Zesty Honey Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe: Sweet-Tangy Joy

Sizzling from the oven, these honey lemon pepper wings burst with tantalizing flavor that dances across your taste buds.

Crispy golden edges promise a delightful crunch with every bite.

The zesty combination of sweet honey and sharp lemon pepper creates an irresistible coating that makes these wings stand out from ordinary chicken recipes.

Tender meat underneath the perfectly seasoned skin guarantees a mouthwatering experience.

Each wing delivers a balanced blend of citrusy brightness and rich, caramelized sweetness.

Restaurant-quality wings are now possible right in your own kitchen.

Get ready to become the wing master and impress everyone at your next gathering.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35-40 minutes

Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Honey Lemon Pepper Wings Ingredient Guide

• Potato Starch: Magical powder that creates an ultra-crispy exterior and helps wings get golden brown.
• Baking Powder: Secret weapon for achieving extra crunchy skin by breaking down proteins.
• Garlic Powder: Adds deep savory flavor without raw garlic intensity.
• Onion Powder: Provides subtle, sweet umami undertones.
• Paprika: Contributes warm color and mild smoky essence.
• Cooking Spray: Ensures even browning and prevents sticking.

• Chicken Wings: Choose fresh, plump wings with consistent size for even cooking.

• Honey, Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy-sweet combination that balances wing's richness.
• Lemon Zest: Intense citrus oils that elevate overall brightness.
• Minced Garlic: Brings robust, aromatic punch to sauce.
• Butter: Creates silky, luxurious sauce texture.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning agents for balanced taste profile.

What You’ll Need to Prep and Cook Pepper Wings

• Baking Sheet: Lined with parchment paper for crispy wings.
• Large Bowl: For coating wings with dry ingredients and tossing with sauce.
• Small Saucepan: To prepare the honey lemon pepper sauce.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Zester or Grater: To extract lemon zest.
• Tongs: For flipping wings in the oven.
• Cooking Spray: To lightly oil the baking sheet and wing surfaces.
• Paper Towels: To pat chicken wings dry before seasoning.

How to Cook Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

• Wing Preparation

Crisp and flavorful wings start with proper drying and seasoning. Pat chicken wings completely dry to ensure maximum crispiness.

• Coating Magic

Blend potato starch and spices to create a magical crisp exterior that will make these wings irresistible.

• Baking Technique

Arrange wings on a lined baking sheet, giving each piece space to transform into a golden, crunchy delight. Precise oven temperature ensures perfect texture.

• Sauce Creation

Craft a luxurious honey lemon pepper sauce that balances sweet, tangy, and spicy notes. Gently simmer ingredients to develop rich, complex flavors.

• Flavor Fusion

Toss freshly baked wings in the vibrant sauce, ensuring every inch is generously coated. The result is a mouthwatering combination of crispy exterior and zesty sauce.

• Serving Moment

Present these wings hot, with extra sauce on the side for those who crave an additional flavor punch. Perfect for gatherings, game nights, or indulgent solo dining.

Lemon Pepper Wing Tips for Bold Flavor

• Pat chicken wings extremely dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy results.
• Adjust black pepper quantity to create mild, medium, or extra spicy wing flavor based on personal heat preference.
• Swap potato starch with cornstarch or arrowroot powder for similar crispy texture if ingredient is unavailable.
• Replace oven baking with outdoor grill method, cooking wings over medium-high heat and brushing sauce during final minutes for smoky flavor.
• Enhance honey lemon pepper sauce with optional additions like red pepper flakes, chopped fresh herbs, or a splash of hot sauce for complexity.

Serving Wings That Wow the Crowd

• Crowd-Pleasing Party Platter: Arrange these zesty wings on a large wooden board with fresh lemon wedges, sprinkle some chopped parsley, and add colorful pickled vegetables for a stunning presentation that will wow your guests.
• Refreshing Sidekick Pairings: Complement the tangy wings with cool cucumber ranch dip, crisp coleslaw, or a light green salad to balance the rich, sweet-and-spicy flavor profile of the dish.
• Game Day Touchdown Spread: Create an epic appetizer lineup by serving these wings alongside blue cheese dressing, celery sticks, carrot batons, and maybe some crispy potato wedges for a complete sports-watching feast.
• Quick Meal Transformation: Turn leftover wings into a delicious salad topper or stuff them into warm pita bread with fresh greens for a quick and tasty next-day lunch option.

Store Your Honey Pepper Wings Properly

• Wing Portion Control: Typically, plan 4-6 wings per person as a main appetizer or light meal. Perfect for game day gatherings or casual weekend dinners with friends.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover wings in an airtight container for maximum 3-4 days. Always place in the coldest section of the refrigerator to maintain crispy texture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Freeze uncoated wings before cooking for up to 3 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before preparing.
• Sauce Separation Trick: Keep sauce and wings separate until serving time to prevent soggy texture. Store sauce and wings in different containers, reheating wings in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness before adding fresh sauce.

Crispy Honey Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crispy honey lemon pepper wings deliver a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors from Southern kitchen traditions. Marinated chicken emerges golden and zesty, promising a delightful meal for gathering friends and family at the table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) chicken wings
• 3 tbsps (45 g) potato starch
• 1 tbsp (15 g) baking powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp paprika
• oil spray
• ½ cup (170 g) honey
• zest of 1 lemon
• ¼ cup (60 ml) lemon juice
• 1 tbsp (15 g) minced garlic
• 1 tbsp (15 g) butter
• 1–2 tsps ground pepper
• 1 pinch salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Thoroughly blot chicken wings dry with paper towels to eliminate moisture, guaranteeing a supremely crisp exterior.
2. Coating: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly coat wings with potato starch, baking powder, and selected spices, massaging each wing to create an even, light dusting that will transform into a delectable crust.
3. Setup and Initial Baking: Arrange wings on a parchment-lined baking sheet sprayed with culinary oil, positioning them in a single, uncrowded layer. Preheat oven to 425°F and place wings inside, allowing them to roast for approximately 35-40 minutes while periodically flipping to ensure uniform golden-brown crispness.
4. Sauce Creation: While wings roast, combine honey, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, melted butter, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a saucepan. Simmer the mixture over medium heat, stirring consistently until the sauce thickens and develops a glossy, cohesive texture.
5. Finishing and Serving: Once wings emerge from the oven with a stunning bronze exterior, transfer them to a large mixing bowl and generously drizzle the warm, aromatic sauce over the top. Gently toss to ensure each wing is completely coated, then immediately plate and serve with additional sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

• Blot for Crispiness: Remove excess moisture from chicken wings using paper towels to guarantee a perfectly crisp exterior.
• Strategic Coating: Use potato starch and baking powder for an even, light dusting that creates an irresistibly crunchy texture.
• Space Matters: Arrange wings in a single, uncrowded layer to promote even browning and prevent steaming.
• Sauce Timing: Prepare sauce while wings bake to ensure maximum flavor infusion and optimal temperature when coating.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg