Get ready to wow your taste buds with this deliciously bold and irresistible Grilled Chicken Wings with Peperoncini Garlic Butter Recipe. These wings are perfectly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and drenched in a zingy, buttery sauce that combines the tangy bite of peperoncini with the warm richness of garlic butter. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, looking for the ultimate game day snack, or simply craving a flavorful twist on classic wings, this recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that’s sure to impress and satisfy every craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the handful of ingredients fool you—each one plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish unforgettable. From the smoky paprika seasoning to the vibrant peperoncini, everything contributes to a perfect balance of heat, tang, and richness.
- 2.5 lbs chicken wings: Choose fresh wings separated into flats and drumettes for even cooking and easy handling.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps the wings crisp up nicely while locking in moisture.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth.
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika: Gives the wings a beautiful smoky aroma and color.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter: The base of the garlic butter sauce, melting into creamy perfection.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings that unmistakable, pungent flavor that pairs perfectly with butter.
- 1/4 cup chopped peperoncini (jarred): Provides a tangy, slightly spicy kick that wakes up every bite.
- 2 tbsp peperoncini brine: Adds an extra layer of zesty acidity to brighten the sauce.
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional): A fresh, herbaceous garnish that adds color and a light herbal note.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Wings with Peperoncini Garlic Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Grill and Wings
Begin by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for around 400°F. This temperature ensures the wings get that perfect crispy exterior without drying out. Lightly oil the grill grates to keep your wings from sticking and to help develop an appetizing char.
Step 2: Season the Wings
In a large bowl, give the chicken wings a thorough toss with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. This simple seasoning blend brings out the natural flavor of the wings while adding a smoky, savory note that pairs beautifully with the buttery sauce later on.
Step 3: Grill the Wings
Place your seasoned wings on the grill and cook them for 20 to 25 minutes, turning every 5 minutes. This consistent rotation ensures they brown evenly on all sides and get that crisply skin that is the hallmark of great wings. Keep an eye on them to avoid flare-ups but embrace that slight char for extra flavor.
Step 4: Make the Peperoncini Garlic Butter Sauce
While the wings are grilling, melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic once the butter is melted and sauté it for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. This step is key to infusing the butter with robust, garlicky flavor without bitterness.
Step 5: Add the Peperoncini and Brine
Stir in the chopped peperoncini and their tangy brine. Simmer the mixture for another minute to marry the flavors. This zesty sauce balances the richness of the butter and garlic with a bright, vinegary punch.
Step 6: Coat the Wings
Once the wings are off the grill, transfer them straight into a large bowl. Pour the peperoncini garlic butter sauce over the hot wings and toss well to coat every piece generously. This final step ensures each wing is bursting with juicy, buttery, and tangy goodness.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
For a fresh finishing touch, sprinkle the wings with chopped parsley. Its green vibrancy adds not only color but a subtle herbal note that complements the flavors beautifully. Serve the wings hot and dive straight into this irresistible treat.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Wings with Peperoncini Garlic Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the optional parsley, you can elevate presentation with thin lemon wedges or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick. These little touches add brightness and heat, making each bite even more exciting.
Side Dishes
These wings pair perfectly with cool, crunchy sides like celery sticks and carrot sticks to balance the richness. For something more substantial, try serving them alongside creamy coleslaw, garlic mashed potatoes, or even grilled corn on the cob for a full, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual crowd-pleaser, arrange the wings artfully on a large platter lined with parchment paper and serve with small bowls of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Alternatively, serve the wings skewered or over a bed of fresh greens for a visually striking and easier-to-eat option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the grilled wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining much of their flavor and crispness when reheated properly.
Freezing
To freeze, let the wings cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Freeze the garlic butter sauce separately in a small container or ice cube tray for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes to regain crispiness. Reheat the garlic butter sauce gently on the stove before tossing with the wings again, so you get that fresh-out-of-the-grill taste all over again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen wings for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat them dry before seasoning and grilling. Proper drying ensures the skin crisps up nicely.
Is there a substitute for peperoncini if I can’t find it?
If peperoncini aren’t available, you can use pickled banana peppers or mild pepperoncini peppers as substitutes. They provide a similar tang and mild heat, keeping the flavor balance intact.
How spicy is this Grilled Chicken Wings with Peperoncini Garlic Butter Recipe?
This recipe offers a mild to medium heat that comes from the tangy peperoncini, not overwhelming but enough to give a nice kick. You can always add red pepper flakes if you want to dial up the heat.
Can I make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before tossing with the grilled wings to keep the flavors fresh.
What’s the best way to get crispy skin on grilled wings?
Dry the wings thoroughly before seasoning and grill over medium-high heat, turning often. Oiling the grill grates and the wings also helps create that desirable crispy texture without sticking.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Chicken Wings with Peperoncini Garlic Butter Recipe is a surefire way to impress family and friends with minimal effort but maximum flavor. The crispiness, the buttery tang, and that garlicky pop combine into a dish you’ll want to come back to again and again. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will easily become one of your all-time favorites for every occasion. So fire up the grill and prepare to fall in love with wings all over again!
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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 to 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Grilled Chicken Wings with Peperoncini Garlic Butter offer a flavorful twist on classic wings. Perfectly grilled to achieve crispy skin, the wings are tossed in a tangy and buttery sauce made with garlic, peperoncini, and a splash of brine, delivering a zesty, savory kick perfect for any gathering or weeknight meal.
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 Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Wings: In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika until evenly coated to ensure flavorful wings.
- Grill Wings: Place the wings on the grill and cook for 20–25 minutes, turning every 5 minutes to promote even cooking and achieve a crispy golden-brown skin.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: While the wings are grilling, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Peperoncini: Stir in the chopped peperoncini and their brine, then simmer the mixture for another minute to blend the flavors. Remove the sauce from heat afterward.
- Toss Wings in Sauce: Once the wings are grilled and cooked through, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the peperoncini garlic butter sauce over the wings and toss well to evenly coat.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the wings with chopped fresh parsley if using, and serve immediately while hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the grill is properly preheated for the crispiest skin.
- Turning wings frequently helps to cook evenly and prevent burning.
- You can adjust the amount of peperoncini or brine to control the tanginess and spiciness according to your preference.
- Use fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh herb flavor when serving.
- To test doneness, the internal temperature of the chicken wings should reach 165°F (75°C).
