Summer Shandy Chicken Wings

Bright and refreshing, these summer shandy chicken wings use a combination of your favorite beer and fresh lemon juice to add a punch of flavor to grilled chicken wings.

If you love beer can chicken and chicken wings, then this recipe is for you! I was inspired by the countless Meyer lemons growing in my backyard to create a fun rendition combining one of my favorite summer drinks (beer and lemonade) with my favorite food (wings).

Combine the flavors of your favorite beer, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and some seasonings to create a killer chicken wing recipe you can share with family and friends.

These are tender, juicy, and perfect for smoking on the grill or tossing into the oven or air fryer (check out this guide on how to grill crispy chicken wings)

Why This Recipe Works:

• The lemon juice is both acidic and tangy. When marinating chicken wings, the acidity helps break them down and denature them, yielding a more tender wing.
• Beer works similarly to lemon juice by tenderizing the meat (thanks to yeast, hops, and acidity) but also allows the wings to take on the flavors and aromas of the beer.
• Smoking and searing the wings is a great way to add flavor and render the chicken wings before getting them nice and crispy when searing at the end.

“School” Supplies:

• Large Container or Plastic Bag
• Juicer
• Small Mixing Bowl
• Paper Towels
• Baking Sheet
• Tongs
• Meat Thermometer

“Class” Notes:

Welcome to my virtual classroom! Use the guided notes below where I often answer commonly asked questions I get from readers and cooks just like you. 

This information is meant to help you have a stronger understanding of this recipe and the process so you can find success all on your own. 

Ready to begin cooking? Simply jump to the recipe card below and begin. 

What Is Summer Shandy:

Summer Shandy is a type of beer cocktail that is typically enjoyed during the warm months of the year. It is a light, refreshing, and citrusy beer that is typically made by combining a light beer such as a wheat beer or a lager with lemonade or lemon juice.

The combination of lemonade and beer creates a sweet and tangy flavor that makes it a great candidate for marinating your chicken wings!

Ingredients:

• Wings
• Wheat or Lager Style Beer
• Lemons (juice and zest)
• Simple Syrup
• Kosher Salt
• Black Pepper
• Smoked Paprika
• Garlic Powder
• Olive Oil
• BBQ Sauce (optional)

Summer Shandy Marinated Chicken:

1. Remove the chicken wings from the packaging and pat them dry. Place them into a container or plastic bag.
2. Pour in a beer (of your choice), lemon juice, lemon zest, simple syrup, and some salt. Seal the container and gently toss the wings in the marinade.
3. Place in the fridge to rest for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
4. When ready to cook, remove the wings from the bag or container and discard the marinade. Place the wings on a paper towel-lined baking sheet and thoroughly pat them dry.

Grilling The Wings:

1. In a bowl, combine the marinated (and dried) wings and the olive oil. Toss to coat everything evenly.
2. Add a dry rub to the wings. Mix in a combination of salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. If you like more caramelization you can add a little brown sugar as well. Evely coat the wings and set them aside.
3. Preheat the grill or smoker to 250 F. Place the chicken wings onto the grill grate and smoke for about an hour or until they hit an internal temperature between 155-165 F.
4. Increase the grill temperature to 425 F. to sear and render the chicken skin and cook the wings. Flip them as needed so they do not burn and cook the chicken until it hits 180-185 F. (wings taste better when cooked to a higher temp).
5. Remove the wings and serve with some extra lemon juice and zest or your favorite BBQ sauce.

More Wing Recipes:

• Butter Chicken Wings
• Bacon Wrapped Wings
• Hot Honey Hawaiian Wings
• Thai Curry Wings
• Baked BBQ Chicken Wings