Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are a deliciously addictive treat that checks all the boxes for flavor, texture, and versatility. Whether you’re hosting a game-day party, planning a casual dinner, or just craving something indulgent, these wings fit the bill perfectly. Imagine crispy baked wings tossed in a luscious glaze of golden honey, fresh lemon juice, and the warm bite of cracked black pepper. The result is a finger-licking dish that’s hard to resist.

This recipe combines simplicity and bold flavors, making it a favorite for cooks of all skill levels. What’s more, it’s baked—not fried—so you can enjoy that satisfying crunch without the added oil. Let’s dive into the details and discover how you can whip up these heavenly wings at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

1. Healthier Option: Baking instead of frying keeps the wings crispy while being lighter on calories and grease.
2. Balanced Flavor Profile: The combination of sweet honey, tangy lemon, and spicy black pepper creates a symphony of flavors in every bite.
3. Simple Ingredients: All you need are a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create this crowd-pleasing dish.
4. Versatile and Customizable: Adjust the heat and sweetness to suit your taste, or pair these wings with your favorite sides for a complete meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken Wings:

• 2 pounds chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
• 3 tablespoons potato starch (or cornstarch)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Oil spray (for baking)

For the Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce:

• 1/2 cup honey
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1-2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
• Pinch of salt

How to Make Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Wings:

• Pat the Wings Dry: Start by thoroughly patting the chicken wings with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Dry wings crisp up better during baking.
• Coat the Wings: In a large mixing bowl, combine potato starch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Toss the chicken wings in the mixture until evenly coated. The starch and baking powder work together to create a light, crispy crust.

2. Bake the Wings:

• Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack for even cooking.
• Arrange and Spray: Place the wings in a single layer on the baking sheet, ensuring they don’t overlap. Lightly spray the tops with oil to encourage browning.
• Bake to Perfection: Reduce the oven temperature to 425°F (218°C) and bake the wings for 35-40 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking and spray with more oil. This ensures the wings are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.

3. Make the Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce:

• Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, butter, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
• Simmer and Stir: Stir the sauce frequently and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you prefer a spicier kick, add an extra teaspoon of black pepper or a pinch of chili flakes.

4. Coat the Wings:

• Toss in Sauce: Once the wings are done baking, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm honey lemon pepper sauce over the wings and toss until they’re thoroughly coated. The sauce will cling beautifully to the crispy wings, creating a glossy, flavorful finish.

5. Serve:

• Garnish and Enjoy: Arrange the wings on a platter and garnish with additional lemon zest, freshly cracked pepper, or chopped parsley. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Helpful Tips:

1. Dry the Wings Thoroughly: Removing moisture is the key to crispy baked wings. Don’t skip this step!
2. Even Spacing: Arrange the wings in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
3. Sauce Consistency: If you like a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer. For a lighter glaze, add a splash of water or chicken broth.
4. Customizable Heat: If you enjoy a spicier kick, add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
5. Air Fryer Option: For a quicker method, air fry the wings at 400°F (204°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Appetizer, Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Notes:

• Dry Wings: Pat the wings dry for maximum crispiness during baking.
• Starch Substitute: Cornstarch works well if potato starch isn’t available.
• Balancing Sauce: Adjust sweetness with more honey or tanginess with extra lemon juice to suit your taste.
• Spice Level: Add chili flakes for more heat or reduce pepper for a milder flavor.
• Reheating: Use an oven or air fryer to keep leftovers crispy; avoid microwaving.
• Make-Ahead: Bake wings ahead and toss in fresh sauce before serving for the best results.
• Serving Ideas: Pair with coleslaw, fries, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen chicken wings?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before coating and baking. Excess moisture can prevent the wings from crisping up properly.

2. What can I use instead of potato starch?

Cornstarch works well as a substitute. It will still provide a crispy coating for the wings.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer to maintain their crispiness.

4. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the sauce up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before tossing with the wings.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Cool any leftovers completely before storing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: While wings are best fresh, you can freeze them. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Use an oven set to 375°F (190°C) or an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) to reheat wings for 8-10 minutes.

Related Recipes

If you loved these Honey Lemon Pepper Wings, check out these other delicious recipes:

1. Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Conclusion

Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and savory that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re making them for game night, a weekend get-together, or just a treat-yourself dinner, these wings are guaranteed to impress. With their crispy texture and bold, zesty glaze, they’ll have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds!). Try them out and watch them become a new household favorite!

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