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.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 50 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Crispy Texture: The combination of potato starch and baking powder ensures that your wings turn out perfectly crispy every time.
• Flavor Explosion: The balance of honey, lemon, and pepper creates a unique flavor profile that is both sweet and tangy, sure to impress your guests.
• Versatile Dish: Serve these wings as an appetizer at parties or enjoy them as a main dish with sides like fries or a fresh salad.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the amount of ground pepper to suit your spice preference, allowing everyone to enjoy their ideal flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this recipe, gather your essential tools. Using the right equipment will help ensure your wings come out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowl
• Small saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even cooking and crispiness for your wings.
• Parchment paper: This non-stick surface makes cleanup easy while preventing the wings from sticking.
• Mixing bowl: A large bowl helps you easily toss the wings with seasonings and sauce without making a mess.

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 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 the chicken wings evenly.

Step 3: Arrange on Baking Sheet

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

Step 4: Bake Until Crispy

Decrease the oven temperature to 425°F. Bake the chicken wings for 35 to 40 minutes (depending on their size), flipping them halfway through. Spray a bit more oil on top at this point for extra crispiness.

Step 5: Prepare Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce

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

Step 6: Coat Your Wings

Once the wings are done baking, transfer them to a bowl. Toss them to coat with the honey lemon pepper sauce thoroughly before serving. Enjoy your delicious 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 the right accompaniments. Whether you’re hosting a game night or enjoying a family dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your dish.

With Fresh Vegetables

• Carrot Sticks – Crunchy and refreshing, they provide a nice contrast to the wings.
• Celery Sticks – A classic pairing that adds a crisp texture and pairs well with the sauce.

Accompanied by Dipping Sauces

• Ranch Dressing – Creamy and tangy, it balances the sweetness of the wings.
• Blue Cheese Dressing – Rich and flavorful, perfect for those who love bold flavors.

On a Platter

• Garnished with Lemon Wedges – Adds brightness and enhances the citrus flavor of the wings.
• Sprinkled with Fresh Herbs – Such as parsley or cilantro for an added touch of freshness.

With Side Dishes

• French Fries – Crispy and golden, they are always a crowd-pleaser alongside wings.
• Coleslaw – A crunchy side that complements the spice of the wings nicely.

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How to Perfect Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

To achieve restaurant-quality honey lemon pepper wings at home, follow these simple tips. These easy adjustments will ensure your wings are crispy and flavorful every time.

• Pat Dry the Wings – This step is crucial for achieving maximum crispiness when baking.
• Use Potato Starch – It helps create a light, crispy coating that holds onto the sauce well.
• Flip Halfway Through Cooking – Ensures even cooking and browning on both sides of the wings.
• Adjust Baking Temperature – Starting high then lowering helps crisp up the skin without overcooking.
• Let Them Rest After Cooking – A few minutes off heat allows juices to redistribute for juicier wings.

Best Side Dishes for Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Pairing your honey lemon pepper wings with delicious side dishes can enhance the overall meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread – Perfectly toasted with butter and garlic, it’s great for soaking up any leftover sauce.
2. Potato Wedges – Crisp on the outside and fluffy inside, they make for a hearty side.
3. Macaroni Salad – Creamy and cool, this dish balances out spicy flavors wonderfully.
4. Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn complements the tanginess of honey lemon pepper perfectly.
5. Baked Beans – Their sweetness pairs well with savory chicken flavors.
6. Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice mixed with herbs provides a light base that absorbs sauces beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making honey lemon pepper wings can be simple, but a few common mistakes may compromise your results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Not drying the wings: Moist wings won’t get crispy. Pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning.
• Skipping the baking powder: This ingredient is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Ensure you add it to your wing mixture.
• Overcrowding the pan: Placing too many wings on the sheet pan can lead to steaming instead of baking. Arrange them in a single layer for best results.
• Neglecting to flip the wings: Flipping halfway through ensures even cooking and crispiness. Don’t forget this step!
• Not adjusting the sauce: Always taste your sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. Feel free to add more lemon juice for tang or honey for sweetness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your honey lemon pepper wings in an airtight container.
• They will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

• Place cooled wings in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake wings on a lined tray until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking often to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use frozen chicken wings?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings! Just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking for even results.

How spicy are honey lemon pepper wings?

These wings have a mild spice from the ground pepper. You can adjust the amount of pepper used if you prefer them spicier.

Can I make these honey lemon pepper wings ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can cook them and store them in the fridge until ready to serve. Just reheat before serving.

What should I serve with honey lemon pepper wings?

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

How do I make honey lemon pepper sauce thicker?

To thicken your sauce, simmer it longer on low heat or add a cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with water) until desired thickness is reached.

Final Thoughts

Honey lemon pepper wings are not just delicious but also incredibly versatile! They make an excellent appetizer for game days or a delightful main course anytime. Feel free to customize the flavor by adjusting the spices or adding extra ingredients like hot sauce or herbs. Try making this recipe today!