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If you’re craving that perfect balance of tangy brightness and bold seasoning, this Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe will quickly become your go-to snack or party favorite. Crispy, juicy chicken wings are generously coated with a luscious lemon butter glaze and just the right amount of peppery zing, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s simple to prepare but bursting with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or simply want a satisfying bite, these wings hit every note just right, making them impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the flavors right for the Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe starts with a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays an important role in delivering that irresistible combination of crispy texture, zesty lemon brightness, and peppery warmth.
- 2 pounds chicken wings: The star of the show, providing that perfect juicy, tender bite once cooked.
- 2 tablespoons canola oil: A neutral, high-heat oil ensures crispy skin without overpowering flavors.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Adds a subtle touch of sweetness to balance the tart lemon and peppery notes.
- 3 ½ teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning, divided: The key flavor blend that gives these wings their signature zing and aroma.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates a rich, silky coating that helps the lemon and pepper cling beautifully to the wings.
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice: Delivers fresh citrus brightness that wakes up your taste buds with every bite.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds heat and depth, complementing the lemon pepper seasoning perfectly.
- Chopped green onions, for garnish: A pop of color and mild crisp onion flavor to finish the dish.
- Additional lemon wedges: Optional but recommended for an extra burst of fresh lemon when serving.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Wings
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C) and lining a baking sheet with foil to make cleanup a breeze. Dry your chicken wings well, then separate the drumettes from the flats for even cooking. Toss the wings in a bowl with canola oil, honey, and 2 teaspoons of the lemon pepper seasoning so each piece is nicely coated in that zesty, slightly sweet marinade. Arrange them in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure they crisp up perfectly.
Step 2: Bake and Crisp
Bake the wings in the center and upper thirds of your oven for 12 to 18 minutes until completely cooked through. To achieve that irresistible crisp, move the pan to the upper third rack and switch to broil for 2 to 3 minutes. Keep a close eye because the wings can go from golden and crispy to burnt quickly, and you’ll want that perfect caramelized finish.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Glaze and Toss
While your wings are baking, melt the unsalted butter in the microwave until smooth and pourable. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter with the freshly squeezed lemon juice, remaining lemon pepper seasoning, and ground black pepper. When the wings come out of the oven, immediately toss them in this vibrant glaze. This will give them that signature flavor that makes this Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe so outstanding.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the glazed wings to a serving plate and sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh crunch and inviting presentation. Don’t forget those lemon wedges on the side—they let anyone who wants to kick the citrus flavor up a notch do just that. These wings are best enjoyed hot, straight from the pan.
How to Serve Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe
Garnishes
A garnish can elevate any dish, and with Lemon Pepper Wings, the simple addition of chopped green onions adds a bit of color, a mild sharpness, and a delicious textural contrast. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a dusting of smoked paprika also works beautifully and complements the lemon pepper seasoning.
Side Dishes
Lemon Pepper Wings are versatile and pair well with plenty of classic sides. Crispy celery and carrot sticks with a cooling ranch dip are a traditional favorite and help balance the zesty heat. For something heartier, serve with creamy coleslaw, buttery corn on the cob, or a light mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to echo the bright flavors of the wings.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve these wings piled high in a rustic wooden bowl lined with parchment paper to keep things casual and inviting. For a party, place them on a large platter surrounded by lemon wedges and small bowls of dipping sauces like garlic aioli, blue cheese dressing, or spicy buffalo sauce. You can also skewer the wings with grilled veggies for a playful twist that’s easy to share.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Store cooled wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The lemon pepper flavor holds up remarkably well, making these wings just as delightful the next day for a quick snack or lunch addition.
Freezing
If you want to freeze them, place fully cooled wings in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To bring your wings back to crispy perfection, reheat them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that vibrant crispness. A quick re-toss in a little fresh lemon juice and butter before serving again can help revive the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen wings to make this Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the wings dry before seasoning. This helps ensure a crispier finish when baking and prevents excess moisture from steaming the wings.
How spicy are these wings?
This recipe offers a mild to moderate peppery kick thanks to the lemon pepper seasoning and black pepper, but it’s not overly spicy. You can adjust the black pepper amount or add crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer more heat.
Can I grill these wings instead of baking?
Yes, grilling works wonderfully. Cook them over medium-high heat, turning frequently, and baste with the honey and oil mixture before finishing with the lemon butter glaze to keep them moist and flavorful.
Is honey necessary in the recipe?
Honey adds a subtle sweetness that balances the tangy lemon and spicy pepper. If you prefer, you can substitute with maple syrup or skip it entirely, but it does enhance the overall flavor complexity.
What can I substitute for lemon pepper seasoning?
If you don’t have lemon pepper seasoning, mix equal parts lemon zest and cracked black pepper with a pinch of salt as a quick homemade alternative. This keeps the essential bright and peppery notes intact.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and exciting about a well-made batch of lemon pepper wings, and this Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe captures that magic perfectly. Easy enough for a weeknight treat yet impressive enough for entertaining, these wings bring a burst of sunshine and spice to your table every time. I can’t wait for you to try making them your own and see just how quickly they disappear!
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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
This Lemon Pepper Wings recipe offers a zesty and flavorful twist on classic chicken wings. With a perfect balance of tangy lemon, spicy black pepper, and a hint of sweetness from honey, these wings are baked and broiled to crispy perfection, then tossed in a buttery lemon sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these wings are easy to prepare in under 30 minutes and sure to please any crowd.
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
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare wings: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) with racks positioned in the center and upper third spots. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels, trim off 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 evenly coated.
- Bake the wings: Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for 12 to 18 minutes, or until the wings are cooked through and juices run clear.
- Broil for crispiness: Move the baking sheet to the upper third rack and set the oven to broil. Broil the wings for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully, until the wings turn crispy and golden brown. Be vigilant to prevent burning.
- Prepare lemon pepper sauce and toss wings: While the wings are baking, melt the unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, lemon juice, black pepper, and the remaining 1 ½ teaspoons of lemon pepper seasoning. Once the wings are done, toss them in this lemon pepper butter mixture until fully coated.
- Serve: Transfer the tossed wings to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for extra zest.
Notes
- For crispier wings, ensure they are patted very dry before tossing with oil and seasoning.
- Lemon pepper seasoning can be homemade or store-bought; adjust quantity to taste.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor.
- Watch the wings closely during broiling to prevent burning.
- These wings pair well with ranch or blue cheese dipping sauces.
