Description
These Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are crispy, juicy chicken wings baked to perfection and tossed in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy honey lemon pepper sauce. Perfect as a flavorful appetizer or main course, these wings combine a delightful blend of citrus and pepper with a hint of honey sweetness for an irresistible dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Wings
- 2 lbs Chicken Wings
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce
- 1/4 cup Honey
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp Lemon Zest
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder (optional)
- 1 tbsp Butter (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step ensures they will crisp up nicely when baked.
- Season the Wings: Toss the wings in olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or on a wire rack placed over the baking sheet for extra crispiness.
- Bake the Wings: Bake the wings in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for about 40 minutes, turning halfway through to cook evenly and achieve a crispy texture.
- Make the Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce: While the wings bake, combine honey, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, and garlic powder in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 3-5 minutes until the honey dissolves and the sauce is heated through.
- Add Butter for Richness (Optional): If desired, stir in 1 tablespoon of butter until melted and fully incorporated. Adjust the seasoning by adding more lemon zest or black pepper as preferred.
- Toss the Wings in Sauce: Once the wings are baked and crispy, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm honey lemon pepper sauce over the wings and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly.
- Serve: Serve the wings immediately while hot and enjoy as a delicious appetizer or meal.
Notes
- Patting the wings dry is crucial for crispy skin.
- Using a wire rack on a baking sheet helps air circulate and crisp the wings evenly.
- Adjust the amount of black pepper depending on your preferred spice level.
- The butter in the sauce is optional but adds a nice richness and sheen to the glaze.
- These wings are best served fresh but can be reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
