If you’re looking to bring some bright, zesty joy to your holiday appetizer table, this Christmas Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine crispy, golden chicken wings bursting with bold lemon flavor and a peppery kick, all balanced with just a touch of honey sweetness. These wings aren’t just delicious—they’re festive, fun, and perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holiday season. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something special, these wings deliver a wonderful balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet notes that make every bite unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are the heart and soul of this Christmas Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe. Each plays a crucial role from building the crispy texture to delivering that bright, punchy lemon flavor, making this dish both easy to prepare and packed with personality.
- 12 chicken wings (tips removed, flats and drumettes separated): The perfect base for a crispy and juicy wing experience.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and promotes even crispiness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out the rich flavor in the wings.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked): Adds the signature peppery heat and depth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Contributes subtle warmth and savory notes.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Boosts overall flavor with a mild sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional): For an extra smoky dimension that’s irresistible.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Delivers intense citrus aroma and zestiness.
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Provides bright acidity that balances the richness.
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional): Adds a gentle sweetness for a perfect flavor harmony.
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): A pop of green freshness to complement the lemon.
How to Make Christmas Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat will make cleanup a breeze after these wings work their magic. This heat level is crucial for crisping the skin without drying out the juicy meat inside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Wings
Patting your chicken wings dry is a simple but vital step. Removing excess moisture ensures that your wings crisp up beautifully during baking instead of steaming. Think of it as setting the stage for a perfectly crunchy finish.
Step 3: Season the Wings
In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil and all the spices: salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika if you choose to include it. Every wing should be beautifully coated in this flavorful mix to ensure every bite offers that signature Christmas Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe zing.
Step 4: Bake the Wings
Arrange your seasoned wings in a single layer on the baking sheet so they cook evenly and get that golden crisp. Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping once halfway through. For an extra crispy touch, broil them for the last 2-3 minutes—just be sure to watch them carefully so they don’t burn.
Step 5: Prepare the Lemon Pepper Sauce
While the wings roast, stir together the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and honey in a small bowl. This simple sauce is where all the citrus magic happens, giving the wings a bright, lively coating that truly elevates the dish.
Step 6: Toss the Wings in the Sauce
Once the wings are out of the oven and irresistibly crispy, immediately toss them in the lemon pepper sauce. This way, each wing becomes enveloped in that tangy, peppery, slightly sweet glaze that is the heart of the Christmas Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe flavor experience.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the wings for a fresh splash of color. Serve these luscious wings hot, alongside some extra lemon wedges to let everyone add an extra citrus kick if they want. Your guests will be asking for the recipe in no time!
How to Serve Christmas Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic garnish here, offering a bright green contrast and a fresh herbal note that pairs perfectly with the lemon. A few lemon wedges on the side encourage those who love extra zing to squeeze some juice over their wings, keeping the flavors fresh and exciting.
Side Dishes
These lemon pepper wings are fantastic alongside crunchy vegetable sticks like celery or carrots, creamy ranch or blue cheese dip, and even a fresh green salad. For a heartier meal, mashed potatoes or garlic roasted vegetables complement the citrusy bite beautifully, making your holiday meal complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to get creative? Serve these wings on a festive platter lined with seasonal greens like kale or rosemary sprigs for a holiday touch. You can also skewer a couple of wings with lemon wedges and parsley for fun finger food at parties. Presentation is all about sharing the joy and sparkle that this Christmas Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe brings to the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover wings are a treat that keeps on giving! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re cooled completely before sealing to maintain their texture and freshness.
Freezing
If you want to save some wings for later, freezing is a fantastic option. Place the cooked wings on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to freezer bags. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and thaw quickly when you’re ready for a delicious snack or meal.
Reheating
Reheat wings in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to revive that crispy exterior. Avoid microwaving if possible, since it can make the wings soggy and dull the vibrant flavors of the lemon pepper sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and baking. This will help achieve the best crispy texture for your Christmas Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe.
Is smoked paprika necessary?
Smoked paprika is optional, but it adds a lovely smoky depth that complements the lemon and pepper nicely. If you don’t have it, you can leave it out and still enjoy a fantastic flavor.
Can I make these wings spicy?
Definitely! Adding some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix will bring a nice heat that balances perfectly with the lemon’s brightness.
How can I make the wings extra crispy?
Patting the wings dry, baking at a high temperature, flipping halfway through, and broiling at the end are key to getting that irresistible crunch. You can also use a wire rack over a baking sheet to let the heat circulate evenly.
Is the honey necessary in the lemon pepper sauce?
Honey is optional but highly recommended. It adds a subtle sweetness that balances the acidity of the lemon and the heat from the pepper, making the flavor well-rounded and festive.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe is one of those dishes that brings people together with its bright flavors, crispy texture, and irresistible aroma. It’s simple enough to make on a busy holiday day but special enough to impress any crowd. I can’t wait for you to try it and hear how these wings become your new go-to festive favorite!
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Christmas Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (approximately 3 wings per person)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Christmas Lemon Pepper Wings are a festive twist on a classic favorite, perfectly crispy baked chicken wings coated in a zesty lemon pepper sauce with a hint of garlic and smoked paprika. Ideal for holiday gatherings or a flavorful snack, they combine bright citrus flavors with savory seasoning and optional honey for a subtle sweetness.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 12 chicken wings, tips removed and wings separated into flats and drumettes
- 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 for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Chicken Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help them crisp up during cooking.
- Season the Wings: In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Make sure all the wings are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Bake the Wings: Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden and crispy. (Optional: For extra crispiness, you can broil the wings for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Watch closely to avoid burning.)
- Prepare the Lemon Pepper Sauce: While the wings are baking, in a small bowl, mix the lemon zest, lemon juice, and honey (if using). Stir well until combined.
- Toss the Wings in the Sauce: Once the wings are cooked, remove them from the oven and immediately toss them in the lemon pepper sauce. Make sure each wing is fully coated in the zesty sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color, if desired. Serve the wings hot with extra lemon wedges on the side for a burst of citrus if preferred.
Notes
- For extra crispy wings, pat them very dry before seasoning and consider broiling for the final 2-3 minutes.
- Adjust the amount of honey in the sauce to your preferred sweetness level or omit for a tangier flavor.
- Smoked paprika is optional but adds a lovely depth and smokiness to the wings.
- Serve with lemon wedges for additional fresh citrus flavor.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright flavor.
