Yogurt Marinade for Grilled Wings
Tangy yogurt tenderizes chicken wings while spices build a smoky, charred crust on the grill.
Dietary
Keto, Wheat free, Nut free, Halal
Allergens
Dairy
This yogurt-based marinade relies on lactic acid and a warm blend of spices to tenderize chicken wings from the inside out while promoting deep browning over flame. Inspired by tandoori-style marinades, it clings well to the skin and chars nicely without burning, making it well suited for weekend grilling or game-day spreads.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
- 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Method
-
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne, salt, and vegetable oil until smooth.
-
Pour the marinade over the wings and toss until every piece is evenly coated.
-
Cover the bowl and refrigerate to marinate, letting the yogurt tenderize the meat and the spices penetrate.
-
Remove the wings from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature while the grill heats.
-
Preheat a grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F, and oil the grates well.
-
Shake excess marinade off each wing and arrange them on the grill over indirect heat.
-
Grill the wings, turning every 5 minutes, until charred in spots and cooked through, 20 to 25 minutes.
-
Move the wings over direct heat for the final few minutes to crisp the skin, turning often to prevent burning.
-
Check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F, then transfer the wings to a platter.
-
Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve warm.
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Yogurt Marinade for Grilled Wings
This yogurt-based marinade relies on lactic acid and a warm blend of spices to tenderize chicken wings from the inside out while promoting deep browning over flame. Inspired by tandoori-style marinades, it clings well to the skin and chars nicely without burning, making it well suited for weekend grilling or game-day spreads.
4 hr 15 min 4 servings 340 cal
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
- 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Method
- 1
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl.
- 2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne, salt, and vegetable oil until smooth.
- 3
Pour the marinade over the wings and toss until every piece is evenly coated.
- 4
Cover the bowl and refrigerate to marinate, letting the yogurt tenderize the meat and the spices penetrate.
- 5
Remove the wings from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature while the grill heats.
- 6
Preheat a grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F, and oil the grates well.
- 7
Shake excess marinade off each wing and arrange them on the grill over indirect heat.
- 8
Grill the wings, turning every 5 minutes, until charred in spots and cooked through, 20 to 25 minutes.
- 9
Move the wings over direct heat for the final few minutes to crisp the skin, turning often to prevent burning.
- 10
Check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F, then transfer the wings to a platter.
- 11
Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve warm.
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