Description

Lemon Pepper Wings are crispy, flavorful chicken wings coated in a zesty lemon pepper sauce with a hint of garlic, onion, and smoked paprika. Baked to golden perfection and tossed in fresh lemon zest and juice, these wings offer a perfect balance of tangy and savory with an optional touch of honey sweetness. Ideal as a game day snack or party appetizer.

Ingredients

Chicken Wings

12 chicken wings, tips removed and wings separated into flats and drumettes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Lemon Pepper Sauce

1 tablespoon lemon zest
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Garnish

Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Chicken Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step helps ensure the wings get crispy when baked.
Season the Wings: In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika if using. Coat all wings evenly with the seasoning mixture.
Bake the Wings: Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden, crispy, and cooked through. Optionally, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for extra crispiness—watch carefully to prevent burning.
Prepare the Lemon Pepper Sauce: While baking, mix the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and honey (if using) in a small bowl until well combined.
Toss the Wings in the Sauce: Remove the wings from the oven and immediately toss them in the lemon pepper sauce, ensuring each wing is fully coated.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish wings with chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. Serve hot with additional lemon wedges if desired for added citrus zing.

Notes

For extra crispiness, use a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow airflow under the wings while baking.
Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest to taste for more or less tang.
Honey is optional but adds a nice balance to the acidity of the lemon.
Make sure to pat wings dry thoroughly before seasoning to maximize crispness.
Keep an eye on the wings during broiling to avoid burning.