Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Get ready to fall in love with these Honey Lemon Pepper Wings! Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and glazed with a sweet, tangy, and savory sauce that’ll have your taste buds dancing—this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. These wings are the perfect balance of sticky sweetness from the honey and the zing of lemon pepper seasoning, making them irresistible at any gathering. Whether you’re serving them at a game night, a casual dinner, or as a fun appetizer, these wings will steal the show. Trust me, you’re going to want to make a double batch!

Why You’ll Love Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Sweet, Tangy & Savory

These wings are a flavor explosion. The honey gives a natural sweetness, while the lemon pepper seasoning adds that bright, citrusy zing. The balance between sweet and savory is what makes these wings so addictive.

Simple & Quick

With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have these wings on the table in no time. The cooking process is easy too—just bake or air-fry for a crispy texture, then coat them in the delicious sauce.

Crispy Perfection

Whether you bake, fry, or air-fry, these wings come out crispy on the outside while staying juicy on the inside. That perfect crunch, paired with the sticky glaze, is what makes these wings the ultimate treat.

Customizable Heat

You can easily tweak the heat level to your liking. Add more black pepper if you want a spicier kick or a touch of cayenne for extra heat. It’s all about what you enjoy!

Ingredients

For the Wings:

• Chicken Wings: Bone-in wings are ideal for this recipe, giving you that classic crispy texture and juicy interior.
• Vegetable Oil: Used to coat the wings before cooking for a crisp, golden finish.

For the Sauce:

• Honey: The star of the show. Sweet, sticky honey forms the base of the glaze and gives the wings that perfect sticky texture.
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning: A must-have! This gives the wings that fresh citrusy flavor and a little spice.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, zesty freshness that pairs beautifully with the honey and pepper.
• Garlic Powder: A little garlic goes a long way in rounding out the flavor profile and adding some depth to the sauce.
• Black Pepper: For that extra bit of spice and flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps thicken the sauce, making it smooth and glossy.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Prepare the Wings:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will ensure your wings get crispy and golden.
2. Prep the Wings: Pat the wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture (this helps with crispiness). Drizzle them with a little vegetable oil and toss them to coat.
3. Bake the Wings: Arrange the wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re crispy and cooked through.

Make the Sauce:

4. Combine the Ingredients: While the wings are baking, combine the honey, lemon juice, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and butter in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and everything is well combined.

Coat the Wings:

5. Toss the Wings: Once the wings are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven. Pour the sauce over the wings and toss them gently until they’re fully coated in the delicious honey lemon pepper glaze.

Serve:

6. Plate & Enjoy: Serve the wings immediately while they’re hot and crispy. They’re perfect on their own or paired with your favorite dipping sauces, like ranch or blue cheese.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Fat per serving: 25g
Carbs per serving: 14g
Protein per serving: 23g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

As an Appetizer:

These wings are a fantastic appetizer for any party, BBQ, or game night. Serve them with some cool dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or a spicy aioli for a fun flavor combo.

As a Main Dish:

Make these wings the star of the show by pairing them with some sides like crispy fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. They’re also great with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted veggies.

With Drinks:

These wings pair wonderfully with a cold beer or a refreshing lemonade. The sweet and spicy flavors complement both drinks perfectly.

As Leftovers:

If you have any leftover wings (which is unlikely, but hey, it happens!), they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven to get them crispy again, or toss them in the sauce and serve fresh.

Additional Tips

Make It Spicy:

If you like some heat with your honey lemon pepper wings, feel free to add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce. This adds an extra kick that balances the sweetness of the honey.

Air Fryer Version:

If you prefer to use an air fryer, preheat it to 375°F (190°C) and cook the wings for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Toss the wings in the sauce just like you would with oven-baked wings.

Grill Option:

For a smoky flavor, grill the wings over medium heat for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re golden and crispy. Brush the sauce on during the last 5 minutes of grilling for the best results.

Double the Sauce:

If you like your wings extra saucy, double the sauce recipe. That way, you can dip every bite into that sweet and tangy goodness.

Make Ahead:

You can prep the wings ahead of time by seasoning and baking them, then storing them in the fridge. When ready to serve, just reheat the wings in the oven and toss them in the sauce.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
A1: Yes! You can use boneless chicken pieces, but the cooking time may vary slightly. Just make sure to cook them through and crispy.

Q2: Can I make these wings spicier?
A2: Absolutely! Add more black pepper, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the sauce to give the wings an extra spicy kick.

Q3: Can I air fry the wings?
A3: Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the wings for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Toss in the sauce once they’re crispy.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for best results to keep them crispy.

Q5: Can I freeze these wings?
A5: Yes! You can freeze the baked wings before tossing them in the sauce. Just freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake and coat them with the sauce.

Q6: Can I use a different seasoning instead of lemon pepper?
A6: Yes! You can use other seasoning blends like garlic parmesan, Cajun, or BBQ for a different flavor twist.

Q7: How do I make these wings even crispier?
A7: Make sure to pat the wings dry before cooking, and use a wire rack for baking to allow air circulation around the wings for extra crispiness.

Q8: How do I reheat these wings without losing crispiness?
A8: Reheat the wings in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until crispy. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the wings soggy.

Q9: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A9: Yes! You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just heat it up before tossing the wings.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make more wings. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed if you’re baking a larger batch.

Conclusion

These Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and savory, with crispy, juicy wings you can’t resist. Whether you’re making them for a party or a weeknight dinner, they’ll be a hit every time. And with so many easy ways to customize the recipe, they’ll quickly become a go-to in your kitchen. Enjoy!

Print