Get ready to transform your ordinary grilling experience into a mouthwatering culinary adventure! These Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken Wings are not just another recipe - they're a zesty, tangy, and absolutely irresistible journey into Mexican-inspired cuisine that will have your guests begging for more. With a perfect balance of fresh cilantro, zingy lime, and aromatic spices, these wings promise to elevate your summer barbecue from mundane to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the chicken wings. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to ensure that the wings will crisp up nicely when grilled.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended.
- Add the chicken wings to the bowl with the marinade. Toss the wings in the marinade until they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the wings to a resealable plastic bag, ensuring all the wings are submerged in the marinade. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C). If using a charcoal grill, prepare the coals until they are covered with white ash.
- Once the grill is hot, remove the chicken wings from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Discard the leftover marinade to avoid contamination.
- Place the chicken wings on the grill, making sure they are not overcrowded. Grill the wings for about 20 minutes, turning them every 5-7 minutes to ensure even cooking and to achieve a nice char on all sides.
- To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the wings reaches 165°F (75°C). If you prefer crispy wings, you can grill them a bit longer, but be careful not to burn them.
- Once cooked, remove the wings from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the wings more flavorful and juicy.
- Serve the cilantro lime grilled chicken wings hot, garnished with additional chopped cilantro and lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the wings. Enjoy your delicious Mexican-inspired dish!
Tips
- Marination is Key: Allow your chicken wings to marinate for at least 15 minutes, but if time permits, let them sit for up to 2 hours to maximize flavor absorption.
- Pat Dry for Crispy Skin: Always pat your chicken wings dry before grilling to ensure a crisp, golden exterior.
- Temperature Control: Maintain a medium-high grill temperature around 400°F (200°C) for even cooking and perfect charring.
- Don't Overcrowd: Ensure wings have enough space on the grill for proper heat circulation and even cooking.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Resting Period: Let wings rest for a few minutes after grilling to redistribute juices and enhance flavor.
- Fresh Garnish: Sprinkle extra fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for an additional flavor boost.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 120mg
