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Grilled Italian Style Chicken Party Wings Recipe

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Grilled Italian Style Chicken Party Wings need to be your summer go-to for backyard cookouts + parties! Grilled to perfection and tossed in a lemon-herb dressing, they are irresistible.

A platter of grilled italian chicken wings garnished with herbs and lemon dressing.

Grilled Italian Style Chicken Wings: A Flavorful Twist for Outdoor Parties

As the weather warms up, so do outdoor gatherings! There’s no better way to delight your guests than with a sensational dish that combines crispy grilled chicken wings with a zesty lemon herb dressing.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard bbq, a festive celebration, or simply enjoying a casual get-together with friends, this grilled chicken wings recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. They bring together Italian-inspired flavors with the universally adored finger-licking goodness of chicken wings, resulting in a dish that’s both familiar and vibrant.

So, if you’re looking to impress your guests with the perfect finger food at your next outdoor gathering, look no further than these grilled Italian style chicken party wings!

Some crispy brown chicken wings in a pile.

Gather Your Ingredients

In addition to kosher salt + fresh cracked black pepper, you’ll need…

  • Chicken wings — make it easy on yourself and buy wings that have already been cut into flats + drumettes. Should you want to cut up whole chicken wings yourself, discard or freeze the wing tips for making stock.
  • Extra virgin olive oil — is used in both the marinade and dressing.
  • Fresh garlic — for the marinade.
  • Fresh rosemary — also for the marinade.
  • Lemon juice — gives the dressing a bright, slightly tart finish. Squeeze it fresh!
  • Capers — for a salty, briny bite to the dressing.
  • Fresh herbs — classic Italian herbs of flat leaf parsley and oregano.
Some crispy brown chicken wings with lemon herb dressing in a pile.

How To Make Grilled Italian Style Chicken Wings

FYI…two things: #1. The wings need time to marinate! Throw the marinade and chicken together the night before or in the morning. #2. Use this grilling method anytime you want crispy skinned chicken wings. Works every time!

  1. Pat the chicken dry and season generously with kosher salt + black pepper. 
  2. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, smashed garlic and rosemary. Place wings in the bowl and toss to coat and distribute the ingredients. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. (You can also combine wings + marinade in a gallon-sized zipper freezer bag. Place bag in a shallow dish to prevent spills in your fridge.)
  3. Preheat a grill on high heat. Clean and lightly oil the grates. Remove the wings from the marinade, discarding the garlic + rosemary. Just before placing the wings on the grill, reduce the burners to medium low heat. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, covered, flipping the pieces every 5 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
  4. Whisk together the ingredients for the dressing. Arrange the wings in a large serving bowl or platter and drizzle with the dressing.

Recipe Tips

  • To blot dry the chicken wings, I like to line a baking sheet with paper towels, then arrange the chicken wings in a single layer. Take another paper towel and blot the exposed side. Go ahead and season them while they’re in the tray and let them hang out while you prepare the marinade.
  • While grilling, set your watch or phone timer for 5 minutes so you remember to flip the wings. Repeat until they’re done.

Storage

These are seriously the best when they are hot off the grill and just drizzled with the dressing! But, you can enjoy in the next day or two, by storing leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container.

If you make extra intending to have leftovers, store the wings and dressing separately. Warm them in the oven or on the grill to bring back some of the crispness.

Variations + Serving Suggestions

Spice things up with Calabrian chili paste — turn these wings into Italian-style hot wings by mixing a teaspoon or two of chili paste or red pepper flakes into the marinade. Or, spice up the lemon dressing by adding a 1/2 teaspoon chili paste (or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce).

Swap out the wings — sub in chicken breasts or thighs for the wings for a delicious main course. Cooking time will vary, so keep that in mind, but the flavors will still be on point! (Heck, this is what I’m doing for dinner tonight!)

Make it the main event — this recipe serves 8 as an appetizer. If you’d like to enjoy these wings as the main course, double the recipe for a large group, or it can serve 4 as the main course along with a side dish or two…think a crisp green salad, a selection of grilled vegetables, or even some homemade garlic bread.

Be a dipper — but not a double dipper! Make a double batch of the dressing to use as a dipping sauce (or a salad dressing).

Oven and Air Fryer Instructions

No grill or uncooperative weather? No worries! Just remember to cook the wings until they reach an internal temperture of 165°F.

Oven directions – Preheat the oven to 400°F. Allow excess marinade to drip off the wings, then arrange them in a single layer on a foil lined sheet pan. Roast for 40 to 50 minutes, flipping over halfway through. Optional step: after baking, broil the wings for 2 to 3 minutes for additional color and crispiness.

Air fryer directions – Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Allow excess marinade to drip off the wings, then arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket (cook in batches). Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip and air fry for an additional 6-8.

A platter of grilled italian chicken wings with lemon caper dressing.

What to Sip With These Zesty Italian Chicken Wings

We’re looking for options that complement the zesty flavors while providing a refreshing contrast. Here are a few ideas that would make delightful pairings:

  • A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio can be an excellent choice. These wines often exhibit citrusy notes and a bright acidity, which harmonize beautifully with the lemony flavors of the chicken wings. 
  • Opting for a light and refreshing beer can be a great match for the grilled chicken wings…especially if you made them spicy!!! Consider a Pilsner or a Wheat Beer, which offer a crispness that complements the dish and can help cut through the richness or spiciness.

When you’re looking to impress your guests with an unforgettable culinary experience at your next outdoor gathering (or game day!), look no further than these grilled Italian style chicken party wings. With their irresistible crispy texture, delicious flavors, and invigorating lemon herb dressing, they are sure to become the star of the party!

Add These Chicken Recipes to Your Meal Plan!

A platter of grilled italian chicken wings garnished with herbs and lemon dressing.

Grilled Italian Style Chicken Party Wings

Linda Feller
Grilled Italian Style Chicken Party Wings need to be your summer go-to for backyard cookouts + parties! Grilled to perfection and tossed in a lemon-herb dressing, they are irresistible.
Prep time.15 minutes
Cook time.25 minutes
Custom time.8 hours
Total time.8 hours 40 minutes
Course.Appetizer
Cuisine.Italian
Number of servings.8 an appetizer
Calories per serving.491 kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds chicken wing pieces, flats + drumettes
  • kosher salt + fresh cracked black pepper

Marinade

  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic, discard paper + smash
  • 6 sprigs fresh rosemary

Dressing

  • 2 tablespoon lemon juice, or the juice of 1 whole lemon, about 2-3 tbsp
  • 6 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoon capers, drained + roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon flat leaf parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, finely chopped

Instructions

  • Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels then season generously with salt + pepper.
  • In a large bowl, combine olive oil, crushed garlic cloves and rosemary. Toss the wings in the marinade until completely coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours (or overnight).
  • Preheat a grill on high heat. Remove the wings from the marinade, allowing excess oil to drip away. Discard remaining oil, garlic + rosemary.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low and immediately arrange the chicken wings on the grate. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, covered, turning every 5 minutes or so until the skin is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. If there are hot spots on the grill, move the wings around to ensure even cooking.
  • Whisk together all the ingredients for the dressing; season with salt + pepper to taste. Arrange wings on a platter and drizzle with the dressing.

Notes

  1. Turn these wings into Italian-style hot wings by mixing a teaspoon or two of chili paste or red pepper flakes into the marinade. Or, spice up the lemon dressing by adding a 1/2 teaspoon chili paste (or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce).
  2. The marinade and dressing can also be used on chicken breasts or thighs and served as a main course. 
  3. Serve the wings as a main course for 4 people.
  4. Oven directions – Preheat the oven to 400°F. Allow excess marinade to drip off the wings, then arrange them in a single layer on a foil lined sheet pan. Roast for 40 to 50 minutes, flipping over halfway through. Optional step: after baking, broil the wings for 2 to 3 minutes for additional color and crispiness.
  5. Air fryer directions – Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Allow excess marinade to drip off the wings, then arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket (cook in batches). Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip and air fry for an additional 6-8.

Nutrition

Calories: 491kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 25g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 146mg | Potassium: 216mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 238IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 2mg
Keywords.game day, grill, spring, summer
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