Chicken Wings with Cumin, Lemon & Garlic Recipe
Introduction
These chicken wings are bursting with the warm flavors of cumin, fresh lemon, and garlic. Perfectly marinated and baked until crisp, they make an irresistible snack or appetizer for any gathering.

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: Using sharp kitchen scissors, 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 seasoning.
- Step 3: Add the chicken wings to the marinade, tossing well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor.
- Step 4: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/gas mark 6, or prepare an outdoor 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, whether in the oven or on the barbecue.
- Step 7: Serve the wings on a platter with plenty of paper napkins and enjoy with your favorite sides or dips.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, toast the cumin seeds lightly before adding them to the marinade.
- Try serving with a Turkish tomato and pepper dip to add freshness and spice to the dish.
- Marinating overnight allows the flavors to deepen, making the wings even more delicious.
Storage
Store any leftover chicken wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (160°C fan) for 10-15 minutes to keep the skin crisp. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken drumettes instead of wings?
Yes, chicken drumettes work well with this recipe and can be used as a substitute with similar cooking times.
How do I make sure the wings come out crispy?
Pat the wings dry before marinating, use a hot oven or barbecue, and avoid overcrowding the tray to ensure even crispiness.
Print
Chicken Wings with Cumin, Lemon & Garlic Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to overnight (including marinating)
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Deliciously spiced chicken wings marinated in garlic, lemon, and cumin, then oven-baked to crispy perfection and finished with a touch of honey. Perfect as a flavorful appetizer or a crowd-pleasing main dish served with complementary Mediterranean-inspired sides.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 12 chicken wings
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
Tip: Turkish Tomato & Pepper Dip
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare the wings: Using sharp kitchen scissors, cut each chicken wing at the knuckle into two pieces. This helps them cook evenly and get crispier.
- Make the marinade: In a bowl, combine crushed garlic, lemon zest and juice, cumin seeds, olive oil, and plenty of seasoning. Mix well to infuse the flavors.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the wing pieces to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible, to develop flavor.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 200°C (180°C fan oven) or gas mark 6, ensuring it’s hot enough to crisp the wings.
- Bake the wings: Place the marinated chicken wings on an oven tray and bake for 45-50 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Add honey glaze: Drizzle the honey over the wings during the final 10 minutes of baking to create a deliciously sticky and sweet finish.
- Serve: Arrange the wings on a platter with plenty of paper napkins. Accompany with small bowls of olives, pistachios or almonds, dates, pickled chillies, and flatbreads for a complete Mediterranean-style feast.
Notes
- For maximum flavor, marinate the wings overnight.
- You can cook the wings on an outdoor barbecue instead: grill for 20 minutes, adding honey in the last 10 minutes.
- Serve alongside Turkish tomato & pepper dip or other Mediterranean sides for an authentic experience.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright, citrusy flavor.
- Adjust the amount of honey according to your preferred level of sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: chicken wings, cumin, lemon, garlic, baked chicken wings, Mediterranean chicken, honey glazed wings, easy appetizers

