Zesty Paleo BBQ Chicken Wings with Lemon & Ginger
These chicken wings are a firm favourite for a reason. Easy to prepare, packed with flavour, and perfect for sharing, they’ve become one of my go-to dishes whenever I’m firing up the barbecue. The combination of zesty lemon, warming ginger, and cooling mint makes for a marinade that is truly unforgettable. Even better, they can be prepped in advance to let the flavours really sink in.
While I love cooking these on the barbecue for that smoky finish, they’re just as good roasted in the oven or even air-fried if you’re after something a little quicker. Whether you're making these for a weekend gathering, weeknight dinner, or your next picnic spread, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
If you’ve got a little time the day before, let them marinate overnight. The depth of flavour you’ll achieve is worth it. But if you’re in a rush, even 30 minutes can still infuse a delicious kick.
Recipe: Lemon Ginger Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 3 kg chicken wings approx 24-30
- grated rind of 1 lemon
- juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: First, in a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken wings with the grated lemon rind, lemon juice, honey, coconut aminos, grated fresh ginger, and chopped fresh mint.
- Marinate the Wings: Next, cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken wings overnight to allow the flavours to fully marinate. If you're short on time, a few hours will work too, but the longer the marination, the tastier the wings will be. Stir the wings every few hours to ensure they are evenly coated with the marinade.
- Preheat the Barbecue: When ready to cook, preheat your barbecue grill to medium-high heat.
- Cook the Wings: Then, barbecue the wings until they are tender and cooked through. Make sure to check that no pink bits remain. During barbecuing, baste the wings with the remaining marinade from the bowl to enhance the flavour.
- Serve and Enjoy: Finally, serve the Lemon Ginger Chicken Wings hot off the grill with a fresh side salad. They are perfect for a summer BBQ or any gathering with friends and family.
Why This Marinade Works
Lemon brings acidity and brightness that lifts the flavour of the chicken. Ginger adds a warming spice that complements the citrus perfectly. Fresh mint brings a subtle, clean note that balances the richness of the wings. Together, these ingredients create a marinade that’s light but memorable — and totally Paleo-friendly.
Batch Cooking for Convenience
One of my favourite things about this recipe is how well it lends itself to batch cooking. I always make extra because these wings are just as good the next day. Pack them in your lunchbox with a crunchy salad, or enjoy them cold straight from the fridge (no judgement here). Having ready-to-go, protein-rich leftovers is a big win for busy weekdays.
Leftovers can also be shredded and added to a leafy salad, or wrapped in lettuce leaves with avocado for a quick, portable meal. The possibilities are endless when you have a solid batch of marinated wings in the fridge.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to sides, keep things fresh and vibrant. I love pairing these with a crisp carrot and citrus salad, which plays beautifully against the ginger and lemon flavours. A big tray of grilled seasonal vegetables or a vibrant cabbage slaw would also work well.
If you’re going all out, consider serving them alongside sweet potato burgers or even some bread-free burger buns. Everything ties in so well with that fresh, herby flavour running through the wings.
Cooking Methods
Barbecuing these wings imparts an unbeatable smokiness. Just make sure you preheat your grill properly and turn the wings frequently to get that lovely caramelisation on all sides.
If the weather’s not playing ball, the oven works just as well. Line a tray with baking paper, spread out the wings, and roast at 200°C for about 25–30 minutes, turning once. They’ll crisp up beautifully without drying out, and your kitchen will smell incredible while they cook.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use fresh ginger if you can — the flavour is much brighter and more potent than powdered.
- Don’t skip the mint. It’s subtle but rounds out the whole dish in a lovely way.
- Use free-range, organic chicken if possible for the best texture and flavour.
- Let the wings come to room temperature before cooking — this helps them cook more evenly.
Make It Your Own
This marinade is a fantastic base to play around with. Want a little more heat? Add crushed chilli or a dash of cayenne pepper. Prefer a smoky finish? A sprinkle of smoked paprika or ground cumin can do wonders. You could even blend in a spoonful of raw honey or coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter twist — perfect if you're serving kids.
Perfect for Entertaining
Whether you're hosting a summer gathering or packing a picnic, these wings are always a crowd pleaser. Their bold yet clean flavours appeal to all tastes, and they’re easy to make in bulk. For presentation, garnish with a few extra mint leaves and lemon wedges — it looks beautiful and invites guests to squeeze over extra citrus.
What Makes These Paleo?
Every ingredient in this recipe sticks closely to Paleo principles. There are no processed sauces or artificial additives, just clean, nourishing ingredients that your body will thank you for. Lemon and ginger both boast impressive anti-inflammatory benefits, and chicken wings are a fantastic source of protein and collagen — especially when cooked on the bone.
Have You Tried It?
If you do give this recipe a go, I’d love to hear what you think. Did you make any tweaks or try a different cooking method? Leave a comment and share your take — I always enjoy seeing how these recipes evolve in your kitchens.
For more ideas like this, be sure to check out my other Paleo-friendly dishes and tips. This recipe is just the beginning if you're after bold, healthy meals that don’t sacrifice on flavour.
Made these lemon ginger chicken wings and they were fantastic! The marinade gave them a great flavour and they were perfect on the barbecue. Will definitely make them again. Thanks for the recipe!