If you love the idea of juicy, crispy chicken wings elevated with a zesty and buttery twist, you are going to adore this Grilled Chicken Wings with Peperoncini Garlic Butter Recipe. This dish perfectly balances smoky grilled flavors with a vibrant kick from peperoncini and the comforting richness of garlic butter, making it an irresistible crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a casual dinner or entertaining friends, these wings deliver bold flavor and luscious texture all in one bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Grilled Chicken Wings with Peperoncini Garlic Butter Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a specific role, from seasoning to adding moisture, color, and that signature tangy pop from the peperoncini. Together, they create a perfectly balanced dish that’s straightforward yet packed with layers of flavor.
- 2.5 lbs chicken wings: Separated into flats and drumettes, perfect for even grilling and crispiness.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps seasonings stick and keeps wings moist on the grill.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the natural flavors of the chicken and the seasoning.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to every bite.
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika: Introduces a smoky, slightly sweet flavor that complements the grill marks.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter: The base for the garlic butter sauce, creating richness and silkiness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic punch and earthy warmth to the butter.
- 1/4 cup chopped peperoncini (jarred): Provides a tangy, mildly spicy contrast that livens up the wings.
- 2 tbsp peperoncini brine: Adds additional acidity and brightness to the sauce.
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional): Offers a fresh, herbal note and pretty garnish.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Wings with Peperoncini Garlic Butter Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Grill and Wings
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for around 400°F. Make sure to lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking and to encourage those beautiful char marks. While the grill warms up, toss your chicken wings in olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika in a large bowl. This simple seasoning stage is crucial as it builds the foundation of flavor and helps crisp up the skin once on the grill.
Step 2: Grilling to Perfection
Place the wings on the hot grill and cook them for about 20 to 25 minutes, turning every 5 minutes. This repeated turning ensures even cooking and crispiness all around. Your goal is golden brown, crispy skin with juices locked inside. The smoky aroma from the grill combined with the paprika seasoning will start to make your kitchen smell incredible!
Step 3: Making the Peperoncini Garlic Butter
While the wings grill, melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned—this step infuses the butter with rich garlic flavor. Next, stir in the chopped peperoncini and their brine, letting it simmer for another minute to blend all the tangy, spicy notes.
Step 4: Combining Wings and Sauce
Once the wings are grilled to perfection, transfer them into a large bowl. Pour the warm peperoncini garlic butter over the wings and toss them thoroughly until every wing is luxuriously coated. This step transforms your grilled wings from good to absolutely unforgettable with that buttery, tangy glaze clinging to the crispy skin.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish off by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley over the wings for a bright color contrast and a hint of herbal freshness. Serve these piping hot and watch everyone devour each piece with delight.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Wings with Peperoncini Garlic Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Besides the optional fresh parsley, consider a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a few more chopped peperoncini scattered on top to boost the tang and visual appeal. These little touches not only enhance the look but also add bursts of flavor that guests will love.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp salads, grilled vegetables, or even classic sides like coleslaw or corn on the cob. The acidity and richness from the wings balance beautifully with fresh, crunchy accompaniments that keep your meal interesting and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the wings on a wooden board lined with parchment paper alongside small bowls of extra peperoncini garlic butter or tangy dipping sauces. You can also place the wings on skewers for easy grabbing at parties or assemble them atop a bed of rice or creamy polenta for a hearty meal presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Grilled Chicken Wings with Peperoncini Garlic Butter Recipe—and that might be tough to imagine!—store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep their flavor and texture.
Freezing
To freeze, place cooled wings in a freezer-safe bag or container with some of the garlic butter sauce to maintain moisture. Frozen wings keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy again, thaw them overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat wings gently in an oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if possible as it can make the skin soggy. A quick re-toss in warmed peperoncini garlic butter after reheating will refresh the flavors beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before seasoning and grilling to ensure even cooking and crisp skin. Starting with fresh or fully thawed wings will give you the best results.
What if I don’t have a grill? Can I bake the wings instead?
Yes, baking is a great alternative. Roast the wings in a preheated oven at 425°F on a wire rack over a baking sheet for about 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway. Then toss them in the peperoncini garlic butter just like with grilled wings.
How spicy is this dish?
This dish has a mild to moderate kick thanks to the peperoncini peppers. They offer tangy heat without being overpowering, so it’s perfect for those who like a little zing but not intense spice.
Can I prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?
You can make the peperoncini garlic butter sauce a few hours before grilling, just keep it covered and at room temperature. Warm it gently before tossing with the hot wings to bring back that luscious texture.
What drinks pair well with Grilled Chicken Wings with Peperoncini Garlic Butter Recipe?
Think refreshing beverages like crisp lager, a zesty white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, or even sparkling water with a lemon twist. These drinks complement the tangy, buttery flavors of the wings perfectly without overwhelming your palate.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Chicken Wings with Peperoncini Garlic Butter Recipe is hands-down one of those dishes that turns any meal into a celebration. The mix of smoky, tangy, and buttery flavors makes every bite a total joy. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how this simple yet bold recipe becomes your new favorite way to enjoy chicken wings!
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Grilled Chicken Wings with Peperoncini Garlic Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Grilled Chicken Wings with Peperoncini Garlic Butter deliver a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and buttery flavors. Tender chicken wings are seasoned and grilled to crispy perfection, then tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce infused with tangy peperoncini and brine for a zesty kick. Garnished with fresh parsley, they make an irresistible appetizer or main dish for any gathering or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2.5 lbs chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Peperoncini Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped peperoncini (jarred)
- 2 tbsp peperoncini brine (from the jar)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking and prepare for grilling.
- Season the Wings: In a large bowl, toss the separated chicken wings with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Ensure each wing is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture for maximum flavor.
- Grill the Wings: Place the wings on the preheated grill and cook for 20 to 25 minutes. Turn the wings every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and achieve a crispy, golden-brown skin throughout.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: While the wings grill, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Add Peperoncini and Brine: Stir in the chopped peperoncini and the peperoncini brine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about one minute to blend the flavors, then remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Toss Wings with Sauce: Once the wings are grilled to perfection, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm peperoncini garlic butter sauce over the wings and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the wings for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy this tangy, savory dish.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of peperoncini and brine to control the level of tanginess and spice in the sauce.
- Ensure not to burn the garlic while sautéing as it can turn bitter; cook until fragrant only.
- For extra crispiness, you can pat the wings dry before seasoning.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can finish the wings in a hot oven at 425°F for about 10 minutes after pan-searing them.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.
