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
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
