Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings with Lemon Butter Glaze Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances zesty freshness with crispy, mouthwatering goodness, you have to try the Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings with Lemon Butter Glaze Recipe. These wings are a delightful dance of bold lemon zest and sharp cracked black pepper, finished off with a silky lemon butter glaze that elevates every bite. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just want a tasty treat to devour at home, this recipe delivers a juicy, crispy, and tangy experience that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because of its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the crispy texture, vibrant flavors, and the irresistible aroma that make these wings unforgettable.

• 3 pounds chicken wings: Choose a mix of drumettes and flat wing pieces for the best texture and presentation.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the seasonings adhere and promotes crispiness when baking.
• 2 teaspoons granulated onion: Adds subtle savory depth to the dry rub.
• 2 teaspoons granulated garlic: Brings out that classic, aromatic kick in every bite.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly-cracked black pepper: The star of the seasoning, delivering that sharp, peppery punch.
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the natural chicken taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and beautiful color.
• 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon zest: Infuses fresh citrus brightness directly into the wings.
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Helps create that irresistible crispy crust during baking.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: Vital for making the skin crisp up perfectly without frying.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: The rich base for the luscious lemon butter glaze.
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice: Adds tangy acidity to balance the buttery glaze perfectly.
• Chopped parsley: Adds color and fresh herbal notes as a finishing touch.
• Lemon wedges: Perfect for squeezing extra brightness over the wings at serving time.

How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings with Lemon Butter Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Wings

Start by gathering and prepping all your ingredients, so everything is ready to go. Then, mix the granulated onion, granulated garlic, freshly cracked black pepper, salt, and paprika in a small bowl. This homemade lemon pepper seasoning is the foundation of the dish, giving the wings that signature bold and zesty flavor.

Step 2: Coat and Marinate

Pat your chicken wings dry to help achieve crispiness, then drizzle with olive oil so the seasoning sticks. Sprinkle the lemon pepper seasoning and lemon zest evenly over the wings, tossing gently for full coverage. Let them chill in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes—this marinating period lets the flavors penetrate beautifully.

Step 3: Prep for Baking

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with foil, placing a wire rack on top—this setup lets the wings bake evenly and crisp up perfectly. In a small bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. These ingredients will help create an irresistible crunchy crust without deep frying.

Step 4: Coat Wings and Bake

After marinating, gently toss the wings in the flour and baking powder mixture, coating them evenly. Arrange the wings on the wire rack, spacing them out so air can circulate. Bake on the lower third rack for about 40 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. For an extra charred look and taste, you can broil them for a minute or two at the end, but watch closely so they don’t burn.

Step 5: Make and Toss in Lemon Butter Glaze

While the wings bake, melt unsalted butter in short bursts in the microwave, then whisk in the fresh lemon juice to create your lemon butter glaze. Once the wings are out of the oven and have rested for a minute, toss them gently in the glaze with tongs to coat every crispy piece with that luscious, citrusy finish.

Step 6: Final Garnishes and Serve

Transfer the coated wings to a serving platter, sprinkle a bit more freshly cracked black pepper and chopped parsley on top, and add lemon wedges on the side for anyone who loves an extra pop of lemon flavor. The wings are now ready to steal the spotlight on your table!

How to Serve Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings with Lemon Butter Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley gives a beautiful pop of green and a mild herbaceous note that contrasts nicely with the tangy lemon and spicy pepper. A sprinkle of extra cracked black pepper adds visual appeal and kicks up the pepper flavor even more. Lemon wedges are an absolute must for guests who want to squeeze a little extra citrus zing.

Side Dishes

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings with Lemon Butter Glaze Recipe shine with simple, fresh sides that complement but never overpower. Think crisp celery sticks and carrot sticks with ranch or blue cheese dip, or a refreshing cucumber salad to cut through the richness. For a heartier meal, pair with roasted potatoes or a light coleslaw to keep things balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve these wings on a rustic wooden board or a sleek white platter sprinkled with parsley for a classy touch. Layer lemon slices underneath the wings for a visually stunning presentation and extra bursts of aroma. For fun party vibes, offer small bowls of additional lemon butter glaze and various hot sauces so everyone can customize their experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure they’re cooled completely before sealing so condensation doesn’t soften the crispy skin. This recipe holds up well for next-day enjoyment, especially when reheated properly.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked lemon pepper wings by placing them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to two months. When thawed, they retain their flavor beautifully, making this a handy option for meal prep or unexpected guests.

Reheating

The best way to reheat these wings and keep them crispy is in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if crispiness is your goal, as it tends to make the skin rubbery. Reheating in the oven refreshes the wings as if they were freshly baked, with that irresistible lemon butter glaze still vibrant.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them fully and pat dry before seasoning. Removing excess moisture is key to achieving that crispy skin everyone loves in the Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings with Lemon Butter Glaze Recipe.

Is baking the only cooking method for these wings?

While this recipe is designed for baking to keep things healthier and easy, you could also deep fry or air fry the wings. Just keep in mind that cooking times and crispiness levels may vary with each method.

Can I adjust the spiciness of the wings?

Definitely! If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the dry seasoning. For milder wings, simply reduce the black pepper or omit any spicy additions.

What can I use instead of baking powder?

Baking powder helps crisp the skin by producing air pockets when baked. If you don’t have it, cornstarch is a decent substitute that also promotes crispiness. Just keep in mind the texture might be slightly different compared to baking powder.

How do I make the lemon butter glaze thicker?

If you’d like a thicker glaze, melt the butter slowly and let it simmer briefly before adding lemon juice. Alternatively, you can whisk in a small pinch of powdered sugar or a tiny bit of cornstarch dissolved in water to gently thicken it up.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings with Lemon Butter Glaze Recipe that makes it a keeper in any kitchen. The crispy, zesty flavor combo paired with the silky lemon butter glaze creates a dish that’s satisfying, elegant, and downright addictive. Next time you want to wow your friends or simply enjoy a delicious snack, give this recipe a try—you’ll be reaching for these wings again and again!

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings with Lemon Butter Glaze Recipe

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4.3 from 62 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

These Lemon Pepper Wings are a crispy, flavorful appetizer or snack featuring chicken wings tossed in a zesty lemon pepper seasoning, baked to golden perfection, and finished with a buttery lemon glaze. Perfect for gatherings or casual meals, they deliver a bright citrus punch balanced with savory spices and crisp skin achieved through baking on a wire rack.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Wings

• 3 pounds chicken wings (drumettes and flat wing pieces, or only drumettes)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasonings

• 2 teaspoons granulated onion
• 2 teaspoons granulated garlic
• 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly-cracked black pepper, plus extra to garnish
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon zest

Coating

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder (not baking soda)

Lemon Butter Sauce

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice

Garnish & Accompaniment

• Chopped parsley, as garnish
• Lemon wedges, as accompaniment

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Instructions

1. Prep Ingredients: Gather and prepare all ingredients as listed, organizing them for an efficient cooking process.
2. Make Lemon Pepper Seasoning: In a small dish or ramekin, combine granulated onion, granulated garlic, cracked black pepper, salt, and paprika using a fork. Set the seasoning aside.
3. Coat Wings with Seasoning: Pat the chicken wings very dry with paper towels. Drizzle olive oil over the wings, sprinkle the lemon pepper seasoning and lemon zest evenly, then gently toss to coat thoroughly.
4. Marinate: Place the seasoned wings in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
5. Prepare Oven and Rack: Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with foil, place a wire rack over it, and lightly mist the rack with cooking spray for non-stick baking.
6. Mix Coating Powder: In a small ramekin, mix together the all-purpose flour and baking powder.
7. Apply Flour Coating: After marinating, sprinkle the flour and baking powder mixture over the wings and gently toss them until evenly coated. Arrange the wings spaced out on the wire rack to promote crisping and air circulation.
8. Bake Wings: Bake the wings on the lower third rack of the oven for about 40 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes to enhance color and skin char.
9. Rest Wings: Remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for a minute while preparing the glaze.
10. Prepare Lemon Butter Sauce: Melt unsalted butter in a small dish in 15 to 30-second intervals, then stir in lemon juice to combine.
11. Toss Wings in Glaze: Pour the lemon butter sauce into a large bowl, add the wings, and gently toss with tongs until evenly coated.
12. Serve: Transfer the lemon pepper wings to a serving platter, sprinkle with extra freshly-cracked black pepper and salt if needed, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

• Ensure wings are patted very dry before seasoning to achieve maximum crispiness.
• Using a wire rack during baking helps air circulate for a crisp skin without frying.
• Baking powder (aluminum-free if preferred) helps the skin crisp up; do not substitute with baking soda.
• Adjust black pepper and lemon zest amounts to taste if you prefer a stronger or milder lemon pepper flavor.
• Broiling is optional but enhances the skin crispiness and color.
• Serve immediately for best texture; leftovers can be reheated in the oven to restore crispiness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American