Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

These Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and peppery flavors, delivering a crispy, juicy texture that’s irresistible. Tossed in a sticky honey lemon pepper sauce, these wings are sure to become a favorite, whether you’re hosting a game day party, enjoying a casual dinner, or craving a finger-licking snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These wings have it all—crispy skin, juicy meat, and a deliciously balanced sauce that combines honey’s sweetness with the zesty tang of lemon and the bite of black pepper. The simple yet effective method of baking them ensures that you get golden, crispy wings without the mess of deep frying. Plus, the honey lemon pepper sauce is the perfect finishing touch that elevates these wings to another level of flavor.

Ingredients

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

• 1 lemon, zested

• ¼ cup lemon juice (or more, to taste)

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1–2 teaspoons ground pepper

• 1 pinch salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken Wings:

• Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture.

• In a bowl, combine potato starch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Toss the chicken wings in the mixture until well-coated.

• Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and lightly spray it with oil. Arrange the chicken wings in a single layer on the sheet pan, and spray the tops of the wings with more oil.

2. Bake the Wings:

• Reduce the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and bake the wings for 35–40 minutes, flipping them halfway through and spraying with more oil as needed, until the wings are golden and crispy.

3. Make the Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce:

• While the wings are baking, make the sauce: In a small saucepan, combine honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, butter, salt, and pepper. Simmer over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is well combined. Set aside a small portion of the sauce for dipping.

4. Coat the Wings:

• Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a bowl and toss them in the honey lemon pepper sauce until evenly coated.

5. Serve:

• Serve the wings hot, with the reserved sauce on the side for dipping if desired.

Servings and timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 40 minutes

• Total Time: 50 minutes

• Servings: 4 servings

Variations

• Spicy version: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the sauce or sprinkle some over the wings before baking.

• Extra crispy: Double-bake the wings for an even crispier texture. Bake them for 35 minutes, remove them, and then bake for an additional 5-10 minutes at 450°F for extra crispiness.

• Grilled option: You can grill the wings instead of baking them for a smoky flavor. Just coat them in the seasoning and grill over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until crispy and cooked through.

Storage/reheating

• Storage: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes to restore their crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen wings. Just be sure to thaw them completely before seasoning and baking. The cooking time may be slightly longer if using frozen wings.

2. Can I use a different type of seasoning for the wings?

Of course! You can adjust the seasoning mix to your taste by adding paprika, cumin, or even a bit of lemon zest in the dry mix.

3. How do I make these wings spicier?

To add heat, increase the amount of black pepper or sprinkle some cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the honey lemon pepper sauce.

4. Can I deep fry the wings instead of baking them?

Yes, if you prefer deep-fried wings, you can fry them until golden and crispy and then toss them in the sauce as directed.

5. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make the recipe dairy-free, simply substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or olive oil.

6. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the honey lemon pepper sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before tossing with the wings.

7. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken pieces will work as well. You may need to adjust the cooking time based on the size of the pieces.

8. How do I make the sauce less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey and increase the lemon juice or add a little bit of vinegar for extra tang.

9. How can I get the wings extra crispy?

To achieve extra crispiness, make sure the wings are patted dry before coating them and use a bit of oil spray to help them crisp up during baking.

10. Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook the wings in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the wings for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Toss the cooked wings in the sauce as directed.

Conclusion

These Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are a perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and peppery flavors with a crispy, juicy finish. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a game day snack, or treating yourself to a tasty dinner, these wings will satisfy every craving. The homemade honey lemon pepper sauce is the star, adding just the right balance of flavors that make these wings unforgettable!

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