How to Prepare Saffron Grilled Chicken Wings in 3 Ways (Charcoal, Pan, and Oven)

Thursday, May 29, 2025

Grilled chicken wings are one of the delicious international dishes prepared with a variety of flavors and recipes. This tasty dish has many different methods of preparation — you can cook it over charcoal or, like in this recipe, roast the chicken wings and drumettes in the oven.

How to Prepare Saffron Grilled Chicken Wings in 3 Ways (Charcoal, Pan, and Oven)

Saed News Cooking Service Report:
Saffron grilled chicken wings are one of the most popular international dishes, prepared with a variety of flavors and cooking methods. This delicious dish is an excellent choice for gatherings, picnics, daily meals, or parties. In this article, we will teach you how to prepare saffron grilled chicken wings in three ways: traditional (over charcoal), simple (in a pan), and modern (in the oven), so you can make this tasty dish perfectly at home.

Why Saffron Grilled Chicken Wings?

Saffron grilled wings are one of the most favored dishes among Iranians due to their unique flavor, economical price, and ease of preparation. This dish can be served with bread or rice, and by adding various spices and sauces, you can create a taste tailored to your preference. Cooking over charcoal gives the wings a smoky, authentic flavor, but pan and oven methods are equally delicious and practical.

Saffron Grilled Chicken Wings

Ingredients for 4 servings:

  • Chicken wings: 1 kg

  • Onion: 1 medium

  • Fresh lemon: 1

  • Bell pepper: 1

  • Brewed saffron: 1 tsp

  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp

  • Mayonnaise: 1 tbsp

  • Tomato: 1 (grated)

  • Fresh parsley (chopped): 2 tbsp

  • Salt, black pepper, chili powder, and paprika: as needed

Preparation Steps for Saffron Grilled Chicken Wings

Step 1: Preparing and marinating the wings

  • Brew saffron: Grind saffron with a little sugar, place it in a small teapot, and add a few ice cubes to bring out the color.

  • Wash the wings and drain excess water in a colander.

  • Cut the onion into thick slices, squeeze the lemon juice, and slice the bell pepper into rings.

  • In a large bowl, mix the wings with brewed saffron, onion, lemon juice, bell pepper, salt, black pepper, chili powder, and paprika. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours to marinate.

Step 2: Making the basting sauce

  • In a small bowl, combine olive oil, mayonnaise, grated tomato, and chopped parsley.

  • Set aside to use for basting during cooking.

Step 3: Cooking the saffron grilled chicken wings

  • Method 1: Charcoal grilling
    Prepare the charcoal grill until the coals are fully heated.
    Skewer the wings and place them on the grill.
    When the wings are partially cooked, turn them over and brush the basting sauce on them.
    Let the wings cook thoroughly until golden brown.

  • Method 2: Pan frying
    Lightly grease the bottom of a pan with olive oil and heat over medium heat.
    Arrange the marinated wings in the pan and fry on both sides until golden.
    In the last few minutes, brush the wings with the basting sauce and cook for a few more minutes.

  • Method 3: Oven roasting
    Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
    Place the wings in a greased baking dish and roast for 20 minutes.
    After cooking, brush with the basting sauce and turn on the oven’s broiler for 5 minutes to crisp the wings.

Key Tips for Restaurant-Style Saffron Grilled Chicken Wings

  • Saffron: Adjust the amount of saffron based on your taste; more saffron gives stronger flavor and color.

  • Tenderness: Adding olive oil and mayonnaise to the basting sauce keeps the wings tender and juicy.

  • Tasty side dishes: You can separately sauté the marinated onions and bell peppers to serve alongside the wings.

  • Flavor variety: For a spicy kick, add hot sauce or red chili powder.

Serving Saffron Grilled Chicken Wings

Serve this delicious dish with fresh bread, grilled vegetables, or saffron rice. Side dishes such as grilled tomatoes, grilled peppers, and fried potatoes complement the flavors perfectly.

Enjoy your meal!