Zesty Lemon Pepper Wings with Sweet Honey Recipe

Crisp wings coated in a zesty lemon pepper rub dance with the perfect balance of flavors.

The tangy lemon pepper wings burst with a citrusy punch that awakens every taste bud.

Sweet honey drizzled over these golden-brown delights creates an irresistible glaze that clings to each crispy edge.

Vibrant spices mingle with the bright citrus notes, promising a mouthwatering experience.

Restaurant-quality wings are now within reach of home cooks everywhere.

These wings transform an ordinary meal into a crave-worthy feast that everyone will devour.

Serve them up and watch as friends and family dive into this irresistible culinary creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 495 kcal

Servings: 5

Must-Haves for Lemon Pepper Wings with Honey

• Chicken Wings: Fresh, preferably free-range wings with plump, meaty texture; ensure wings are properly thawed and patted dry for ultimate crispiness.
• Olive Oil: Helps seasoning adhere to wings and promotes even browning; choose extra virgin for richer flavor profile.

• Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Delivers bright, zesty citrus kick with peppery undertones; opt for high-quality blend for robust flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Adds depth and aromatic warmth; select fine-ground powder for smooth distribution.
• Paprika: Contributes subtle smoky sweetness and beautiful reddish hue; Hungarian paprika recommended for superior taste.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor complexity; sea salt or kosher salt preferred for cleaner taste.
• Black Pepper: Provides classic spicy edge; freshly ground offers most vibrant flavor.

• Honey: Introduces delightful sweetness that balances tangy wings; raw or local honey recommended for authentic flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Amplifies citrus notes and adds bright, fresh dimension; use fresh lemon for maximum aromatic impact.
• Fresh Parsley or Chives: Offers fresh garnish with subtle herbal brightness; choose bright green, crisp herbs.

Tools to Prepare Lemon Pepper Wings with Ease

• Baking Sheet: Essential for even cooking and crispy wings.
• Parchment Paper or Foil: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for tossing wings with seasonings.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure spices and oil.
• Zester or Grater: Needed for creating fresh lemon zest.
• Sharp Knife: Used for chopping garnish like parsley or chives.
• Tongs: Great for flipping wings during baking.

Bake Lemon Pepper Wings with Honey Until Golden

• Ignite the Oven

Crank up your oven to a sizzling 425F, creating the perfect roasting environment for wings that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Massage the Wings

Drizzle olive oil over chicken wings and sprinkle a generous handful of lemon pepper seasoning. Rub the mixture thoroughly, ensuring every inch gets coated with zesty goodness.

• Create Crispy

Spread wings on a lined baking sheet, giving each piece breathing room. Slide into the hot oven and let them transform into golden, crunchy delights for 30-35 minutes, flipping midway to guarantee even browning.

• Sweeten the Deal

Pull wings from the oven and drizzle honey across their crispy surface. Zest a fresh lemon over top, creating a tantalizing blend of sweet and citrusy flavors that’ll make mouths water.

• Present and Devour

Scatter some chopped herbs on top for a fresh finish. Serve immediately while wings are steaming hot and irresistibly crisp, ready to be demolished by hungry guests.

Glaze and Flavor Tweaks for Lemon Pepper Wings

• Pat chicken wings completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy results.
• Modify lemon pepper seasoning intensity by adding more or less, allowing personalized heat and flavor preferences.
• Use a wire rack on the baking sheet to elevate wings, enabling air circulation and reducing excess oil for a lighter dish.
• Verify lemon pepper seasoning is gluten-free, and replace standard honey with pure honey to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets.
• Prepare wings in advance and reheat in oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or game day snacks.

Serve Lemon Pepper Wings as a Game Day Snack

• Flavor Explosion Party Platter: Create a stunning appetizer spread with these wings as the centerpiece, surrounded by colorful vegetable sticks, blue cheese dip, and crisp celery for a delightful game day or gathering treat.
• Zesty Meal Companion: Pair these tangy wings with a light mixed green salad, cilantro-lime rice, or creamy coleslaw to balance the bold lemon pepper flavors and create a complete meal that satisfies every taste bud.
• Dipping Delight Station: Set up a mini sauce bar with homemade ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, or cool blue cheese dressing to let guests customize their wing experience and add extra layers of deliciousness to each bite.
• Weekend Brunch Twist: Transform these wings into a brunch centerpiece by serving alongside fluffy scrambled eggs, roasted potatoes, and a fresh mimosa for a unique weekend gathering that breaks traditional breakfast boundaries.

How to Store Lemon Pepper Wings After Serving

• Prepare a double batch of wings and store extra portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals or game day snacks. These wings taste fantastic when reheated in the oven, maintaining their crispy texture.
• Store leftover wings in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days. Always place them in the coldest part of your refrigerator to maintain optimal freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual wing portions in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen wings can stay delicious for up to 2-3 months, making meal prep super convenient for busy families.
• Restore crispy perfection by warming wings in a preheated oven at 375F for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make the wings soggy and compromise their delightful crunch.

FAQs

• What are the key spices used in this recipe?

The key spices include lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. These create a complex, tangy, and savory flavor profile for the chicken wings.

• Do I need special equipment to make these wings?

No special equipment is needed. A standard baking sheet, parchment paper or foil, and a regular home oven are sufficient to prepare these delicious wings.

• Can I make these wings spicier?

Yes, you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix to increase the heat level. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your spice preference.

• How do I know when the wings are fully cooked?

The wings are done when they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C). Flipping them halfway through cooking ensures even browning and doneness.

Tangy Lemon Pepper Wings With Honey Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crispy lemon pepper wings drizzled with honey offer a tangy and sweet culinary adventure from Southern kitchens. Zesty seasoning and golden-brown exterior invite bold flavor seekers to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ½ tbsps lemon pepper seasoning
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh lemon zest, for garnish (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 425F (220C). Thaw wings and thoroughly pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Seasoning: Blend olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Coat wings comprehensively, ensuring each piece is evenly and generously dressed with the spice mixture.
3. Baking: Distribute seasoned wings on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single, spacious layer to promote optimal air circulation and crispy texture. Roast in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, rotating midway to guarantee uniform golden-brown coloration.
4. Finishing: Remove wings once achieving desired crispness. Cascade honey across the wings, creating a glossy sweet-savory glaze. Sprinkle fresh lemon zest to intensify citrus notes and enhance flavor complexity.
5. Serving: Garnish with finely chopped parsley or chives for a vibrant visual and aromatic touch. Plate immediately to preserve temperature and textural perfection, presenting a harmonious blend of zesty, sweet, and crispy elements.

Notes

Maximize Wing Crispiness: Pat wings completely dry before seasoning to prevent soggy texture and ensure golden-brown exterior.

Prevent Overcrowding Strategy: Space wings individually on baking sheet, allowing hot air circulation for uniform cooking and perfect crispness.

Precision Temperature Management: Maintain consistent 425F to guarantee even caramelization without burning delicate wing surfaces.

Dietary Modification Hack: Swap honey with maple syrup or agave for vegan version, or use sugar-free alternatives for low-carb diets.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 495
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg