Craving a burst of flavor in every bite? My Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are the perfect solution! These wings are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and drenched in a sweet and tangy sauce. Whether you’re hosting a game night or just treating yourself to a delicious meal, these wings are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients List
For Crispy Baked Wings
- 2.5 lbs chicken wings (drums and flats, defrosted if frozen)
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- Sea salt to taste
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
- 3 teaspoons baking powder (not baking soda)
For the Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- ⅓ cup honey
- Zest from one lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red crushed pepper (optional)
Required Kitchen Tools
To make the perfect Honey Lemon Pepper Wings, having the right tools can make the process easier and more enjoyable. Here are the essential tools you will need:
- Baking Sheet: A sturdy baking sheet is essential for cooking the wings to crispy perfection.
- Wire Rack: Placing a wire rack on the baking sheet allows the heat to circulate around the wings, ensuring even cooking.
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need mixing bowls to toss the wings in the seasoning and to mix the sauce.
- Basting Brush: A basting brush helps you coat the wings evenly with the honey lemon pepper sauce.
- Tongs: Tongs make it easy to flip the wings and handle them without getting your hands dirty.
Having these tools on hand will set you up for a successful wing-making experience.
Preparing the Wings
Preparing the wings is the first step towards achieving that perfect crispy texture and flavor. Follow these steps to ensure your wings are seasoned and cooked to perfection.
Seasoning the Wings
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon pepper seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, freshly ground pepper, and baking powder. The baking powder is the secret to achieving that crispy skin, so don’t skip it! Toss the chicken wings in the seasoning mixture until they are evenly coated. Make sure every wing is well-covered with the seasoning.
Baking the Wings
Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and arrange the seasoned wings on the rack. This allows the heat to circulate around the wings, helping them cook evenly and get crispy on all sides. Bake the wings in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, then flip them over and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
Once the wings are done baking, it’s time to prepare the mouthwatering honey lemon pepper sauce.
Making the Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce
The honey lemon pepper sauce is what takes these wings to the next level. It’s sweet, tangy, and perfectly balanced with a hint of spice. Follow these steps to make the sauce.
Melting the Butter
Start by melting the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once the butter is melted, remove it from the heat and set it aside. Melting the butter gently ensures it doesn’t burn and keeps its rich, creamy flavor.
Mixing the Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, honey, lemon zest, lemon juice, lemon pepper seasoning, and red crushed pepper (if using). Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are well combined. The honey adds sweetness, the lemon juice and zest add tanginess, and the lemon pepper seasoning enhances the overall flavor with a citrusy kick.
Adjusting the Flavor
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more honey. For more tang, add extra lemon juice. If you like it spicier, increase the amount of red crushed pepper. Customize the sauce to your taste preferences.
Now that our sauce is ready, it’s time to coat the wings and give them that irresistible glaze.
Coating the Wings
Coating the wings with the honey lemon pepper sauce ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Follow these steps to achieve a perfect glaze.
Tossing the Wings
Once the wings are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Place the wings in a large mixing bowl. Pour the honey lemon pepper sauce over the wings, making sure to coat each wing thoroughly. Use tongs or a spatula to toss the wings in the sauce, ensuring an even coating.
Basting the Wings
If you want an extra layer of flavor, you can use a basting brush to apply more sauce directly onto the wings. This step is optional but highly recommended for that extra burst of flavor.
Baking for Extra Crispiness
For an extra crispy and sticky finish, place the coated wings back on the wire rack and bake them in the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes. This step helps the sauce to caramelize slightly, giving the wings a beautiful glaze.
Now that our wings are coated and looking delicious, it’s time to serve them up and enjoy!
Serving and Enjoying
Now that your wings are perfectly cooked and coated in that irresistible honey lemon pepper sauce, it’s time to serve and enjoy them.
Plating the Wings
Transfer the glazed wings to a serving platter. Arrange them neatly, ensuring they look as appetizing as they taste. You can garnish the wings with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest or chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
Suggested Accompaniments
Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions to complement your wings:
- Celery and Carrot Sticks: These classic sides add a refreshing crunch and balance out the rich flavors of the wings.
- Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: A creamy dipping sauce is the perfect companion for wings, providing a cool contrast to the sweet and tangy glaze.
- Potato Wedges or Fries: Serve the wings with crispy potato wedges or fries for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Coleslaw: A fresh, tangy coleslaw can complement the flavors of the wings and add a refreshing element to the dish.
Enjoying the Wings
Now comes the best part—digging in! These Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, while they’re still hot and crispy. Gather your friends and family, serve up the wings with your favorite sides, and enjoy the delicious combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors in every bite.
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the wings on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they’re heated through and crispy again.
Conclusion
Making Honey Lemon Pepper Wings at home is a rewarding experience, offering a perfect balance of flavors and a crispy texture that’s hard to resist. With this recipe, you can easily recreate this crowd-pleasing dish in your own kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a delicious snack, these wings are sure to impress. Enjoy!
I hope you enjoy making and eating these Honey Lemon Pepper Wings as much as I do. Happy cooking!