Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
These fresh and spicy chicken wings rely on the classic combination of intense citrus aroma and coarsely ground black pepper. Smoking over lemon wood or alder amplifies the citrus notes and creates a particularly aromatic flavor profile. The wings are perfect for those who prefer a bright, fresh alternative to heavy BBQ sauces.
Ingredients(for 1 kg)
Instructions
Preparation
10 min + 1-2 hours restPat wings dry and separate at the joints. Mix salt, black pepper, dried lemon zest, garlic powder and onion powder into a homogeneous rub. Rub evenly onto the wings and let them dry uncovered on a wire rack in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours.
Preparing Smoker and Smoking
1.5-1.75 hoursSet smoker to 120-135 °C and add alder and apple wood chips. Briefly spray wings with fresh lemon juice and place on the grate. Smoke until internal temperature of 82-85 °C is reached. Flip once after 45 minutes.
Resting and Serving
5 minutesRemove wings from the smoker and let rest uncovered for 5 minutes. Drizzle with freshly squeezed lemon juice and sprinkle with additional fresh pepper if desired. Serve with a yogurt dip or buttermilk ranch.
Pro Tip
Place fresh lemon zest directly on the grate or in the drip pan – the evaporating citrus aroma permeates the meat and significantly enhances the flavor profile.
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