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West African Suya Spiced Chicken Wings

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These West African Suya spiced chicken wings deliver bold, smoky, and spicy flavors with a nutty suya spice blend, perfect for grilling and summer BBQs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
  • 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, finely ground (unsalted recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or groundnut oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Optional garnishes: thinly sliced red onions, fresh parsley, extra crushed peanuts

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Suya Spice Mix: In a food processor, pulse the roasted peanuts until finely ground but not oily, about 30 seconds. Transfer to a bowl and mix in smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, black pepper, and salt. This should make about 1/3 cup (45g) of spice blend.
  2. Prep the Chicken Wings: Rinse and pat dry the 2 pounds (900g) of chicken wings. Split wings into flats and drumettes if not already done. Place in a large bowl.
  3. Marinate: Drizzle the wings with 2 tablespoons of vegetable or groundnut oil and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle the suya spice mix over the wings. Toss well to coat evenly—make sure every wing is covered with the spice blend. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
  4. Preheat the Grill: Get your grill hot, aiming for medium-high heat around 375°F (190°C). If using charcoal, let coals burn down to glowing embers.
  5. Grill the Wings: Place wings on the grill in a single layer. Cook for 20–25 minutes, turning every 5 minutes to get even char and cook through. Use tongs to flip gently — you want a nice crust without burning. Wings should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove wings from grill and let rest on a tray for 5 minutes. This helps juices redistribute. Garnish with thinly sliced red onions, chopped parsley, or extra crushed peanuts if you like.

Notes

Watch for flare-ups on the grill when the spice mix drips—move wings to cooler spots as needed. Oil the grill grates lightly before cooking to prevent sticking. Marinate at least 30 minutes for flavor; overnight marinating intensifies taste. Use a meat thermometer to ensure wings reach 165°F (74°C). For oven baking, cook at 425°F (220°C) for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway, then broil briefly to crisp.

Nutrition

Keywords: suya, chicken wings, West African, grilled wings, spicy wings, suya spice, barbecue, summer recipe

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/west-african-suya-spiced-chicken-wings-recipe-easy-perfect-for-grilling/