I absolutely love making honey lemon pepper chicken wings! These wings are bursting with flavor, combining the sweetness of honey, the tanginess of lemon, and the kick of black pepper. The combination of these ingredients creates a mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress.
The wings are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making them the perfect snack or meal. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a delicious dinner option, these honey lemon pepper chicken wings are always a hit!
Ingredients Needed fo This Recipe
Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce
- 3 tbsp Butter melted and hot
- 2 tsp Lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Hot Sauce or our homemade buffalo sauce
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 3 tsp Lemon pepper seasoning
Crispy Baked Wings
- 1.5 lb Chicken Wings cut into parts or whole
- 1/2 tbsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tbsp Black pepper
- 1/2 tbsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tbsp Onion Powder
Instructions for Making Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
For the wings
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
- Take out the chicken wing sections from the fridge and dry them thoroughly (getting rid of excess moisture is key to achieving crispy skin on the wings).
- Combine the black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and baking powder together in a small dish or ramekin.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the wings and mix it well to ensure the wings are evenly coated.
- Arrange the wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a baking sheet with a wire rack.
- Bake the wings in the oven for 20-25 minutes on each side (depending on desired crispiness).
For the sauce
- Add all ingredients to a small bowl.
- Whisk to incorporate.
Finish the dish
- Add the wings to a bowl.
- Pour some of the sauce on top.
- Toss to coat.
Tips for Perfecting the Recipe
Understand Your Ingredients: The key to perfecting the Honey Lemon Pepper Wings recipe lies in understanding your ingredients. Fresh lemon juice can offer a brighter, more vibrant flavor compared to bottled lemon juice. When it comes to honey, consider its floral notes as they can subtly influence the dish’s overall taste. For the lemon pepper seasoning, experiment with different brands until you find one that suits your palate. Each brand has its unique blend of lemon zest, pepper, and sometimes salt, which can significantly affect the flavor profile of your wings.
Achieving Crispy Wings: The secret to crispy wings without deep frying lies in the use of baking powder. However, it’s crucial to use aluminum-free baking powder to avoid any metallic taste. The baking powder works by altering the pH level of the chicken skin, allowing it to crisp up beautifully in the oven. Ensure that the wings are thoroughly dried and evenly coated with the baking powder mixture for the best results.
Balancing Flavors: The harmony between sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors is what makes these wings so irresistible. To perfect this balance, start with the recipe’s suggested amounts of honey, lemon juice, and hot sauce, then adjust according to your taste. If you prefer a spicier kick, gradually add more hot sauce. For a sweeter touch, a little extra honey will do the trick. Remember, the lemon pepper seasoning also plays a crucial role in this balance, so choose it wisely.
Baking Technique: The cooking method significantly impacts the texture and flavor of the wings. Preheating your oven and using a parchment-paper lined baking sheet or a wire rack can help achieve an evenly cooked, crispy outcome. The wire rack allows hot air to circulate around the wings, cooking them evenly and helping the fat render more effectively. Flipping the wings halfway through the baking process ensures that both sides get that desired crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
Complementary Sides: These Honey Lemon Pepper Wings pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a hearty meal, consider serving them with mac and cheese, collard greens, or jalapeno cheddar cornbread. These sides offer a comforting balance to the wings’ tangy and spicy flavors. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad or cucumber salad can provide a refreshing contrast.
Dipping Sauces: While these wings are flavorful on their own, offering a range of dipping sauces can elevate the dining experience. Ranch dressing, blue cheese sauce, or even a simple Greek yogurt dip with herbs can complement the wings’ flavors. For those who enjoy an extra kick, a spicy aioli or an additional drizzle of hot honey sauce can be delightful.
Beverage Pairings: The right beverage can enhance the flavors of your Honey Lemon Pepper Wings. Light beers, such as lagers or pilsners, can refresh the palate between bites. For a non-alcoholic option, lemonade or iced tea with a hint of mint offers a cooling effect that balances the wings’ spiciness.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration: Properly storing leftover wings will help maintain their quality. Allow the wings to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to three days. To prevent the wings from becoming soggy, avoid stacking them on top of each other in the container.
Freezing: For longer storage, freezing is an option. Place the cooled wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they’re not touching, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the wings to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
Reheating: To recapture the wings’ original crispiness, reheating them in the oven is the best method. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet, and heat until they’re warmed through and crispy, about 10-15 minutes. Avoid using the microwave for reheating, as it can make the skin rubbery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe with frozen wings? Yes, you can use frozen wings, but they need to be fully thawed before seasoning and baking. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy texture.
Is it possible to make these wings in an air fryer? Absolutely! The air fryer is great for making crispy wings. Prepare the wings as per the recipe and cook them in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the air fryer model.
How can I make the wings spicier? To increase the heat, you can add more hot sauce to the honey lemon pepper sauce. Alternatively, consider incorporating a spicier variety of hot sauce or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
Can I use this recipe for other parts of the chicken? Yes, this recipe can be adapted for chicken thighs, drumsticks, or breast pieces. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as these parts may require longer cooking times than wings.
Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
INGREDIENTS
Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce
- 3 tbsp Butter melted and hot
- 2 tsp Lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Hot Sauce or our homemade buffalo sauce
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 3 tsp Lemon pepper seasoning
Crispy Baked Wings
- 1.5 lb Chicken Wings cut into parts or whole
- 1/2 tbsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tbsp Black pepper
- 1/2 tbsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tbsp Onion Powder
INSTRUCTIONS
For the wings
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
- Take out the chicken wing sections from the fridge and dry them thoroughly (getting rid of excess moisture is key to achieving crispy skin on the wings).
- Combine the black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and baking powder together in a small dish or ramekin.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the wings and mix it well to ensure the wings are evenly coated.
- Arrange the wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a baking sheet with a wire rack.
- Bake the wings in the oven for 20-25 minutes on each side (depending on desired crispiness).
For the sauce
- Add all ingredients to a small bowl.
- Whisk to incorporate.
Finish the dish
- Add the wings to a bowl.
- Pour some of the sauce on top.
- Toss to coat.
