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.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Wings
• For the Sauce
• How to Make Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Wings
• Step 3: Bake the Wings
• Step 4: Make the Sauce
• Step 5: Coat the Wings
• How to Serve Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
• Pair with Fresh Vegetables
• Serve with Dipping Sauces
• Accompany with Drinks
• How to Perfect Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
• Best Side Dishes for Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
• Reheating Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make my Honey Lemon Pepper Wings extra crispy?
• Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?
• What can I serve with Honey Lemon Pepper Wings?
• How can I customize my Honey Lemon Pepper Wings?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: The combination of potato starch and baking powder ensures that these wings turn out extra crispy.
• Sweet and Tangy Flavor: The honey and lemon create a delightful balance of sweetness and acidity that tantalizes your taste buds.
• Easy Preparation: With minimal prep time and straightforward cooking steps, anyone can make these wings without hassle.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy them as a party appetizer, a main dish, or even as a snack during movie night.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these flavorful honey lemon pepper wings, making them a hit for any gathering.

Tools and Preparation

To achieve the best results when making honey lemon pepper wings, having the right tools is essential. Here’s a look at what you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowl
• Small saucepan
• Whisk or spoon
• Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet allows for even cooking and crisping of the wings.
• Parchment paper: This helps prevent sticking and makes for an easy cleanup after cooking.
• Mixing bowl: A large bowl is perfect for tossing the wings with seasonings and sauces evenly.

Ingredients

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. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy finish.

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 all sides thoroughly.

Step 3: Bake the Wings

Lightly spray some oil onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place the chicken wings in a single layer on the sheet pan. Spray more oil on top of the wings for extra crispiness.
Decrease the oven temperature to 425°F and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, flipping them halfway through while spraying with additional oil.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, butter, salt, and pepper. Stir well and simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes until everything is nicely blended. Reserve a small portion of this sauce for dipping later if desired.

Step 5: Coat the Wings

Once baked, transfer your crispy chicken wings into a mixing bowl. Pour in your honey lemon pepper sauce and toss them until fully coated in this mouthwatering glaze.

Now you have your delicious honey lemon pepper wings ready to serve! Enjoy this delightful recipe at your next gathering or whenever you’re craving something tasty!

How to Serve Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Honey lemon pepper wings are not just a treat on their own; they can be paired with a variety of sides and drinks to enhance your dining experience. Here are some great serving suggestions to consider.

Pair with Fresh Vegetables

• Carrot Sticks: Crunchy and refreshing, carrot sticks provide a nice contrast to the savory wings.
• Celery Sticks: A classic choice, celery sticks offer a crisp texture that complements the sticky sauce.
• Cucumber Slices: Light and hydrating, cucumber slices can help balance the rich flavors of the wings.

Serve with Dipping Sauces

• Ranch Dressing: Creamy ranch dressing is always a crowd-pleaser and goes well with the sweetness of the honey lemon sauce.
• Blue Cheese Dressing: For those who love bold flavors, blue cheese dressing adds a tangy kick.
• Spicy Sriracha Sauce: If you enjoy heat, serve your wings with a side of sriracha for an extra kick.

Accompany with Drinks

• Iced Tea: A refreshing iced tea pairs nicely with the sweet and tangy profile of honey lemon pepper wings.
• Lemonade: To enhance the citrus flavor, serve your wings with chilled lemonade for a perfect match.

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How to Perfect Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

To achieve perfectly crispy honey lemon pepper wings, follow these simple tips for outstanding results every time.

• Pat Dry Thoroughly: Ensure that your chicken wings are patted dry before seasoning. This step helps achieve maximum crispiness during baking.
• Use Potato Starch: Coating the wings in potato starch enhances their crunch factor compared to flour or cornstarch.
• Bake at High Temperatures: Start baking at 450°F then lower to 425°F for even cooking and crisping without burning.
• Flip Halfway Through Cooking: Flipping the wings ensures that both sides cook evenly and remain crispy throughout.
• Coat Generously After Baking: Toss the baked wings in your honey lemon pepper sauce immediately after cooking for optimal flavor absorption.

Best Side Dishes for Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Honey lemon pepper wings shine when served alongside complementary dishes. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

1. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and balances out the richness of the wings.
2. French Fries: Crispy fries are always a hit, providing comfort alongside your flavorful wings.
3. Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges offer a heartier side option that pairs wonderfully with chicken.
4. Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese is a decadent choice that complements the tangy wing flavors beautifully.
5. Garlic Bread: Soft garlic bread can soak up any leftover sauce, making it an irresistible addition to your meal.
6. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob brings a summery feel to your plate and is easy to prepare on the grill or stovetop.
7. Rice Pilaf: A light rice pilaf can serve as an excellent base for enjoying those delicious wing flavors.
8. Baked Beans: Slightly sweet baked beans add a comforting touch and pair well with spicy or sweet chicken dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making honey lemon pepper wings can be easy, but there are common mistakes that can ruin your dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping the drying step: Moist chicken wings won’t get crispy. Always pat them dry with a paper towel before seasoning.
• Not using enough oil: Insufficient oil can lead to wings sticking to the pan. Make sure to spray oil on both sides of the wings for even cooking.
• Ignoring the flipping process: Flipping the wings halfway through cooking ensures they cook evenly. Don’t forget to flip them!
• Overcooking or undercooking: Cooking time varies based on wing size. Keep an eye on them and use a meat thermometer for best results.
• Neglecting the sauce timing: If you add the sauce too early, it can burn. Only toss the wings in sauce right after baking for optimal flavor.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Duration: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• • Containers: Use airtight containers to keep them fresh.

Freezing Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

• • Duration: Freeze wings for up to 3 months.
• • Containers: Place in freezer-safe bags or airtight containers, removing as much air as possible.

Reheating Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and reheat wings on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short intervals, checking often to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making honey lemon pepper wings.

How do I make my Honey Lemon Pepper Wings extra crispy?

To achieve extra crispiness, ensure your chicken wings are thoroughly dried before coating them with seasoning and spray oil generously while baking.

Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings! Just be sure to thaw them completely before preparing the recipe for even cooking.

What can I serve with Honey Lemon Pepper Wings?

These wings pair well with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese dressing.

How can I customize my Honey Lemon Pepper Wings?

Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding cayenne pepper or using different types of peppers. You can also experiment with other sweeteners like maple syrup!

Final Thoughts

Honey lemon pepper wings are not only delicious but also versatile. They make an excellent appetizer or main course at any gathering. Plus, you can easily customize them according to your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; it will surely become a favorite!