Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe
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If you are looking for a zesty and irresistibly crispy treat to wow your family and friends, this Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe is an absolute must-try. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these wings bring together the perfect balance of tangy lemon, bold pepper, and just a touch of honey sweetness. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a casual dinner, or simply craving an all-time favorite snack, these wings deliver flavor and satisfaction with every bite. Get ready to impress your taste buds with a simple but sensational citrus-kissed delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe is all about having just the right ingredients on hand. Each component plays a key role: the chicken wings provide that juicy base, while the seasonings and lemon juice elevate the flavor profile to something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 pounds chicken wings: Fresh or thawed, wings are the star of the show offering tender meat and crispy skin when cooked right.
- 2 tablespoons canola oil: Essential for helping the wings crisp up beautifully in the oven without smoking.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the tang and pepper perfectly.
- 3 ½ teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning, divided: This blend of citrus zest and cracked black pepper creates the core flavor of the recipe.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Makes the sauce rich and coats the wings for a luscious finish.
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, plus extra wedges: Fresh lemon juice delivers that punch of brightness and zing that’s truly unforgettable.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a little heat and complexity to the sauce.
- Chopped green onions, for garnish: A fresh, mild crunch that adds contrast and a pop of color.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Bake
Start by preheating your oven to a high heat of 450°F (232°C) with two racks positioned centrally and near the top. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Pat your wings dry, which is key for getting that crisp golden skin, then trim off the wing tips and separate drumettes from flats. Toss the wings in a bowl with canola oil, honey, and two teaspoons of lemon pepper seasoning to coat every piece. Spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet for even cooking. Bake for 12 to 18 minutes until they are cooked through and starting to brown.
Step 2: Broil for Crispiness
Once the wings are baked, move the tray to the top rack and broil them for 2 to 3 minutes. This brief high heat step crisps up the skin beautifully and imparts that irresistible caramelized edge, but be sure to watch closely to prevent burning. The result is wings with a wonderful texture contrast that’s hard to resist.
Step 3: Make the Sauce and Toss
While the wings are baking, melt the butter gently in a microwave-safe bowl. In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, freshly squeezed lemon juice, ground black pepper, and the remaining 1 ½ teaspoons of lemon pepper seasoning. Once the wings are out of the oven, toss them right away in this tangy, buttery sauce until every wing is luxuriously coated.
Step 4: Serve it Up
Transfer those glorious wings to a serving platter and sprinkle chopped green onions generously on top. The fresh green onions add a subtle crunch and a burst of color that brightens every bite. Don’t forget the lemon wedges for an extra squeeze of citrus when serving!
How to Serve Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe
Garnishes
While chopped green onions are the classic choice here, you can also try sprinkling some finely chopped fresh parsley for a herbal lift or a pinch of flaky sea salt to enhance the flavors even more. A light drizzle of extra lemon juice right before serving can elevate the tanginess if you love that citrus punch.
Side Dishes
Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe pairs wonderfully with crispy fries or a crunchy slaw to add freshness and balance. Celery sticks with ranch or blue cheese dip make fantastic accompaniments that provide a cooling contrast to the zesty heat and crispy texture of the wings.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve the wings on a rustic wooden board surrounded by lemon wedges and small bowls of different dipping sauces like creamy garlic aioli or spicy Sriracha mayo. You can also stack them pyramid-style on a large platter for a dramatic centerpiece during parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. They will stay fresh for up to three days and retain much of their crispness when reheated properly.
Freezing
To keep your wings longer, freeze them before tossing in the sauce by laying them out on a tray and flash freezing until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen wings maintain good texture for up to three months and can be sauced right after reheating.
Reheating
For the best results when reheating, place the wings on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven until heated through and crispy again, around 10 minutes. You can toss them in fresh sauce afterward to revive that lemony, buttery flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen wings for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the wings completely, pat them dry, and trim as instructed before seasoning and baking. This helps ensure they crisp up nicely rather than steam.
What if I don’t have lemon pepper seasoning?
You can easily make your own by combining lemon zest or lemon powder with cracked black pepper and a bit of salt. This homemade mix will give you the fresh flavor you want without the need for packaged seasoning.
Is honey mandatory in the Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe?
Honey isn’t absolutely mandatory, but it adds a lovely subtle sweetness and helps with caramelization. If you prefer, you can substitute with maple syrup or leave it out for a more tart, tang-forward wing.
Can I make these wings on a grill instead of baking?
Yes, grilling is a fantastic option! Cook the seasoned wings over medium heat, turning frequently to avoid flare-ups, until cooked through and crispy. Then toss in the lemon butter sauce as usual.
How spicy are these wings?
These wings have a mild to moderate heat level thanks to the lemon pepper seasoning and black pepper. If you want a spicier kick, you can add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly comforting and satisfying about a well-made batch of wings, and the Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe nails it with fresh citrus zing, bold pepper notes, and crispy, juicy goodness. I can’t encourage you enough to give this recipe a try—you’ll find it quickly becomes a go-to favorite for gatherings, casual dinners, or whenever you need a flavorful pick-me-up. Happy wing making and even happier eating!
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Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Lemon Pepper Wings are a perfect balance of zesty lemon and bold pepper flavors, baked to crispy perfection and tossed in a buttery, tangy sauce. Quick to prepare and sure to be a crowd-pleaser, they make a fantastic appetizer or snack for any occasion.
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
Sauce and Garnish
- 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
- Prep and Bake: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and position the racks in the center and upper third slots. Line a baking sheet with foil. 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 ensuring they are well coated. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-18 minutes until the wings are cooked through.
- Broil: After baking, move the baking sheet to the upper third rack of the oven. Broil the wings for 2-3 minutes or until they become crispy and nicely browned. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Make Sauce: While the wings are baking, melt the unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with freshly squeezed lemon juice, the remaining 1 ½ teaspoons of lemon pepper seasoning, and ground black pepper. Toss the hot, cooked wings in this mixture until they are thoroughly coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the sauced wings onto a serving plate. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot alongside fresh lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrusy brightness.
Notes
- For best results, pat wings very dry before seasoning to ensure crispiness.
- Adjust lemon pepper seasoning to taste if you prefer it more or less spicy.
- If you don’t have lemon pepper seasoning, you can make your own by mixing lemon zest with cracked black pepper and salt.
- Serve immediately after tossing in sauce to enjoy maximum crispness.
- Leftover wings can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
