If you’re a fan of crispy, flavorful, and finger-licking-good chicken wings, then these honey lemon pepper chicken wings are going to be your new go-to recipe. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a dish that’s sweet, tangy, and packed with bold lemon pepper flavor. These wings are perfectly crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and coated in a sticky honey lemon glaze that will have you reaching for seconds—and thirds!
Why You’ll Love These Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
- Crispy and Juicy: The baking powder and potato starch combo ensures the wings come out super crispy while locking in the juicy goodness.
- Bold Flavor: The lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, and black pepper create a sauce that’s sweet, zesty, and peppery all at once.
- Versatile: Perfect as an appetizer for game day, a crowd-pleasing party snack, or a simple dinner option.
- Oven-Baked Goodness: These wings are baked, not fried, making them a slightly healthier option without compromising on crispiness.
- Easy to Make: With just 10 minutes of prep time and simple ingredients, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
Ingredients for Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
For the Chicken Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings: Drumettes and flats work best.
- 3 tablespoons potato starch: Helps achieve that ultra-crispy coating.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: A key ingredient for crispy baked wings.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds depth and flavor to the wings.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory taste.
- ¼ teaspoon paprika: For a hint of smokiness.
- Oil spray: Ensures the wings don’t stick and crisp up evenly.
For the Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce:
- ½ cup honey: The star ingredient for sweetness and stickiness.
- 1 lemon, zested: Adds a bold citrus aroma and flavor.
- ¼ cup lemon juice: For a tangy kick; adjust to taste.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Balances the sweetness with a savory touch.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and helps bind the sauce.
- 1–2 teaspoons ground pepper: Adjust based on your spice preference.
- 1 pinch salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Step 1: Prep the Wings
- Preheat your oven to 450°F. Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture ensures the wings crisp up properly in the oven.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the wings with potato starch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Ensure the wings are evenly coated for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Bake the Wings
- Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and lightly spray it with oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer on the sheet pan, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Spray the tops with a bit more oil.
- Lower the oven temperature to 425°F and bake the wings for 35–40 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Spray additional oil on the wings after flipping for extra crispiness.
Step 3: Make the Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce
- While the wings are baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine:
- Honey
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Minced garlic
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
- Stir continuously and let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until all the ingredients are well combined. The result is a glossy, slightly thick sauce with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
- Once the wings are golden and crispy, transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the honey lemon pepper sauce over the wings and toss gently until they’re evenly coated.
- Serve immediately with a side of the reserved sauce for dipping (optional).
Tips for the Best Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
- Pat the Wings Dry: Moisture is the enemy of crispy wings. Make sure the wings are thoroughly dried before coating them.
- Use Potato Starch: This secret ingredient works wonders for creating a crispy crust without frying. If unavailable, cornstarch is a good alternative.
- Flip for Even Cooking: Turning the wings halfway through baking ensures both sides become perfectly crispy.
- Adjust the Pepper: Add more or less black pepper to the sauce depending on your spice preference.
- Customize the Lemon Flavor: If you love a bold lemon flavor, add extra zest or juice to the sauce.
Why Bake Instead of Fry?
While fried wings are undeniably delicious, baking is a healthier and easier method that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. Using baking powder and potato starch helps mimic the crispiness of fried wings, while the high oven temperature ensures a golden, crunchy exterior. Plus, there’s less mess and no need for oil splatters!
What to Serve with Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
These wings are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides:
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with ranch, blue cheese dressing, or even more honey lemon pepper sauce.
- Side Salads: A light arugula or mixed greens salad balances the richness of the wings.
- Veggie Sticks: Classic celery and carrot sticks are a refreshing accompaniment.
- Fries or Wedges: Crispy potato wedges make a hearty and satisfying side.
Health Benefits of Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
- Rich in Protein: Chicken wings are an excellent source of lean protein.
- Baked, Not Fried: Baking reduces the fat content compared to frying.
- Natural Sweetener: Honey provides natural sweetness and antioxidants.
- Vitamin C Boost: Lemons are packed with immune-boosting vitamin C.
FAQs About Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Can I Air Fry These Wings?
Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook the wings in a single layer for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I Make Them Ahead of Time?
While they’re best served fresh, you can bake the wings in advance and reheat them in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes before tossing them in the sauce.
Can I Use Store-Bought Lemon Pepper Seasoning?
Absolutely! Substitute the homemade sauce with store-bought lemon pepper seasoning for a quicker option. Add honey to balance the flavors.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 461
- Protein: 23g
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Sugar: 35g
Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings: The Perfect Sweet and Tangy Snack
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- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 3 tablespoons potato starch
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Oil spray
For the Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup lemon juice (or more, to taste)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1–2 teaspoons ground pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Chicken Wings:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture.
2️⃣ Season the Wings:
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with potato starch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
3️⃣ Bake the Wings:
- Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and lightly spray with oil.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer on the sheet pan. Spray the tops of the wings lightly with oil.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 425°F (218°C). Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying the tops with a bit more oil to ensure crispiness.
4️⃣ Make the Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce:
- While the wings are baking, heat a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, butter, salt, and pepper.
- Stir the mixture and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until well combined. (Optional: Set aside a small portion as a dipping sauce.)
5️⃣ Toss the Wings:
- Once the wings are fully cooked and crispy, transfer them to a large bowl.
- Pour the honey lemon pepper sauce over the wings and toss until fully coated.
6️⃣ Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve hot, garnished with extra lemon zest or a sprinkle of parsley for a fresh touch. Pair with your favorite sides or enjoy them on their own!
Notes
- For extra crispiness: Use a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow better air circulation under the wings.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
- Alternative starch: Cornstarch can be used if potato starch isn’t available.
- Air fryer method: Cook the wings at 400°F (204°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Final Thoughts on Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
These honey lemon pepper chicken wings are the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Their crispy texture, combined with the sticky honey lemon glaze, makes them utterly irresistible. Whether you’re hosting game night, preparing for a party, or just treating yourself to a delicious dinner, this recipe will be your new favorite.
So, grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the ultimate chicken wing experience—your taste buds will thank you! 🍋🍗✨