Dinner

Cumin, Lemon & Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe

Name: Cumin, Lemon & Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 12 chicken wings; 2 garlic cloves, crushed; Zest and juice of 1 lemon; 1 tsp cumin seeds; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp honey; 2 de-seeded plum tomatoes, finely diced; 1 small red pepper, finely diced; 1 small red onion, finely diced; 1 tbsp tomato purée; 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 tbsp chopped parsley; ½ tsp ground coriander; ½ tsp paprika; Salt, to taste; Pinch of dried chili flakes (optional); Olives; Pistachios or almonds; Dates; Pickled chillies; Flatbreads

ByBen Miller November 28, 2025November 28, 2025

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Introduction

These chicken wings with cumin, lemon, and garlic offer a vibrant and zesty flavor perfect for gatherings or a satisfying meal. Marinated to infuse aromatic spices, they roast up crispy and delicious every time.

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds grilled chicken wings stacked in a pile, showing a crispy charred brown and golden color. Next to it, a small bowl filled with a colorful red tomato salsa with green herbs is placed on the same white plate. Another bowl of creamy white sauce topped with green herbs sits beside the salsa. In front, a small bowl of light beige pistachios is arranged on the plate. On the right side, a white plate holds soft pita bread stacked in the back, with a small bowl of green and black olives, and dates arranged neatly beside it. Two clear martini glasses with a silver liquid and ice cubes stand in the background. All items rest on a round table with a wooden top near a blue pool with gentle water reflections, and a blue chair with white bird shapes is seen in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 chicken wings
2 garlic cloves, crushed
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp cumin seeds
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp honey

Instructions

Step 1: Use sharp kitchen scissors to cut each chicken wing at the knuckle into two pieces.
Step 2: In a bowl, mix the crushed garlic, lemon zest and juice, cumin seeds, olive oil, and plenty of salt and pepper.
Step 3: Add the chicken wings to the marinade, toss well to coat, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
Step 4: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or gas mark 6, or prepare a barbecue.
Step 5: Arrange the wings on an oven tray and bake for 45–50 minutes until crisp. If using a barbecue, cook for about 20 minutes.
Step 6: Drizzle the honey over the wings during the last 10 minutes of cooking to add a beautiful glaze.
Step 7: Serve the wings on a platter with plenty of napkins, and consider accompanying with olives, nuts, dates, pickled chillies, and flatbreads for a full spread.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, toast the cumin seeds lightly before mixing them into the marinade.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade.
Serve with a Turkish tomato and pepper dip or feta bites for complementary flavors.
Honey can be replaced with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in an oven at 180°C for 10–15 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the skin crisp.