Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

Yes, you can substitute regular limes, but the flavor profile will be slightly different. Key limes are more aromatic and have a distinctive tartness that regular limes don't quite match. If using regular limes, you might want to reduce the amount slightly as they can be more acidic.

How can I make these wings in the oven instead of on a grill?

Bake the marinated wings on a rack over a baking sheet at 425°F for about 45-50 minutes, turning halfway through. For the char effect, finish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes per side. Make sure to still baste them regularly with the boiled marinade.

Is it necessary to boil the marinade before using it as a basting sauce?

Absolutely! This is a food safety issue. Raw chicken juices in the marinade could contain harmful bacteria. Bringing the marinade to a full boil kills any potential pathogens, making it safe to use as a basting sauce.

Can I make this recipe with chicken drumsticks or thighs instead of wings?

Definitely! This marinade works beautifully with any chicken parts. For larger pieces like drumsticks or thighs, increase the grilling time accordingly and use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F internally.

Key Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken Wings Recipe

Description

A tangy and flavorful take on chicken wings, marinated in a citrusy key lime mixture and grilled to perfection. These wings are tender, juicy, and have the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, making them an irresistible choice for any gathering or barbecue.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken Wings

4 pounds chicken wings, cut into sections and tips discarded

Marinade

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/3 cup fresh-squeezed key lime juice
1/4 cup olive oil
6 large garlic cloves, roughly chopped
1/4 cup fresh oregano leaves, loosely packed
1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, loosely packed
1/2 tablespoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Prepare the Wings
Place the chicken wings in a gallon-size ziplock bag. This makes it easier for the marinade to coat the wings evenly.
Make the Marinade
In a blender or with an immersion blender, combine the brown sugar, key lime juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth to create a well-balanced, tangy-sweet marinade.
Marinate the Wings
Pour the marinade over the chicken wings in the ziplock bag. Seal the bag well and refrigerate it. Marinate the wings overnight or for at least 2 hours. To ensure even absorption, turn the bag every few hours.
Prepare the Marinade for Basting
Before grilling, drain off the excess marinade from the wings and transfer it to a small saucepot. Bring to a boil to kill any bacteria and set aside for basting.
Grill the Wings
Preheat the grill to medium heat and cook the wings. Baste every few minutes, especially after flipping. This step helps build layers of flavor and keeps the wings juicy.
Check Temperature
Continue grilling the wings until they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F. Aim for a nice char on the outside for added flavor.
Serve
Remove the wings from the grill and serve them immediately. These pair well with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or BBQ sauce.

Notes

Marinate Overnight: Allowing the chicken wings to marinate overnight enhances their flavor. The extended marination time lets the ingredients penetrate deeper into the meat.
Use Indirect Heat: To avoid burning, especially if your grill has hot spots, use indirect heat for more even cooking.
Basting Tips: Use the reserved marinade for basting while cooking, but ensure it has been boiled to eliminate any bacteria.
Temperature Monitor: Utilize an instant-read thermometer to confirm the wings have reached the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Crisp the Skin: For an extra crispy finish, grill the wings over high heat for 1-2 minutes right before serving.
Serve with Dips: These wings are perfect when paired with ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or BBQ sauce for a complete experience.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
Calories: 280
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 70.mg