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. Perfect for game days or a simple finger-licking dinner, these wings will impress everyone at your table.

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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 Chicken Wings
• For the Sauce
• How to Make Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Wings
• Step 3: Arrange Wings on Sheet Pan
• Step 4: Bake the Wings
• Step 5: Make the Sauce
• Step 6: Toss in Sauce
• How to Serve Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
• With Dipping Sauces
• On a Bed of Greens
• As Part of a Platter
• With Beverages
• 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
• What makes honey lemon pepper wings so special?
• How can I make my honey lemon pepper wings extra crispy?
• Can I adjust the spice level in honey lemon pepper wings?
• What dips pair well with honey lemon pepper wings?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: The combination of baking powder and potato starch ensures that your wings turn out perfectly crispy.
• Sweet and Tangy Flavor: The honey and lemon balance each other beautifully, creating a sauce that’s both sweet and zesty.
• Easy Preparation: With minimal prep time and straightforward instructions, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as an appetizer, main course, or snack – they fit every occasion!
• Healthy Cooking Method: Baking instead of frying means you can enjoy these wings with less guilt.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Honey Lemon Pepper Wings, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference. These essentials will help ensure your cooking process goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Parchment-lined sheet pan
• Mixing bowl
• Small saucepan
• Measuring spoons
• Oven mitts

Importance of Each Tool

• Parchment-lined sheet pan: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Mixing bowl: Ensures even coating of the chicken wings with seasoning.
• Small saucepan: Ideal for simmering the honey lemon pepper sauce.

Ingredients

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.

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 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.

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 evenly.

Step 3: Arrange Wings on Sheet Pan

Lightly spray oil onto a parchment-lined sheet pan. Transfer the chicken wings to the sheet pan in a single layer. Spray more oil on top of the wings.

Step 4: Bake the Wings

Decrease oven temperature to 425°F and bake for 35 to 40 minutes (depending on their size). Flip them halfway through cooking time and spray more oil on top.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, butter, salt, and pepper. Stir and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until well combined. Set aside some for dipping if desired.

Step 6: Toss in Sauce

Once cooked, transfer the wings to a bowl and toss them with the honey lemon pepper sauce until evenly coated.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious Honey Lemon Pepper Wings!

How to Serve Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Honey lemon pepper wings are not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve them in various ways to enhance your meal experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions.

With Dipping Sauces

• Ranch Dressing: A classic pairing that adds a creamy texture and cool flavor.
• Blue Cheese Dressing: Perfect for those who enjoy a tangy kick with their wings.
• Spicy Sriracha: For those who like it hot, this sauce adds an extra layer of heat.

On a Bed of Greens

• Mixed Salad Greens: Serve the wings on a bed of fresh greens for a light and refreshing meal.
• Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw complements the wings’ crispy texture.

As Part of a Platter

• Wing Platter: Combine honey lemon pepper wings with other flavors like buffalo or teriyaki for variety.
• Party Snacks: Add chips, pretzels, or veggie sticks to create a fun snack spread.

With Beverages

• Beer Pairing: Pair these wings with a cold beer for a classic game-day experience.
• Lemonade: A refreshing drink that echoes the zesty flavors in the wings.

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How to Perfect Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Getting your honey lemon pepper wings just right can elevate your dish. Here are some expert tips to ensure perfection every time you make them.

• Use High-Quality Chicken Wings: Fresh, high-quality wings will yield better taste and texture.
• Pat Dry Before Coating: This ensures the coating adheres well and helps achieve crispiness.
• Monitor Oven Temperature: Correct heat is crucial for crispy skin; don’t skip preheating.
• Flip During Cooking: Turning the wings halfway through baking promotes even cooking and browning.
• Don’t Skimp on Sauce: Coat the wings generously in the honey lemon pepper sauce for maximum flavor.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy them hot out of the oven for the best taste and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Pairing side dishes with honey lemon pepper wings can create a more satisfying meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. French Fries: Crispy fries are always a hit and great for dipping in any leftover sauce.
2. Sweet Potato Wedges: Their natural sweetness balances the spicy tang of the wings perfectly.
3. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, buttery breadsticks add a comforting element to your meal.
4. Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese provides rich contrast to spicy chicken wings.
5. Vegetable Sticks with Hummus: A healthy option that adds crunch and freshness to your plate.
6. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn is sweet and complements the tangy flavors beautifully.
7. Potato Salad: A chilled potato salad is refreshing and pairs well with warm wings.
8. Baked Beans: Sweet baked beans offer a hearty side that goes well with BBQ-flavored dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes will ensure your honey lemon pepper wings turn out perfectly crispy and delicious. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Not drying the wings properly: Moisture on the wings prevents them from getting crispy. Make sure to pat them dry with a paper towel before seasoning.
• Skipping the oil spray: Failing to spray oil can lead to wings that stick to the pan. Lightly coating them with oil helps achieve that perfect golden crisp.
• Ignoring flipping time: Not flipping the wings halfway through baking can result in uneven cooking. Flip them at the halfway mark for consistent texture.
• Overcooking or undercooking: Cooking times can vary based on wing size. Monitor closely and use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Neglecting sauce prep: Preparing the sauce too late means you may serve cold wings. Simmer your honey lemon pepper sauce while the wings bake so everything is ready at once.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover honey lemon pepper wings in an airtight container.
• They will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

• Place cooled wings in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, place wings on a baking sheet, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a small amount of oil and reheat the wings, turning frequently until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What makes honey lemon pepper wings so special?

Honey lemon pepper wings combine sweetness from honey with tangy lemon and spicy pepper, creating a delightful flavor balance that’s both comforting and satisfying.

How can I make my honey lemon pepper wings extra crispy?

To achieve extra crispiness, ensure you dry the chicken thoroughly before seasoning and use potato starch in your coating mixture.

Can I adjust the spice level in honey lemon pepper wings?

Absolutely! You can customize the amount of ground pepper based on your preference for heat. Use less for milder flavor or add more for a spicier kick.

What dips pair well with honey lemon pepper wings?

These wings pair wonderfully with ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or even an extra drizzle of honey for those who love sweetness!

Final Thoughts

Honey lemon pepper wings are not only perfect as game-day appetizers but also make an easy finger-licking dinner option. Their crispy exterior and juicy interior coated in sweet and tangy sauce makes them irresistible! Feel free to customize this recipe by adding different spices or adjusting sweetness levels to suit your taste preferences.