Grilled Chicken Wings Recipe Persian Style
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Marinate
2 hrs
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Total Time
2 hrs 35 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
381 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Persian
Grilled Chicken Wings Recipe Persian Style
Description
This recipe for Grilled Chicken Wings Persian Style starts with blooming saffron strands in ice water to release their flavor and color. The marinade combines Greek yogurt, green bell pepper, yellow onion, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and the saffron infusion. Chicken wings are tossed thoroughly in this mixture and refrigerated for at least two hours or overnight to absorb the flavors and tenderize gently.
Cooking involves a two-zone grill setup with coals on one side for direct heat and an empty side for indirect heat. The wings first cook over indirect heat to cook through without burning, then move to direct heat for charring and browning. This method results in wings that are crisp on the outside yet juicy inside, with a balanced saffron aroma and zesty tang from the lemon and yogurt marinade.
The wings can be made using a charcoal or gas grill, with gas grilling instructions to maintain similar cooking control. The yogurt marinade aids in keeping the wings moist and tender while the saffron provides a subtle but distinctive flavor that distinguishes this recipe from typical grilled wings.
Blooming the saffron is a crucial step to extract its flavor fully, and timing the grilling stages avoids overcooking or charring prematurely. Allowing the wings to come to room temperature before grilling prevents uneven cooking.
Ingredients
- 2 lb chicken wings
- 1/2 tsp saffron strands
- 3 cubes ice
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt see notes
- 1/2 green bell pepper cut into large chunks
- 1 yellow onion sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 lemon juice of, plural
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Grind saffron using a pestle and mortar. Sprinkle saffron over ice and let it melt at room temperature. This will be your bloomed saffron.
- In a large bowl, mix yogurt, bell pepper, onion, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, black pepper and bloomed saffron. Add chicken wings to the mixture and using a pair of tongs, move the wings around so they're all covered with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 2 hours up to overnight to marinate.
- Once you're ready to grill, take the bowl out of the fridge and place it on the counter to come to room temperature. Preheat the grill to two zone heating. Meaning have all the coals on one half of the grill and keep the other half empty. Now you have direct and indirect heat. Heating up a charcoal grill takes about 20 to 25 minutes.
- Once the grill is ready, place the wings on the indirect heat and grill for 12 to 15 minutes. Flip halfway through. Now transfer the chicken wings to the direct heat side and grill them until they're charred to your liking. This would take about 5 minutes. Flip the chicken wings to have them charred on all sides.
- Serve immediately with your favorite side dish.
Notes
- Bloom saffron in ice water for best extraction of color and flavor; this is the primary flavor in the wings.
- Use plain Greek yogurt or similar plain yogurt to tenderize the meat without adding unwanted flavors.
- Grill wings first on indirect heat to cook near the bone before finishing on direct heat to develop char without burning.
- For gas grills, preheat to 350°F and turn wings every 5 minutes for about 20 minutes total for even cooking.
- Allow marinated wings to come to room temperature before grilling to ensure even cooking.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 381 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 381kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 10g | 3% |
| Protein | 26g | 52% |
| Fat | 27g | 42% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 96mg | 32% |
| Sodium | 683mg | 28% |
| Potassium | 367mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 235IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 44mg | 49% |
| Calcium | 65mg | 7% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.