings from fridge 20 minutes before grilling.

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Step 4: Preheat the Grill

1. Preheat grill to medium heat (375–400°F / 190–205°C).

2. Oil grill grates to prevent sticking.

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Step 5: Grill the Wings

1. Place wings on grill over indirect heat.

2. Grill for 20–25 minutes, turning every 5 minutes.

3. Move wings over direct heat for last 5 minutes to char lightly.

4. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

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Step 6: Optional Glaze Boost (Highly Recommended 😋)

1. Simmer leftover marinade in a small pan for 5–7 minutes until thick.

2. Brush glaze onto wings during last few minutes of grilling.

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🍽️ Serve With

• Extra lime wedges

• Chopped cilantro

• Ranch or avocado crema

• Grilled corn or fresh salad

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🔁 Oven or Grill-Pan Method (Quick Backup)

• Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway

• Broil 2–3 minutes for char

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💡 Pro Tips

• Dry wings = crispier skin

• Use indirect heat first to avoid burning

• Honey caramelizes fast—watch closely

• Lime zest adds flavor without extra acidity