These grilled tequila-lime wings are a real crowd-pleaser! The blend of flavors is simply superb, and they make the perfect appetizer to serve on New Year’s Eve or Super Bowl.

For best results, marinate the wings for at least 2 hours before grilling them. And if you’re expecting guests, you can throw them on the grill right before your guests arrive, and they’ll be ready in no time. These tequila-lime wings are so addictive that you might need to make a double batch!

Ingredients for Tequila-Lime Wings

2-3 pounds of chicken wings, flats and drumettes
Fresh lime juice
Grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed or real grapefruit juice, bottled.
Tequila
Jalapeno (or serrano peppers for spicier wings)
Garlic (substitute with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
Olive oil
Salt and black pepper
Cilantro (fresh coriander leaves, sub with flat-leaf parsley or green onion)

Making Tequila-Lime Wings

Place all citrus juices, oil, garlic, seeded jalapeno, and tequila into a blander or food processor. Blend until smooth—season the marinade with salt and pepper.
Split the mixture in half. Set aside.
Separate the wings into two equal batches, blot them dry with paper towels, and place them into two separate resealable plastic bags.
Use one batch each per marinade for each bag. Pour over wings. Release excess air from the bags, seal and gently, work the marinade into the wings.
Place bags into the refrigerator for 2-4 hours.

Grilling the Wings

Preheat the grill to 375 degrees or medium-high heat. Have a reliable instant-read thermometer close by. Use cherry wood for this recipe.
Place marinated tequila lime wings on the grill, close lid, and cook for 30-35 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 175 degrees.
Once the wings have crisped up nicely, remove them from the grill, arrange on a serving dish, and garnish with cilantro. Serve immediately.
Store leftover tequila lime chicken wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them in a 350-degree oven until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

Note on Tequila

Our readers often ask what type of tequila to use in marinades. Use either a Blanco or Resposado tequila. If you do not want alcohol in this wing recipe, substitute with a non-alcoholic tequila or agave juice. Please note that agave juice will sweeten the marinade.

Air Fryer and Oven Options

This recipe is air fryer adaptable. Just follow the instructions in the recipe card below, but cook the wings in batches according to manufacturer recommendations. You’ll have delicious crispy wings!
Bake wings in the oven at 375 degrees F. Arrange them in a single layer on a wire rack over a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 35-40 minutes (until they reach 175 degrees F). Toward the end of cooking, place wings under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to crisp them up.

More delicious wing recipes!

Tequila-Lime Wings

Grilled tequila-lime wings are a crowd-pleaser! The blend of flavors is superb, and they're perfect for New Year's Eve or Super Bowl.

5 from 2 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer, Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chicken wings

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 30

Marinating Time: 1

Total Time: 1 20

Servings: People

Calories: 422kcal

Author: Derrick Riches

Ingredients

2 1/2 pounds chicken wings separated flats, and drummettes

For marinade:

1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1/4 cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
1/2 cup tequila (or non-alcohol containing tequila or agave juice)
1 large jalapeno seeded and roughly chopped
3 cloves garlic peeled
2 tablespoons olive oil
11/4 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Place all marinade ingredients into a food processor and blend until smooth. Split mixture in half. Set aside.
Separate wings into two equal batches and place them into two resealable plastic bags. Pour half of the marinade mixture into each bag. Release air, seal bags, and work the marinade into the wings. Place bags into the refrigerator for 2-4 hours.
Preheat grill for medium heat. Place wings onto the grill and cook for 30-35 minutes, or until the wings register an internal temperature of 175 degrees. If flare-ups occur, reduce heat to medium, or move wings to a cooler part of the grill and cook indirectly until done. Turn as needed.
Once wings are cooked through, remove from grill, garnish with cilantro (or preferred garnish) and serve.