Who doesn't love finger food that packs a punch of flavor? These Pesto Chicken Wings are the perfect appetizer for any gathering. Whether you're hosting a game night or a casual backyard barbecue, these wings will be a hit. Let's dive into this easy recipe - all about great taste and simple steps. Grab your ingredients, and let's get grilling!
This recipe is: Low Carb, Keto, Gluten Free and Paleo
Table of Contents
8 Reasons to Love This Recipe
Here are eight reasons why you'll love these pesto chicken wings:
- Surprisingly, pesto loves chicken wings!
- And chicken wings love pesto!
- The balance of freshness against the crispy wings is really nice.
- Perfect for parties, whether game days, gatherings or parties.
- Eat these wings as a snack, appetizer, or main dish!
- Low-carb, and nobody will notice!
- My kids eat these like candy.
- Really easy recipe using pre-prepped pesto.
Are Pesto Chicken Wings Low-Carb?
Yes, pesto chicken wings can be low-carb, depending on the specific ingredients used in the pesto sauce. Traditional pesto sauce is made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, all low in carbohydrates. Chicken wings themselves are naturally low in carbs, consisting primarily of protein and fat.
I have created this recipe with the low carb diet in mind. It has a very low carb content as it offers less than 1 g net carbs per serving.
Also, if you want to know if pesto is low carb or about the Carbs In Chicken Wings, check out these article curated by our expert nutritionist. You will find a clear and detailed breakdown of carb content and health benefits as well!
Pesto Chicken Wings Ingredient List
The following is the list of ingredients you need to make pesto chicken wings:
- 14 chicken wings (drums & flats separated)
- 1 portion pesto sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Note: Since this recipe has minimal ingredients, there's no need of substituting these basic items. Still, if you are looking to replace pesto, you can also experiment with chimichurri sauce.
Additional Ingredients
Want to elevate your pesto chicken wings? Here are some delicious additions to pair with the main ingredients:
- Spices: I love adding a lot of spices to grilled chicken wings. It really makes the skin nice and crispy. Add some granulated garlic, onion powder, and dried mustard powder. Yum.
- Vinegar: Over the years, I have discovered that if you add in about 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar to a bowl and toss the raw chicken wings in it, they taste much better after cooking. I let them sit in the vinegar for about 5 minutes before adding the spices. Alternatively, you can also use lemon juice.
- Cheese: Although the green pesto has parmesan cheese in it, I like to use my Zyliss cheese grater and add extra over the top. I like it so much.
- Heat:I’ve always been a fan of hot wings, but for this pesto chicken wings recipe, if you would like some heat, add about ¼ teaspoons of red pepper flakes directly into the pesto. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes before smothering the wings.
Note: These ingredients are optional and not included in the nutritional information in the recipe card. You can use them to enhance the flavor of this recipe.
Cooking Tools
The following is the list of cooking tools you need to make pesto chicken wings:
How To Make Pesto Chicken Wings: Complete Cooking Guide
Cooking Method
- Grilling
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the tools and ingredients for this recipe.
- Separate the chicken wings into drums and flats.
Cooking Instructions
For the Pesto Sauce
- Make the fresh pesto according to the recipe. Set aside in the refrigerator until the wings have been grilled.
For the Grilled Wings
- Turn on your grill and allow it to preheat.
- After the wings have been separated, liberally apply salt and pepper to both sides of the wings.
- Place the seasoned wings on the grill. Allow to cook for 3 minutes and rotate all the wings.
- Continue cooking for another 3 minutes. Flip and repeat 2 more times or until the wings have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the cooked wings from the grill. Place them on a platter or in a bowl, depending on how you want to serve them.
- If they are on a platter, dip the wings into the pesto sauce.
- If they are in a bowl, add about ⅓ cup of the pesto to the bowl. Toss gently with tongs and serve.
Step 1: Prepare your wings by first trimming them, then adding salt and pepper only. The pesto sauce comes later.
Step 2: Toss the wings on the grill. Cook them for 10-12 minutes or until they temp to 165 degrees. Getting them a little charred adds to the flavor.
Step 3: Once your wings are grilled up, you can load them in a bowl and pour over the pesto or use the pesto as a dipping sauce.
Making The Perfect Pesto Wing Sauce
The perfect pesto wing sauce needs to coat the wing well and not be oily. That's a lot to ask of a pesto.
For this recipe, however, we are going to use fresh basil pesto. It is almost made like the traditional recipe, but we add ricotta cheese. When you process the pesto, the ricotta completely changes its texture. There is an airiness that almost makes it seem as though you're not eating an oily pesto at all. It is truly wonderful.
I stumbled upon how to make this pesto on one of our trips to Italy. We had the most incredible pesto sauce created by a small pasta shop, which I brought back home to France with us. I made wings, dunked it into the sauce and am now sharing this delightful experience with you.
💡 My Pro Tip
I prefer grilling the wings in this recipe for optimal flavor, complementing the basic pesto sauce perfectly. Alternatively, you can bake the wings in the oven by adding 1 teaspoon of baking powder to the raw chicken for crispier skin. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the wings on a lined, rimmed baking sheet, and bake for 20 minutes. Flip the wings and continue baking for another 20 minutes or until crispy and cooked to 165°F (74°C). Whichever method you choose, your wings will turn out delicious!
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
- Let the wings come to room temperature before cooking for quicker and crispier results.
- Preheat your grill or oven before cooking.
- Save time by using a store-bought jar of pesto instead of making your own!
What to Serve with Pesto Chicken Wings?
Pesto chicken wings are versatile and pair well with various sides. You can also make a combo of these most delicious wings and pasta for a complete meal. Or pair these wings with the following:
- Cauliflower Purée: Creamy and low-carb, cauliflower purée complements the savory wings with pesto flavor.
- Roasted Eggplant Appetizer: Roasted eggplant adds a smoky depth that balances the freshness of the pesto wings, making for a satisfying appetizer combination.
- Grilled Asparagus: Lightly charred and seasoned, grilled asparagus adds a crisp contrast to the tender wings, enhancing the overall meal.
- French Haricots Verts: Delicate and tender, French Haricots verts bring a touch of elegance to the plate, offering a refined side dish with flavorful wings.
- Arugula Mushroom Salad: Peppery arugula and earthy mushrooms tossed in a light vinaigrette provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pesto wings, creating a balanced and enjoyable meal.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions
Storage
You can store these wings for up to a week in an airtight container in the fridge.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in the oven or microwave. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C), place the wings on a baking sheet, and heat until warmed through. Alternatively, heat them in a microwave-safe container covered until warmed through.
Freezing
While not ideal for freezing, if necessary, place the wings in a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. Wings can quickly develop freezer burn, so thaw them in the fridge before reheating in the oven.
Ways to Prepare Your Chicken Wings
Here are some great links on how to prepare your chicken wings and to cook them:
Recipe Conclusion
When you make the pesto sauce, it is great for so much more than just these wings. You may add it to fish, chicken, shrimp, scallops, pork, pizza, pasta, lamb and more. Last weekend I cut up some cucumber and red bell pepper to dip into the pesto. Just scooped it up like an excavator. The next day I killed the batch with some local small batch potato chips.
This is the best damn Pesto Chicken Wings Recipe, and it may change your thoughts on chicken wings forever. After you try them, there is no longer a need to go to a bar or restaurant to get overpriced wings. Just make them at home. They will taste better, have better ingredients, and bring a bigger smile to your face than any restaurant can manage. Trust me on this, and give this recipe a try. Please write in the comments any questions or suggestions you may have. You can also find us on Facebook or Instagram.
Love Wings? So Do I. Here Are Some Other Great Chicken Wing Recipes
FAQs
Cook chicken wings in the air fryer for about 25-30 minutes at 380°F (190°C), flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
Pesto is typically salty due to ingredients like Parmesan cheese and salted nuts, balanced with the freshness of herbs and olive oil.
Yes, you can make baked pesto chicken wings instead of grilled.
Perfect Pesto Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 14 chicken wings drums & flats separated
- 1 portion pesto sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the tools and ingredients for this recipe.
- Separate the chicken wings into drums and flats.
Cooking Instructions
For the Pesto Sauce
- Make the fresh pesto according to the recipe. Set aside in the refrigerator until the wings have been grilled.
For the Grilled Wings
- Turn on your grill and allow it to preheat.
- After the wings have been separated, liberally apply salt and pepper to both sides of the wings.
- Place the seasoned wings on the grill. Allow to cook for 3 minutes and rotate all the wings.
- Continue cooking for another 3 minutes. Flip and repeat 2 more times or until the wings have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the cooked wings from the grill. Place them on a platter or in a bowl, depending on how you want to serve them.
- If they are on a platter, dip the wings into the pesto sauce.
- If they are in a bowl, add about ⅓ cup of the pesto to the bowl. Toss gently with tongs and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”
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5 Responses
Thanks for the recipe, in my house these will forever be known as “Eagle Wings” lol, Angela Hicks
Hi Angela:
"Eagle Wings", that's hilarious! Happy to hear that you and your family enjoy these wonderful chicken wings. We simply can't get enough of them.
Have a fantastic day in the kitchen.
Scott
I can’t find the pesto wing sauce recipe. Can you send it to me please. Thank you
I enjoyed the article about the Pesto Wings but do not see the recipe for the Pesto.
It sure would have been helpful if the pesto instructive were included...