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whole30 cilantro lime chicken wings [low-carb, paleo]

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Zesty and flavorful cilantro lime chicken wings marinated overnight are perfect for the grill or in the oven – or even the airfryer!

You all know my love for chicken wings runs deeeeep. Until the air fryer was a thing, we regularly baked wings in the oven at Casa de Crews, and have been more than okay with that. Growing up, my parents had a deep fryer, but we all know better now, so baked was the way to go.

whole30 cilantro lime chicken wings [low-carb, paleo]

Except in the summer, when we can grill our chicken wings! There is nothing like smoky, chargrilled chicken wings cooked over an open flame. Chicken wings from the grill are fall-off-the-bone tender, with charred bits of flavor; grilled wings are so simple to make.

Personally, I’m pretty happy with classic dry rubs or a little cayenne pepper hot sauce for chicken wings, but this time of year a zesty, summer-y marinade is the way to go.

How to make Cilantro Lime Chicken Wings

To make these chicken wings moist and flavorful, you’ll want to make a simple marinade using fresh cilantro and fresh lime juice, coconut aminos and garlic. This marinade gets blended together and we’ll marinate our wings overnight for juicy, tender, fall-off-the-bone wings that are made on the grill!

If you would prefer to bake or air fry your chicken wings, I’ve gotchu, friend. But the recipe below is all about grilling these Cilantro Lime Chicken Wings.

whole30 cilantro lime chicken wings [low-carb, paleo]

whole30 cilantro lime chicken wings [low-carb, paleo]

How to grill chicken wings

So we like the two-zone method at Casa de Crews. First you’ll sear to get those charred bits and grill marks over direct heat, before finishing over indirect heat for approx 10-12 minutes. Sear your chicken wings over the hot side of the grill/direct heat. Sear the wings on all sides to get a nicely browned, crispy skin. A quick sear on all sides is all you need.

char the wings over direct heat: 

  • If you’re using charcoal, light your coals and pile them all onto one side of the grill, leaving the other side empty. You’ll sear the wings over this side, before letting them cook on cooler side/indirect heat.
  • If you’re using a gas grill, you’ll preheat one side only and get it HOT, around 400-500 degrees F. You’ll sear wings over this side first.

finish grilling the wings with indirect heat:

Once browned on all sides, move the wings over to the cool side of the grill to finish cooking. Close the lid, and cook until the wings are done, at 165 degrees F. This should take approx 10-12 minutes.

The result are juicy, tender wings – thanks to our marinade that fall of the bone. This chicken wing recipe will be your go-to wing recipe all summer long, I promise!

whole30 cilantro lime chicken wings [low-carb, paleo]

What if I don’t want to grill these wings?

Maybe you’re reading this in February and you live in the Midwest – or somewhere else really cold, and won’t be firing up the grill. I feel you.

No matter how you make these Cilantro Lime Chicken Wings, they’re perfect for any party, or date night in. My family loves coming over for dinner when we make these chicken wings. You just can’t go wrong with this easy marinade and flame grilled chicken wings.

These wings are so flavorful, you don’t need a dipping sauce, but then again this is America and what would we be without a little ranch to dunk these wings in? If you’re trying to keep things clean, make a batch of my whole30, dairy-free ranch dip for these wings – enjoy!

Cilantro-Lime Chicken Wings

cilantro lime chicken wings

zesty and flavorful cilantro lime chicken wings marinated overnight are perfect for the grill or in the oven - or your airfryer!
5 from 3 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 460kcal
Author: Nichole Crews

Ingredients

  • 1/2-1 whole jalapeno, seeded and diced - use 1/2 for less spice, up to 1 whole if you like heat
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1/2 cup cilantro - fresh
  • zest of 2 limes
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 lbs chicken wings, approx 40 wings - trimmed

Instructions

  • Add jalapenos, garlic cloves, fresh cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, coconut aminos, and olive oil to a blender or food processor to create marinade.
  • Place chicken wings in a bowl or Ziploc bag and mix with marinade. Marinate chicken for 1 hour up to 10 hours (I wouldn't marinate longer than 10 hours because the lime zest has acidity that could break down the chicken which is not tasty)
  • char the wings over direct heat: 
    If you're using charcoal, light your coals and pile them all onto one side of the grill, leaving the other side empty. You’ll sear the wings over this side, before letting them cook on cooler side/indirect heat.If you're using a gas grill, you'll preheat one side only and get it HOT, around 400-500 degrees F. You'll sear wings over this side first.
    finish grilling the wings with indirect heat:
    Once browned on all sides, move the wings over to the cool side of the grill to finish cooking. Close the lid, and cook until the wings are done, at 165 degrees F. This should take approx 10-12 minutes.

items used to make this recipe

Notes

will make approx 40 wings. Nutrition info is for 5 wings, making 8 servings.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 460kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 30g
Did you make this recipe?We want to see! Tag @casadecrews on instagram or use the hashtag #casadecrewseats so we can find you!

Other recipes on the grill:

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Comments

  1. Robin says

    I can’t wait to make these Cilantro Lime Chicken Wings but first I have a question. In the step of the recipe you direct us to use jalapeños but it’s not listed in the ingredients so I don’t know how much. Can you clearify?

    Reply

    • Nichole says

      Hi Robin, so sorry about that! I have updated the ingredient list. I use 1 whole jalapeno, seeded. If you don’t like a ton of heat, I suggest half of the jalapeno. It’s up to you! Please let me know how these turn out for you. I hope you all enjoy!

      Reply

  10. Biana says

    Riesling is my absolute favorite so I’m going to have to check out that brand of wines!! Side note – I have not eaten breakfast and I want those chicken wings! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston

    Reply

    • Nichole says

      Haha, I said “on fleek” the other day and my husband looked at me like I was legit insane. Thanks for the compliment! These wings are addictive!

      Reply

  22. Amber K says

    Looks so good! I’m going to have to try this for our July 4th party. I like that it’s easily made Paleo too!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  5. […] had Jason’s family over this past weekend for lunch. My grill-master made Cilantro-Lime Chicken Wings (and smoked ribs, and a whole chicken. That man is obsessed. But then we have protein all […]

    Reply
5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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