If you are craving a flavorful yet easy-to-make snack, this Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe is just what you need. Perfectly crispy chicken wings laced with a vibrant lemon pepper seasoning bring a delightful balance of zesty brightness and savory depth. Whether for game day, a family gathering, or a simple weeknight treat, these wings combine simple ingredients to create an irresistibly tangy and peppery bite that will have everyone reaching for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing the texture and flavor of this dish. Thankfully, this recipe relies on a handful of simple but impactful components that each play their own role in making your wings sing with citrusy, buttery goodness.
- 2 pounds chicken wings: The star ingredient; ensure they are fresh or fully thawed for the best bake and crispiness.
- 2 tablespoons canola oil: A high-heat oil that helps wings crisp without overpowering flavors.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the tangy lemon and spicy pepper.
- 3 ½ teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning, divided: This key seasoning blends citrus zest and cracked pepper to deliver that signature zing.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Melts into the wings for richness and helps carry the lemon essence evenly.
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice: Brightens every bite with fresh citrus zing; don’t skip the fresh part!
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Boosts the peppery punch and complements the lemon aroma.
- Chopped green onions: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color as garnish.
- Additional lemon wedges: For serving, allowing guests to add extra tang if they desire.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Bake the Wings
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C) and positioning your racks in the center and upper third slots. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Pat the wings dry with paper towels, then trim the wing tips off and separate the drumettes from the flats for even cooking. Toss the wings in a bowl with canola oil, honey, and 2 teaspoons of that bright lemon pepper seasoning. Lay them out evenly on your baking sheet and bake for 12-18 minutes until fully cooked through, ensuring a juicy interior.
Step 2: Broil for Crispy Perfection
After baking, move your tray to the upper third rack to broil the wings for 2-3 minutes. This step crisps the skin beautifully and gives you that appealing golden-brown color. Be sure to watch the wings carefully as broiling can quickly turn from crisp to burnt.
Step 3: Make the Zesty Lemon Pepper Sauce
While the wings are baking, melt the unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Once the wings come out crispy from the oven, toss them in a large bowl with the melted butter, freshly squeezed lemon juice, ground black pepper, and the remaining lemon pepper seasoning. This sauce not only coats the wings with luscious flavor but elevates every bite to zesty, peppery heaven.
Step 4: Plate and Garnish
Transfer those beautifully coated wings onto a serving plate and sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a subtle freshness and eye-catching color contrast. Serve hot, accompanied by lemon wedges so everyone can add a burst of lemon juice to their taste. This final touch pulls the whole Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe together magnificently.
How to Serve Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped green onions are a classic garnish that add just the right amount of mild onion flavor and a fresh green pop. For an extra layer of aroma and texture, you might also consider sprinkling some finely grated lemon zest on top or even a pinch of toasted sesame seeds for a subtle nutty crunch.
Side Dishes
The tangy, peppery wings pair perfectly with simple sides like crisp celery sticks and carrot batons tossed with ranch or blue cheese dip. Another fantastic choice is a refreshing cucumber salad or a crunchy coleslaw that helps balance the strong flavors and makes the meal feel complete without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual gathering, consider serving your Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe on a large wooden board surrounded by small bowls of dipping sauces and extra lemon wedges. You can also place the wings atop a bed of arugula or mixed greens to add a touch of elegance and freshness. Wrapping wings individually in parchment paper cones makes for a fun, portable snack presentation that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure the wings have cooled to room temperature before sealing to avoid condensation, which can make crispy skin soggy.
Freezing
Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe freezes wonderfully. To freeze, lay the cooked wings on a parchment-lined baking sheet so they don’t stick and pop them into the freezer for a couple of hours. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. Freeze in single layers for easy thawing.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy leftovers, the key is to reheat while preserving crispiness. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C), place wings on a baking sheet, and heat for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep that signature crispy skin intact.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lemon zest instead of lemon pepper seasoning?
Absolutely! Fresh lemon zest combined with freshly cracked black pepper offers a more vibrant and customizable flavor, though using pre-made lemon pepper seasoning saves time and ensures consistent seasoning balance.
What’s the best way to get crispy wings without frying?
Baking at a high temperature followed by a quick broil, like in this recipe, gives you crispy skin without deep frying. Drying the wings well and using a bit of oil helps achieve that desirable crunch in the oven.
Can I make this recipe with boneless wings or chicken tenders?
You can, but cooking times will be shorter, and the texture will be different. Boneless wings or tenders are leaner and may not get as crispy, but tossing them in the lemon pepper sauce provides plenty of flavor.
Is honey necessary in this recipe?
Honey balances the lemon’s acidity and pepper’s heat with a subtle sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor. You can skip it if you prefer, but the wings may taste less rounded.
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients used here are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure your lemon pepper seasoning and any other packaged ingredients are labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in every bite. The bright lemon notes paired with pepper’s kick and buttery richness create a harmony that’s hard to resist. It’s straightforward enough to whip up any day, yet special enough to impress friends and family. Trust me, once you try these wings, they’ll become your go-to recipe for whenever the craving strikes.
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Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Lemon Pepper Wings are crispy baked chicken wings coated in a tangy and flavorful lemon pepper sauce. Perfectly seasoned and broiled for extra crispiness, this easy recipe delivers a zesty kick with honey sweetness and fresh lemon juice, making it a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 2 tablespoons canola oil (or your preferred high-heat cooking oil)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 3 ½ teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning, divided
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Sauce and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, plus additional lemon wedges for serving
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Prep and Bake: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and position racks in the center and upper third sections. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Pat the chicken wings dry, trim off the wing tips, and separate the drumettes from the flats. In a large bowl, toss the wings with canola oil, honey, and 2 teaspoons of lemon pepper seasoning until well coated. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 12-18 minutes until the wings are cooked through.
- Broil for Crispiness: Move the baking sheet to the upper third rack of the oven and broil the wings for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning. This step crisps the skin and gives the wings a beautiful golden brown color.
- Make the Sauce: While the wings are baking, melt the unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Once the wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl and toss them with the melted butter, fresh lemon juice, remaining 1 ½ teaspoons of lemon pepper seasoning, and ground black pepper. This sauce adds a rich, tangy, and peppery flavor that perfectly complements the crispy wings.
- Serve: Arrange the wings on a serving plate, garnish with chopped green onions, and provide lemon wedges on the side for an extra pop of freshness. Serve the wings hot for the best experience.
Notes
- For extra crispy wings, pat them very dry before seasoning.
- Adjust honey amount to your preferred level of sweetness.
- Watch wings closely during broiling to prevent burning as broilers vary in intensity.
- You can substitute canola oil with other high-heat oils such as vegetable or avocado oil.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
