Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
All you need are a few pantry staples to make these delicious honey lemon pepper wings. They’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a sticky sweet and tangy sauce. These chicken wings are perfect for game-day appetizers or as an easy finger-licking dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these honey lemon pepper wings without any hassle.
- Bursting with Flavor – The combination of honey, lemon, and pepper creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile Dish – Great for parties, family dinners, or even a casual weeknight meal. They fit any occasion perfectly.
- Crispy Texture – The baking method combined with potato starch ensures your wings come out perfectly crispy every time.
- Healthy Option – Baked instead of fried, these wings offer a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes preparing honey lemon pepper wings much easier.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet – Provides an even cooking surface for your chicken wings, ensuring they bake uniformly.
- Parchment paper – Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze after baking your delicious wings.
Ingredients
To make these honey lemon pepper wings, you will need the following 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
- 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
First, heat your oven to 450°F. Pat dry the chicken wings with a paper towel to ensure they crisp up nicely during baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Wings
In a mixing bowl, add the potato starch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to the chicken wings. Toss well to coat each wing evenly with the dry mixture.
Step 3: Arrange Wings on Baking Sheet
Lightly spray oil onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Transfer the coated chicken wings in a single layer onto the sheet pan. Spray the tops of the chicken wings with more oil for extra crispiness.
Step 4: Bake the Wings
Reduce the oven temperature to 425°F and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes. Flip them halfway through and spray more oil on top to keep them crispy.
Step 5: Prepare Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce
While the wings are baking, combine honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, butter, salt, and pepper in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously and let it simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes until well mixed. Set aside some sauce for dipping if desired.
Step 6: Coat Wings in Sauce
Once baked, transfer the wings to a bowl. Toss them with the honey lemon pepper sauce until all are well coated. Enjoy your homemade honey lemon pepper wings!
How to Serve Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
Serving honey lemon pepper wings is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various accompaniments. Whether you are hosting a game day gathering or enjoying a casual dinner, these wings can be paired perfectly with different sides and dips.
With Dipping Sauces
- Ranch Dressing: A creamy ranch dressing balances the sweet and tangy flavors of the wings.
- Blue Cheese Dip: The bold taste of blue cheese adds a savory contrast to the sticky sauce.
- Hot Sauce: For those who enjoy heat, a drizzle of hot sauce can elevate each bite.
With Fresh Vegetables
- Celery Sticks: Crunchy celery sticks provide a refreshing crunch that complements the wings.
- Carrot Sticks: Sweet carrot sticks add color and a slight sweetness to your plate.
On a Bed of Greens
- Mixed Salad: Serve the wings over mixed greens for a light meal that’s still filling.
- Coleslaw: The creamy texture of coleslaw pairs wonderfully with the crispy wings.
In Tacos
- Wing Tacos: Shred leftover wings and serve them in soft tortillas with fresh toppings like cilantro and lime.
How to Perfect Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
To achieve the ultimate honey lemon pepper wings, consider these helpful tips. Each step can enhance your cooking process, ensuring delicious results every time.
- Use Dry Chicken: Patting the wings dry helps achieve maximum crispiness when baking.
- Coat Evenly: Ensure all wings are evenly coated in the starch mixture for uniform baking.
- Flip Halfway Through: Flipping the wings ensures they cook evenly and develop a golden crust on both sides.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Keep an eye on your wings; larger ones may need extra time while smaller ones may cook faster.
- Let Them Rest: Allowing the wings to rest briefly after baking can help maintain their juiciness.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to mix in additional spices or herbs for extra flavor variations.
Best Side Dishes for Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
Complementing your honey lemon pepper wings with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:
- French Fries: Crispy fries are always a crowd-pleaser, perfect for dipping in any leftover sauce.
- Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges offer a hearty side that pairs nicely with chicken wings.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and freshness to your meal.
- Garlic Bread: Savory garlic bread is great for soaking up any extra sauce left on your plate.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese provides comfort food vibes alongside spicy wings.
- Baked Beans: Smoky baked beans complement the sweetness of honey lemon pepper sauce beautifully.
- Cheesy Nachos: Loaded nachos topped with cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream make for a fun finger food option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making honey lemon pepper wings can be simple, but avoiding common pitfalls will ensure your wings are perfect every time.
- Not drying the wings properly: Moisture can prevent the wings from getting crispy. Always pat them dry with a paper towel before seasoning.
- Skipping the baking powder: Baking powder helps achieve that crispy texture. Don’t skip it; it’s essential for the best results!
- Overcrowding the pan: Placing too many wings on one pan can lead to uneven cooking. Arrange them in a single layer for even baking.
- Ignoring the sauce timing: Letting the sauce simmer for too long can make it too thick. Keep an eye on it and remove it from heat once combined.
- Not adjusting seasoning: If you prefer more zing, add extra lemon juice or zest. Taste as you go to customize the flavor to your liking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover honey lemon pepper wings in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
- Place cooked and cooled wings in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Honey lemon pepper wings 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 for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
- Stovetop: Sauté in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil until warmed throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making honey lemon pepper wings.
How do I make Honey Lemon Pepper Wings crispy?
To achieve crispy honey lemon pepper wings, ensure you dry the chicken properly and use baking powder in your coating mixture.
Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings. Just ensure they are fully thawed before seasoning and baking for best results.
How spicy are Honey Lemon Pepper Wings?
The spice level of honey lemon pepper wings can be adjusted based on how much ground pepper you add. Start with less if you prefer milder flavors.
What can I serve with Honey Lemon Pepper Wings?
These delicious wings pair well with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Final Thoughts
Honey lemon pepper wings are not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. Their sweet, tangy flavor makes them a versatile dish that works perfectly as an appetizer or a main course. Feel free to customize them by adding different spices or additional ingredients like cayenne pepper for extra heat!
Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the mouthwatering delight of Honey Lemon Pepper Wings! These crispy, juicy chicken wings are coated in a perfectly balanced sticky sauce that combines sweet honey and zesty lemon with a hint of pepper. Ideal for game-day celebrations or casual weeknight dinners, these wings are not just delicious but also healthier since they are baked rather than fried. With minimal pantry staples required, you can whip up this irresistible dish in no time. Serve them alongside your favorite dipping sauces and fresh veggies for a complete meal that everyone will love.
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
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1–2 teaspoons ground pepper
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F and pat the chicken wings dry.
- In a mixing bowl, combine potato starch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Toss the wings in this mixture until evenly coated.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with oil. Arrange the wings in a single layer and spray the tops with oil.
- Bake at 425°F for 35 to 40 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- While baking, prepare the sauce by simmering honey, lemon juice, zest, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a saucepan for about 5 minutes.
- Once the wings are done, toss them in the sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 wings (about 160g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
