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
Scale
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.
