Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
All you need are a few pantry staples to make these delicious Honey Lemon Pepper Wings. They’re so crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a sticky sweet and tangy sauce. These chicken wings are the perfect game-day appetizer or as an easy finger-licking dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have mouth-watering wings ready in under an hour.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey, lemon, and pepper creates a unique balance of sweetness and zest that tantalizes your taste buds.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for parties, family dinners, or casual nights in. These wings will please any crowd.
- Crispy Texture: Thanks to the baking method and special coating, these wings come out incredibly crispy without deep frying.
- Healthier Option: Baked instead of fried, these wings offer a delicious alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking your Honey Lemon Pepper Wings, gather your tools. Having everything ready makes the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Whisk or spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for cooking the wings evenly.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup after baking.
- Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients thoroughly without making a mess.
Ingredients
All you need are a few pantry staples to make these delicious honey lemon pepper wings. They’re so crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a sticky sweet and tangy sauce. These chicken wings are the perfect game-day appetizer or as an easy finger-licking dinner.
For the 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 Sauce
- ½ cup honey
- 1 lemon zested
- ¼ cup lemon juice (or more)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1-2 teaspoons ground pepper
- 1 pinch salt
How to Make Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Heat the oven to 450°F. Pat dry the chicken wings with a paper towel if they are moist.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Wings
Add the potato starch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to the chicken wings. Toss to coat them evenly.
Step 3: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Lightly spray some oil onto a parchment-lined sheet pan. Transfer the chicken wings to the sheet pan in a single layer. Spray more oil on top of them.
Step 4: Bake
Decrease oven temperature to 425°F and bake for 35 to 40 minutes (depending on their size). Flip them halfway through cooking time and spray additional oil on top.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, butter, salt, and pepper. Stir and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until well combined. Set aside some sauce for dipping if desired.
Step 6: Coat Wings
Once cooked, transfer the wings to a bowl and toss them in the honey lemon pepper sauce until fully coated.
Enjoy your homemade Honey Lemon Pepper Wings!
How to Serve Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
Honey lemon pepper wings are incredibly versatile. You can serve them in various ways that suit your occasion, whether it’s a game day party or a cozy family dinner.
Classic Dipping Sauce
- Ranch Dressing: A cool, creamy dip that complements the tangy sweetness of the wings perfectly.
- Blue Cheese Dressing: For those who enjoy a rich and bold flavor, this dressing adds a delicious contrast.
Fresh Veggies
- Celery Sticks: Crunchy celery offers a refreshing bite alongside the sweet and spicy wings.
- Carrot Sticks: These naturally sweet sticks also help balance the flavors while adding color to your plate.
Finger Foods
- French Fries: Crispy fries are always a hit and provide a hearty side option to soak up the sauce.
- Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges add an extra crunch and make for a filling accompaniment.
Salads
- Coleslaw: This crunchy side adds texture and a coolness that balances the heat from the wings.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crispy romaine lettuce and creamy dressing pairs beautifully with honey lemon pepper wings.
How to Perfect Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
To truly master honey lemon pepper wings, follow these tips for optimal flavor and texture.
- Choose Fresh Wings: Using fresh chicken wings ensures the best taste and texture.
- Pat Dry Thoroughly: Removing moisture helps achieve maximum crispiness during baking.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Don’t Rush the Sauce: Allowing the sauce to simmer enhances its flavor, so don’t skip this step.
- Toss While Hot: Coating the wings with sauce while they’re hot helps it cling better for more flavor in every bite.
Best Side Dishes for Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
Pair your honey lemon pepper wings with these delicious side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Each option complements their sweet and tangy flavor profile beautifully.
- Garlic Bread: This buttery bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from your wings.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac adds comfort to your meal while balancing the zesty flavors of the wings.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn brings sweetness that pairs nicely with honey lemon pepper seasoning.
- Baked Beans: The smoky flavors of baked beans offer a hearty contrast to the sweet wings.
- Potato Salad: A chilled potato salad provides creaminess that complements the crispy texture of the wings.
- Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad adds freshness and crunch, perfect for cutting through richness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Honey Lemon Pepper Wings is simple, but a few common mistakes can hinder your results.
- Skipping the drying step: Not patting dry the chicken wings can lead to soggy skin. Make sure to use paper towels to remove excess moisture for crispiness.
- Ignoring the coating: Failing to coat the wings evenly with the spice mix will result in uneven flavor. Toss thoroughly so every wing is covered.
- Overcrowding the pan: Placing too many wings on the baking sheet can cause steaming instead of baking. Arrange them in a single layer for optimal crispiness.
- Not flipping halfway: If you forget to flip the wings during cooking, they may cook unevenly. Turn them over at the halfway point for even browning.
- Underestimating sauce amounts: Using too little sauce means less flavor. Don’t be shy; coat those wings generously for a better taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover wings in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
- Place cooled wings in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, flipping occasionally, until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm the wings for about 5-7 minutes, flipping often.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Honey Lemon Pepper Wings.
What makes Honey Lemon Pepper Wings crispy?
The combination of potato starch and baking powder helps achieve that perfect crispy texture when baked.
Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for best results.
How spicy are Honey Lemon Pepper Wings?
They have a mild heat from ground pepper but are balanced by honey’s sweetness and lemon’s tanginess. Adjust pepper according to your taste preference!
Can I customize the sauce?
Absolutely! You can add more garlic or even some chili flakes for extra heat. Feel free to experiment based on your taste!
Final Thoughts
Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion—from game day gatherings to cozy dinners at home. Enjoy customizing them with your favorite spices or sauces!
Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are a delightful combination of crispy texture and a sticky, sweet-tangy sauce that will elevate any gathering. These wings are baked to perfection for a healthier, guilt-free indulgence that’s bursting with flavor. The zesty lemon and rich honey create a mouthwatering glaze that clings to each wing, making them irresistible whether served as an appetizer or the main attraction at your next game day party. With minimal prep time and simple pantry staples, these wings are a fantastic choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs looking to impress their guests.
Ingredients
- 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
- ½ cup honey
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1–2 teaspoons ground pepper
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, combine potato starch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Toss the wings to coat evenly.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with oil. Arrange wings in a single layer on the sheet and spray more oil on top.
- Bake at 425°F for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
- For the sauce, simmer honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, butter, salt, and pepper in a saucepan for 3-5 minutes until well combined.
- Toss cooked wings in the sauce until fully coated before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 chicken wings (120g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
