Description
All you need are a few pantry staples to make these irresistible honey lemon pepper wings. They’re so crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a sticky sweet and tangy sauce. These chicken wings are the perfect game-day appetizer or as an easy finger-licking dinner.
Ingredients
For the Wings:
- 3 pounds of chicken wings (roughly 25–30 wings, cut into flats and drumettes)
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder (not baking soda)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
For the Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce:
- 1/2 cup of honey
- 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
- 2 teaspoons of freshly grated lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce (optional for an umami kick)
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (adjust based on your spice preference)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for a bright and fresh finish)
- Additional lemon wedges (for serving alongside)
Ingredient Notes:
When selecting chicken wings, you can either purchase them already cut or whole wings to cut at home. For an extra crispy finish, consider marinating the wings with the dry spices overnight before baking.
Variations:
Feel free to switch things up! For additional flavor notes, you can add:
- A dash of smoked paprika for a smoky undertone.
- Honey infused with chili or rosemary for a unique twist on sweetness.
- Substituting the lemon juice with lime juice for a different citrusy profile.
Experimenting with different sauces can also enhance the flavor—try adding a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce if you prefer a spicier version!
Instructions
Start by collecting all the necessary ingredients. You will need chicken wings, honey, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and olive oil. Ensure you have everything ready before you begin cooking.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This temperature is ideal for achieving crispy wings. While the oven heats up, proceed with preparing the marinade.
In a large bowl, combine ½ cup of honey, the juice of 2 lemons, and the zest of one lemon. Whisk these together until well blended.
Add 1 tablespoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of salt to the mixture. Mix thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
Place the chicken wings in the bowl with the marinade. Toss them until they are fully coated. This step infuses the wings with flavor.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the wings to marinate for at least 30 minutes. For better flavor, let them marinate for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
Spread the marinated wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are not overcrowded, as this helps them crisp up.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. Flip the wings halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crispiness.
After baking, brush the wings with any remaining marinade. Return them to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
Once done, remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve your Honey Lemon Pepper Wings hot, garnished with lemon slices or fresh herbs if desired.
Enjoy your delectable creation as a mouth-watering appetizer or part of a meal!
Notes
Use Quality Ingredients: Start with fresh chicken wings for the best results. Look for wings with minimal freezer burn or discoloration. When selecting honey, go for a pure, raw variety for a richer flavor. Freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances the taste more than bottled options. Freshly cracked black pepper adds an aromatic kick, so skip pre-ground varieties.
- Prep Time: 10minutes
- Cook Time: 40minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 461kcal
- Sugar: 35g
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 102mg