If you’re on the hunt for an irresistibly tangy and crispy snack that makes every bite burst with flavor, this Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe is exactly what you need. Perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these wings are tossed in a vibrant blend of lemon juice, zesty lemon pepper seasoning, and a touch of honey that adds the ideal balance of sweetness. Whether you’re gearing up for game day, hosting a casual get-together, or simply craving a finger-licking treat, this recipe promises a quick, straightforward way to bring some sunshine and spice to your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe calls for a handful of simple ingredients, each chosen to enhance the wings’ natural flavor while adding layers of zest and richness. Every element, from the sharpness of fresh lemon juice to the buttery coating, works together to create that crave-worthy combination of crispy, tangy, and savory goodness.
- 2 pounds chicken wings: The star of the dish—choose fresh wings for the best texture and juiciness.
- 2 tablespoons canola oil: A neutral, high-heat oil perfect for helping the skin crisp up beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the lemon’s acidity.
- 3 ½ teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning, divided: This aromatic blend infuses the wings with bright citrus and peppery heat.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Provides a rich, silky finish that carries all the flavors smoothly.
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice: The fresh juice amplifies the citrus punch and adds a vibrant tang.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of kick without overpowering.
- Chopped green onions: A fresh, colorful garnish that adds mild onion flavor and a pop of green.
- Lemon wedges: Great for squeezing extra lemony brightness when serving.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Wings
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C) and lining a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Pat the chicken wings dry to ensure they crisp up nicely, then trim off the wing tips and separate the drumettes from the flats. Toss the wings in a bowl with canola oil, honey, and 2 teaspoons of lemon pepper seasoning so every piece gets evenly coated with flavor before spreading them out in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Step 2: Bake Until Cooked Through
Place the wings in the oven on two racks: one in the center and the other in the upper third. Bake for 12 to 18 minutes—or just until the wings are cooked through. The high heat helps render the fat and start crisping the skin beautifully.
Step 3: Broil for Extra Crispiness
Next, switch the pan to the upper third rack and broil the wings for 2 to 3 minutes. This step is critical for achieving that crispy, golden-brown finish we all want on our wings. Keep a close eye here so they brown perfectly without burning.
Step 4: Toss in Lemon Butter Sauce
While the wings bake, melt the butter in the microwave. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter with freshly squeezed lemon juice, black pepper, and the remaining 1 ½ teaspoons of lemon pepper seasoning. Toss the cooked wings in this luscious sauce until each wing is glistening and bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Arrange the wings on a serving plate, sprinkle with bright chopped green onions, and add lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze as much citrusy goodness as they like. Serving hot ensures every bite is warm, juicy, and bursting with zingy flavor.
How to Serve Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe
Garnishes
The chopped green onions are a simple but brilliant addition, providing a fresh, mild onion flavor and an appealing splash of green color. Don’t skip those lemon wedges either — squeezing fresh lemon juice over the wings just before eating adds a real brightness that elevates the whole dish.
Side Dishes
Lemon Pepper Wings pair flawlessly with crisp vegetables like celery sticks or a tangy coleslaw to provide some refreshing crunch. For a more substantial meal, creamy mashed potatoes or buttery corn on the cob complement the zesty wings while balancing their bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving these wings in lettuce wraps topped with a bit of shredded carrot and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Or arrange them on a wooden board with small bowls of ranch or blue cheese dressing to create a vibrant party platter that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any wings left after the first feast, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep their flavorful punch for up to three days, making for a quick snack or meal the next day.
Freezing
To freeze leftover wings, let them cool completely then place in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container—properly stored, they’ll maintain great flavor for up to two months.
Reheating
Reheat wings in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to retain their crisp skin and juicy interior. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that signature crispy texture intact, as microwaves tend to make wings soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ground black pepper instead of pre-mixed lemon pepper seasoning?
Absolutely! However, lemon pepper seasoning combines zest and pepper with other spices for a distinct flavor. You can make a quick mix at home by combining freshly ground black pepper with finely grated lemon zest and a pinch of salt for the freshest result.
What’s the best type of chicken wings to use?
Fresh whole chicken wings are best. You’ll want to separate the drumettes and flats, discarding the tips or saving them for stock. Fresh wings tend to crisp up better than frozen because they retain moisture without ice crystals.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes! Add a pinch or two of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes when tossing the wings in the butter lemon sauce, or sprinkle some hot sauce over the wings just before serving to give a nice spicy kick.
Is it okay to bake wings instead of frying them?
Baking is a healthier and simpler alternative to frying, and with this Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe, you get perfectly crispy skin without the mess or excess oil. The high oven temperature and broiling step help achieve that desirable crunch.
How do I prevent the wings from getting soggy?
Patting the wings dry before seasoning and using a high oven temperature for baking and broiling are key. Also, tossing in melted butter right after cooking, rather than before, keeps the skin crispy and the flavor vibrant.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe, it’s bound to become one of your go-to favorites for any occasion. The recipe strikes a perfect balance between tangy zest, subtle sweetness, and crispy texture in a truly delightful way. So, grab some wings and get ready to wow your taste buds and your friends with a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
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Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 wings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy and flavorful Lemon Pepper Wings baked to perfection with a zesty lemon butter sauce and a hint of honey for sweetness. These wings are easy to make, perfect for game day or a tasty appetizer, garnished with fresh green onions and served with lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds chicken wings
Seasoning & Sauce
- 2 tablespoons canola oil (or your preferred high-heat cooking oil)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 3 ½ teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning, divided
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, plus additional lemon wedges for serving
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Garnish
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare wings: Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C) and position racks in the center and upper third. Line a baking sheet with foil. Pat the chicken wings dry, trim off wing tips, and separate drumettes from flats. In a bowl, toss the wings with canola oil, honey, and 2 teaspoons of lemon pepper seasoning until evenly coated.
- Bake the wings: Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-18 minutes until the wings are cooked through and tender.
- Broil for crispiness: Move the baking sheet to the upper third rack and broil the wings for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to ensure they become crispy and browned without burning.
- Prepare lemon butter sauce: While the wings bake, melt the unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Then, in a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, lemon juice, ground black pepper, and the remaining 1 ½ teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning.
- Toss wings in sauce: Add the cooked, crispy wings to the bowl with the lemon butter sauce and toss thoroughly to coat each wing evenly with the flavorful mixture.
- Serve and garnish: Transfer the coated wings to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot with additional lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.
Notes
- For extra crispy wings, ensure they are patted dry before seasoning and baking.
- You can adjust the amount of lemon pepper seasoning according to taste preferences.
- Using canola oil or another high-heat oil helps achieve a crisp texture during baking.
- The honey adds a subtle sweetness that balances the lemon pepper flavor.
- Watch wings carefully during broiling to avoid burning.
- Leftover wings can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven for best crispiness.
