Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe

Nothing says comfort and zest quite like a batch of crispy, flavorful wings, and this Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe is an absolute showstopper. Perfectly seasoned and tangy with fresh lemon, these wings strike that ideal balance between zest and savory goodness. Whether you’re hosting a game night, looking for a crowd-pleaser, or just craving a delicious snack, these wings deliver crispy skin, vibrant citrus notes, and that peppery kick that makes every bite sing. Trust me, once you try this Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe keeps things simple yet packed with flavor, relying on pantry staples and fresh ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Each ingredient plays its part, from the crisping power of olive oil to the bright zing of lemon zest and juice, ensuring the wings come out irresistible every time.

• 12 chicken wings, tips removed, flats and drumettes separated: The perfect portion size with the ideal mix of meat and skin for crispiness.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and ensures a golden, crispy exterior.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor without overpowering the fresh lemon notes.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked): Adds a sharp, spicy kick that defines the recipe’s character.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A subtle depth that rounds out the citrus and pepper.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Brings a mild sweetness to play with the lemon’s brightness.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional): Introduces a warm smoky undertone if you want to elevate complexity.
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Bursting with fresh citrus oils, it’s the heart of the lemon pepper flavor.
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Balances sharpness with juicy acidity for that signature tang.
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional): Adds a hint of sweetness to mellow the tartness and round out the sauce.
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional): A fresh pop of color and flavor for a beautiful finishing touch.

How to Make Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat is key for achieving crispy skin on your wings without drying them out. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to keep cleanup simple and your wings from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Wings

Patting your chicken wings dry is a crucial step you don’t want to skip. Excess moisture prevents crispiness, so grabbing some paper towels and giving each wing a good dry ensures they bake to a golden, crunchy perfection.

Step 3: Season the Wings

In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. This seasoning mix is the soul of our Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe, so be sure every wing is evenly coated. The olive oil helps the spices cling and creates that gorgeous golden finish.

Step 4: Bake the Wings

Arrange your wings in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure they aren’t crowded. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, flipping once halfway through to crisp up both sides. For extra crunch, pop them under the broiler for the last 2 to 3 minutes. Just keep a close eye to avoid burning, and you’ll have skin so crispy it’s borderline addictive.

Step 5: Prepare the Lemon Pepper Sauce

While your wings are baking, mix together the lemon zest, lemon juice, and honey in a small bowl. The honey is optional but adds a lovely hint of sweetness that balances the acidity. Stir until everything is blended into a tangy, vibrant sauce ready to coat your wings.

Step 6: Toss the Wings in the Sauce

The moment your wings come out perfectly crisp from the oven, toss them right into the lemon pepper sauce. This ensures every bite is bursting with fresh citrus flavor and peppery goodness. Coating them while hot helps the sauce stick exceptionally well for maximum impact.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Finish off your Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe with some freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm, along with extra lemon wedges for anyone who loves an extra tangy bite.

How to Serve Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley isn’t just pretty, it adds a fresh herbaceous note that brightens the dish. You can also add thin lemon slices or a dusting of extra lemon zest for an elegant touch and extra zing right on your plate.

Side Dishes

Lemon Pepper Wings pair beautifully with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, crisp celery sticks with ranch, or even a refreshing cucumber salad. These accompaniments add cool contrast to the zesty, spicy wings, making every mouthful delightfully balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving your wings on a large wooden board garnished with lemon wedges and fresh herbs. You could also line a basket with parchment paper for a casual party vibe that invites everyone to dig in. Small bowls of dipping sauce, like garlic aioli or spicy mayo, alongside these wings make for a perfect flavor party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the lemon pepper sauce separate if possible to prevent the wings from getting soggy, then toss again in the sauce before reheating.

Freezing

Wings freeze beautifully! Cool the wings completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To enjoy later, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and saucing.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat wings in a preheated 375°F oven on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to soften the skin. Toss with fresh lemon pepper sauce right after warming for full flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen wings for this Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and baking to make sure they crisp up nicely.

Is smoked paprika necessary?

Not at all. It adds a lovely smoky undertone, but if you prefer a cleaner citrus pepper flavor, feel free to leave it out.

Can I make these wings gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and tasty choice for gluten-sensitive eaters.

What if I don’t have fresh lemons?

You can substitute with bottled lemon juice, but fresh lemon zest and juice really give the wings their bright, fresh flavor. Consider keeping lemons handy for the best results.

How spicy are these wings?

These wings have a mild to moderate heat level thanks to the freshly cracked black pepper, focusing more on citrus zing than heat. You can always add a pinch of cayenne for extra spice.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly satisfying about crafting crispy, tangy, and aromatic wings that everyone will rave about, and this Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s simple, reliable, and bursting with flavors that feel fresh and comforting all at once. Next time you want a snack or appetizer that hits all the right notes, give this recipe a whirl — I promise it will become one of your favorites, too!

Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 38 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

These Lemon Pepper Wings are crispy, flavorful chicken wings baked to perfection and tossed in a zesty lemon pepper sauce with a hint of honey and fresh lemon zest. Perfect as a savory appetizer or a delicious main course, they combine bold spices with bright citrus notes for an irresistible bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Wings

• 12 chicken wings, tips removed and wings separated into flats and drumettes

Seasoning

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for added flavor)

Lemon Pepper Sauce

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a slight sweetness)

Garnish

• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure easy cleanup and prevent the wings from sticking.
2. Prepare the Chicken Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly using paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is essential for achieving crispy skin during baking.
3. Season the Wings: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, freshly cracked black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika if using. Toss the chicken wings in this seasoning mixture until they are evenly coated.
4. Bake the Wings: Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness. For an extra crispy finish, optionally broil the wings for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.
5. Prepare the Lemon Pepper Sauce: While the wings bake, mix together the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and honey in a small bowl until well combined. The honey adds a slight sweetness that balances the tangy citrus flavors.
6. Toss the Wings in the Sauce: Once the wings are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven immediately. Toss the hot wings in the prepared lemon pepper sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated with the zesty mixture.
7. Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish the coated wings with chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant touch. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side for an added burst of citrus.

Notes

• Patting the wings dry is crucial for crispiness. Avoid skipping this step.
• Smoked paprika is optional but adds a nice smoky depth; feel free to omit or substitute with regular paprika.
• Honey can be adjusted to taste or omitted entirely for a less sweet sauce.
• Flipping the wings halfway through baking ensures even cooking on all sides.
• Broiling at the end is optional but recommended for extra crispy skin – watch carefully to avoid burning.
• This recipe works well with drumettes or flats and can be doubled for larger gatherings.

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