PREP TIME
10
MINS
IDLE TIME
30
MINS
COOK TIME
15-18
MINS
PELLETS
Gold
BLEND
SERVES
4-5
PEOPLE
How do you cook chicken wings on a pellet grill?
Chicken wings are one of the most popular foods to cook on a pellet grill because they develop crispy skin, juicy meat, and authentic wood-fired flavor. Cook wings at 350°F to 400°F until they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F, then finish at a higher temperature if desired for extra crispy skin. Bold seasonings like curry, lemongrass, and fresh cilantro pair perfectly with the subtle smoke from hardwood pellets for a flavorful twist on classic smoked wings.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 stalks lemongrass OR 3 tbsp lemon or lime zest (remove the outer layers of the lemongrass
and chop up before putting into the food processor) - 1 cup cilantro sprigs
- 8 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1/2 tbsp turmeric
- 1/2 tbsp sea salt
- 1/2 tbsp pepper (or to taste)
- 10-12 chicken wings- approximately 1.5 pounds (if making two pounds go ahead and double
ingredients for marinade)
Curried Lemongrass Cilantro Wings
This recipe combines the flavors of garlic, lemongrass, cilantro and turmeric to make for a
fragrant spice paste that is an awesome combination on smoked/grilled chicken wings. Simply
pulse all the ingredients together in the food processor and then let the chicken wings marinate
in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Reserve a bit of the marinade for an extra flavor kick at the
end right before serving. The combination of smoky flavor paired with aromatic scents make
for an out of this world flavor combination!
Directions:
-Combine olive oil, lemongrass/or zest, cilantro, garlic, turmeric, sea salt and pepper in the food
processor and pulse until uniformly mixed – you are looking to make a seasoning “paste”.
-Reserve about 2 tbsp of the marinade to drizzle before serving. Marinate the chicken wings for
30 minutes before putting on the grill.
-Prepare your grill at 400 degrees.
-Grill your wings, turning halfway during the process, for approximately 15-18 minutes OR until the internal temperature has reached 170 degrees with an internal read thermometer.
-Once you’ve reached 170 degrees, pull the wings off and drizzle with the remaining marinade.
-Add a few extra sprigs of cilantro for extra color on the wings. Enjoy!
Recipe written by Robyn at GrillGirl.com
FAQs
How long do chicken wings take to cook on a pellet grill?
Most chicken wings cook in 45 to 60 minutes at 350°F to 400°F, depending on their size. They’re done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F or higher and the skin is golden brown.
How do you get crispy chicken wings on a pellet grill?
Pat the wings dry before seasoning, avoid overcrowding the grill, and finish cooking at a higher temperature to help render the fat and crisp the skin.
What wood pellets are best for chicken wings?
Apple, cherry, pecan, and maple pellets are excellent choices because they provide mild smoke that complements chicken without overpowering the seasonings. Fruit woods pair especially well with curry and lemongrass flavors.
Can you marinate chicken wings before smoking?
Yes. Marinating wings for several hours or overnight allows the flavors to penetrate the meat while helping keep the wings juicy during cooking.
What should I serve with curried lemongrass cilantro wings?
These wings pair well with jasmine rice, grilled vegetables, cucumber salad, mango slaw, roasted potatoes, or dipping sauces like sweet chili, cilantro-lime yogurt, or peanut sauce.
