Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
All you need are a few pantry staples to make these delicious honey lemon pepper wings. They’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a sticky sweet and tangy sauce. These chicken wings are perfect for game-day appetizers or as an easy finger-licking dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of honey, lemon, and pepper creates a unique blend that’s both sweet and tangy.
- Crispy Texture: Achieve perfectly crispy wings without frying, thanks to the baking technique.
- Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can have these wings ready in no time.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as an appetizer, main course, or at parties—these wings fit any occasion.
- Healthier Alternative: Baked instead of fried, these wings offer a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools can make cooking easier and more enjoyable. Below are essential items you’ll need to prepare your honey lemon pepper wings.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides even cooking for your chicken wings while allowing excess fat to drain away.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly to ensure every wing is flavorful.
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.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Wings
In a mixing bowl, add the potato starch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to the chicken wings. Toss well to coat each wing evenly.
Step 3: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Lightly spray some oil onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Transfer the seasoned chicken wings to the sheet pan in a single layer. Spray the tops of the chicken with additional oil.
Step 4: Bake the Wings
Decrease the oven temperature to 425°F and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Flip the wings halfway through cooking and spray them again with oil for extra crispiness.
Step 5: Make the Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, butter, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously and let it simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes until well combined. Reserve some sauce for dipping if desired.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Once baked, transfer the chicken wings into a bowl and toss them generously with the honey lemon pepper sauce until fully coated. Enjoy your delicious honey lemon pepper wings!
How to Serve Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
Serving Honey Lemon Pepper Wings is all about enhancing their delicious flavor and crispy texture. These wings make a fantastic centerpiece for any gathering, especially game days or casual dinners. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your wing experience.
With Fresh Veggies
- Carrot and Celery Sticks: Crunchy and refreshing, these veggies provide a perfect contrast to the rich flavors of the wings.
- Cucumber Slices: Cool and crisp, cucumber slices can help balance out the heat from the pepper.
Dipping Sauces
- Ranch Dressing: A classic choice that complements the zesty flavors of the honey lemon pepper sauce.
- Blue Cheese Dressing: For those who enjoy a tangy kick, blue cheese offers a bold flavor that pairs well with wings.
On a Platter
- Party Platter: Arrange the wings on a large platter with various garnishes like lemon wedges and fresh herbs for an attractive presentation.
- Garnish with Chopped Cilantro: Adding cilantro not only enhances the look but also adds a fresh flavor that brightens up each bite.
How to Perfect Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
To achieve the ultimate Honey Lemon Pepper Wings, follow these tips for crispy skin and maximum flavor.
- Use Potato Starch: This ingredient helps create that perfect crispy texture on the wings when baked.
- Pat Dry Before Coating: Ensuring your wings are dry before adding seasoning will improve their crispiness during baking.
- Flip Halfway Through Cooking: Turning the wings ensures even cooking and browning on both sides.
- Simmer Sauce Carefully: Keep an eye on your sauce while simmering; this prevents burning and maintains its sticky consistency.
- Adjust Lemon Juice to Taste: Depending on your preference, you can add more lemon juice for extra tanginess in your sauce.
Best Side Dishes for Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
Pairing side dishes with Honey Lemon Pepper Wings enhances your meal and creates a balanced plate. Here are some fantastic options to consider.
- Coleslaw: This crunchy salad adds freshness and balances out the rich flavors of the wings.
- French Fries: Classic fries are always a hit; try seasoning them with additional lemon pepper for cohesion.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges offer a hearty side that complements the juicy wings perfectly.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn brings sweetness and brightness to your plate.
- Macaroni Salad: Creamy macaroni provides a comforting element alongside spicy wings.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks are great for soaking up any leftover honey lemon sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making honey lemon pepper wings can be simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here’s how to avoid them.
- Skipping the drying step: Moist chicken wings won’t become crispy. Always pat the wings dry with a paper towel before seasoning.
- Using too much oil: While oil helps in crisping, too much can make the wings greasy. Lightly spray instead of soaking them.
- Not flipping the wings: Flipping your wings halfway during baking ensures even cooking and crispiness on both sides.
- Ignoring sauce timing: Adding sauce too early can make wings soggy. Toss them in the sauce just before serving for that perfect glaze.
- Overcrowding the pan: If wings are too close together, they won’t cook evenly. Make sure they are in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store honey lemon pepper wings in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
- Wrap the wings tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- You can freeze them for up to 2 months.
Reheating Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to prevent sogginess.
- Stovetop: Sauté in a pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common queries regarding honey lemon pepper wings that might help you out.
What are Honey Lemon Pepper Wings?
Honey lemon pepper wings are crispy chicken wings coated in a sweet and tangy honey lemon sauce, enhanced with black pepper for flavor.
Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings. Just ensure they are fully thawed before following the recipe instructions for best results.
How do I make Honey Lemon Pepper Wings spicier?
To add heat, incorporate cayenne pepper or hot sauce into your honey lemon mixture. This will give your wings an extra kick!
What side dishes pair well with Honey Lemon Pepper Wings?
These delicious wings pair well with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or any fresh salad. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping!
Final Thoughts
Honey lemon pepper wings are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them based on your taste preferences by adjusting spices or adding sauces. Whether it’s game day or a cozy dinner, these wings are sure to satisfy any craving. Give this recipe a try today!
Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the irresistible delight of Honey Lemon Pepper Wings, a perfect blend of crispy, juicy chicken wings coated in a sweet and tangy sauce. These wings are baked to perfection, offering a healthier alternative to fried options without compromising on flavor. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up this delectable dish in no time, making it ideal for game days or casual dinners. Serve them with fresh veggie sticks and your favorite dipping sauces for an unforgettable finger-licking experience that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 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
- ½ cup honey
- 1 lemon zested
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1–2 teaspoons ground pepper
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Pat chicken wings dry; mix potato starch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a bowl and coat the wings.
- Prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet with oil spray; place wings in a single layer and spray tops lightly.
- Reduce oven temperature to 425°F; bake wings for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway and spraying again with oil.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, lemon juice, zest, minced garlic, butter, salt, and pepper; simmer for 3-5 minutes.
- Toss baked wings in the honey lemon pepper sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 wings (approximately 110g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
