Introduction:
These Lemon Pepper Wings with Honey are the perfect combination of crispy, zesty, and sweet. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, party snack, or a game-day favorite, the bold flavors of lemon and pepper, paired with the subtle sweetness of honey, make these wings a standout dish. The wings are baked or fried to golden perfection, then tossed in a tangy lemon pepper sauce with a drizzle of honey for the perfect balance of flavors.
Inspiration Behind Lemon Pepper Wings with Honey:
Lemon pepper wings are a staple at many wing joints, known for their zesty punch and peppery bite. The addition of honey in this recipe adds a layer of sweetness that complements the savory lemon pepper seasoning, making these wings even more addictive.
Ingredients Breakdown:
- For the Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings (drumettes and flats): The star of the dish, perfect for crisping up.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps achieve crispy wings without frying.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the wings.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: For a hint of heat.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds extra flavor to the wings.
- For the Lemon Pepper Honey Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest: Provides the bright, citrusy punch.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Adds tanginess to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cracked black pepper: For a bold, peppery finish.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted): Helps coat the wings in rich flavor.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Adds a sweet contrast to the tangy lemon and spicy pepper.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Complements the lemon and pepper.
- Garnish:
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds color and freshness.
Step-by-Step Recipe:
- Prep and Bake the Wings:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Arrange the wings on the wire rack in a single layer. Bake for 45-50 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden brown and crispy.
- Make the Lemon Pepper Honey Sauce:
- While the wings are baking, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, cracked black pepper, melted butter, honey, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
- Toss the Wings in the Sauce:
- Once the wings are done, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the lemon pepper honey sauce over the wings and toss until evenly coated.
- Serve Hot:
- Transfer the wings to a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy, tangy, and sweet flavors!
Tips for the Best Lemon Pepper Wings with Honey:
- Get Extra Crispy Wings: Patting the wings dry and using baking powder in the seasoning helps the skin crisp up in the oven. For even crispier results, let the wings air dry in the fridge for an hour before baking.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the amount of honey, or for less sweetness, reduce it slightly.
- Use Freshly Cracked Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a more robust flavor compared to pre-ground pepper.
Variations and Customizations:
- Spicy Lemon Pepper Wings: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Lemon Pepper Wings: Amp up the garlic by adding fresh minced garlic to the sauce for a more intense garlic flavor.
- Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings: Grill the wings instead of baking for a smoky, charred flavor.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:
- Lighter Option: To reduce the calories and fat, opt for baking or air frying the wings instead of deep frying.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses no flour or breadcrumbs, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Keto-Friendly: The wings are low in carbs and perfect for a keto diet, but you can substitute a keto-friendly sweetener for honey if needed.
FAQ:
- Can I make these wings ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake or fry the wings ahead of time and toss them in the lemon pepper honey sauce just before serving. Reheat in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5-10 minutes to crisp them up. - How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain their crispiness. - Can I make the sauce spicier?
Absolutely! Add more black pepper, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.
Lemon Pepper Wings with Honey
These Lemon Pepper Wings with Honey are the perfect balance of crispy, zesty, and sweet, making them an irresistible dish for any occasion. Enjoy them baked, fried, or air-fried with a bold lemon pepper and honey sauce!
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
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1-2 teaspoons ground pepper
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 450°F. Pat dry the chicken wings with a paper towel if they are moist.
- Add the potato starch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to the chicken wings. Toss to coat the chicken wings.
- Lightly spray some oil onto the parchment-lined sheet pan, then transfer the chicken wings to the sheet pan in a single layer. Spray the tops of the chicken with some more oil.
- Decrease the oven temperature to 425°F and bake the chicken wings for 35 to 40 minutes (depending on their size), flipping them at the halfway mark and spraying a bit more oil on the tops.
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan on the stovetop, over medium heat, add the honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, butter, salt, and pepper. Stir and simmer the sauce for 3 to 5 minutes until everything is well combined. Set aside a small portion to dip the wings in, if desired.
- Once the wings are done, transfer them to a bowl and toss them to coat with the honey lemon pepper sauce.