Make extra—these grilled lemon pepper chicken wings are buttery, bright, and dangerously easy to eat. They come out smoky from the grill, crisp at the edges, and coated in a lemon-pepper butter that keeps every bite juicy and flavorful.
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
- Newest Recipes
- 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 and spices. It’s a fantastic match for grilled chicken wings because the citrus cuts through the richness while the pepper adds a lively bite.
Different brands vary — some blends include a lot of salt. Check the label and adjust accordingly so your wings aren’t oversalted.
These wings are seasoned with a dry rub that includes lemon pepper and then finished in a simple lemon-pepper butter sauce. The result is a tangy, buttery coating that clings to crisped skin.
They make a great game-day appetizer, but they’re simple enough for a weeknight dinner too.
Ingredients
- Chicken Wings: Use whole wings or pre-cut party wings — whichever you prefer.
- Chicken Rub: A savory dry rub provides a base. Use a store-bought chicken rub or a homemade dry rub for wings.
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Lemon pepper varies in salt content. If salt is listed early in the ingredients, reduce how much you use. A salt-free lemon pepper is ideal if you want to control sodium.
- Melted Butter: Use unsalted butter if your lemon pepper contains salt; otherwise regular butter works.
See the recipe card below for exact servings and the full ingredient list.
How to grill lemon pepper chicken wings
Set your grill to 350°F and create an indirect heat zone for even cooking without flare-ups.
- STEP ONE: In a small bowl, mix the chicken rub with 2 teaspoons of lemon pepper. Pat the wings dry with paper towels so the seasoning adheres, then coat the wings evenly with the rub.
- STEP TWO: Arrange the wings in a single layer over the indirect heat. Close the lid and grill until the wings reach an internal temperature of 195–205°F. Depending on your grill and wing size, this usually takes 30–60 minutes.
- STEP THREE: Combine 1/4 cup melted butter with 1 tablespoon lemon pepper in a large bowl. When the wings are done, transfer them to the bowl and toss to coat so each wing is glossy with the lemon-pepper butter.
How to serve lemon pepper wings
Serve the wings immediately while they’re hot and coated in butter so the skins remain crisp and the sauce is still silky.
If you like, make extra melted lemon-butter for dipping. Garnish with extra lemon zest or chopped parsley for color and freshness.
Storage
Wings are best eaten right away because the skin will soften with time. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Reheat in an air fryer or oven to help restore crispness. You can freeze cooked wings for up to 4 months, though reheated wings from frozen will be less crisp than freshly grilled.
GCG Pro Pitmaster Tips
- Use a salt-free lemon pepper seasoning to control sodium.
- Grill over indirect heat and target a 195–205°F internal temperature for juicy wings.
- Toss wings in the lemon-butter while they’re hot and serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — they’re smoky, crisp at the edges, and coated in a bright, buttery lemon-pepper sauce that makes them addictive.
They can be. The wings are seasoned and finished in butter; as long as your rub and lemon pepper contain no added sugar, they fit a low-carb or keto-style plan.
Pat the wings dry before seasoning. Dry skin helps the rub adhere so the flavor stays put while grilling.
More chicken wings recipes + tips
- How to cut chicken wings
- Smoked Pastrami Chicken Wings
- Perfectly Smoked Chicken Wings
- Grilled Sticky Tennessee Honey Wings
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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 your 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 them evenly with the rub.
-
Grill: Place wings over indirect heat and cook to 195–205°F internal temperature, about 30–60 minutes depending on grill and wing size.
-
Sauce: Whisk melted butter with 1 tablespoon lemon pepper. Toss cooked wings in the sauce until well coated and serve hot.
Notes
If your lemon pepper contains salt, use unsalted butter for the sauce.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.