Albanian Grilled Chicken Wings with Red Pepper Flakes

Introduction

Get ready to fire up your Arteflame grill for this amazing Albanian-style grilled chicken wings recipe! These wings are packed with bold, smoky flavors, a crispy texture, and a spicy kick from red pepper flakes. By using the high-temperature center grill grate, we sear the wings to lock in the juices before finishing them to crispy perfection on the flat cooktop. No need for an oven—everything is grilled to perfection on the Arteflame!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken wings
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins in the center of the grill.
3. Stack dry firewood over the oil-soaked napkins.
4. Light the napkins and let the fire burn for about 20 minutes until the grill is hot.

Step 2: Season the Chicken Wings

1. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, salt, smoked paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes, black pepper, garlic, and lemon juice.
2. Toss the chicken wings in the seasoning mix until well coated.

Step 3: Sear the Wings on the Center Grill Grate

1. Place the wings on the center grill grate over high heat (about 1,000°F) and sear for about 2 minutes per side.
2. Remove the wings from the center grate once a golden crust forms.

Step 4: Finish Cooking on the Flat Cooktop

1. Move the wings to the Arteflame flat cooktop, positioning them closer to the center for higher heat.
2. Cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping occasionally to ensure even crispiness.
3. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F, removing them at 150°F (they will continue cooking off the grill).

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle the grilled wings with chopped parsley.
2. Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips

• For extra smoky flavor, use hardwoods like oak or hickory in your Arteflame grill.
• Butter gives an amazing taste, but for a different flavor, try ghee.
• Always let meat rest for a few minutes before serving to retain juiciness.

Variations

1. Garlic Parmesan Wings: Mix garlic powder with melted butter and top with grated Parmesan after grilling.
2. Honey Sriracha Wings: Add a mix of honey and Sriracha sauce to the seasoning, caramelizing the glaze on the cooktop.
3. Lemon Herb Wings: Add fresh rosemary and thyme along with lemon zest to the seasoning.
4. BBQ Glazed Wings: Brush BBQ sauce on the wings in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
5. Mediterranean Spiced Wings: Use za’atar and sumac in place of oregano and paprika for a unique twist.

Conclusion

These Albanian-style grilled chicken wings bring bold flavors with a perfect balance of spice, smokiness, and crispy texture. The Arteflame grill ensures an amazing sear that locks in the juices, making every bite delicious. Fire up your grill and enjoy this simple yet flavorful recipe today!

Best Pairings

• Grilled corn on the flat cooktop with butter and salt
• Cool cucumber yogurt dip
• Grilled pita bread served warm with hummus
• Fresh tomato salad with olive oil and feta
• Chilled white wine or a crisp lager