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

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few steps, you can whip up a batch of wings that will impress everyone.
• Flavorful: The combination of honey, lemon, and pepper creates a mouthwatering sauce that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer for parties, a main course for family dinners, or even as a snack while watching your favorite sports event.
• Crispy Texture: Baking at high temperatures ensures your wings come out crispy without frying.
• Healthier Option: Using baked methods instead of frying reduces excess oil while still delivering delicious flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To create the best honey lemon pepper wings, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy base for evenly baking the wings without overcrowding them.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier after cooking.
• Mixing bowl: Allows you to combine ingredients thoroughly for the perfect coating on your wings.

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

1. Heat the oven to 450°F.
2. Pat dry the chicken wings with a paper towel if they are moist.

Step 2: Prepare the Wings

1. In a mixing bowl, add potato starch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to the chicken wings.
2. Toss to coat each wing evenly.

Step 3: Bake the Wings

1. Lightly spray oil onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Transfer chicken wings onto the sheet pan in a single layer.
3. Spray more oil on top of the wings.
4. Decrease oven temperature to 425°F and bake for 35 to 40 minutes (depending on size), flipping halfway through and spraying again with oil.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

1. While the wings bake, add honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, butter, salt, and pepper to a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir and simmer sauce for 3 to 5 minutes until well combined. Reserve some for dipping if desired.

Step 5: Coat the Wings

1. Once baked, transfer chicken wings to a bowl.
2. Toss them in the honey lemon pepper sauce until well coated before serving.

Enjoy your delectable honey lemon pepper wings!

How to Serve Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Serving honey lemon pepper wings can elevate any meal or gathering. These flavorful wings are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways to please your guests.

As a Standalone Appetizer

• Serve them hot right out of the oven for an irresistible starter.

With Dipping Sauces

• Pair with ranch or blue cheese dressing for a creamy contrast to the sticky wings.

On a Bed of Greens

• Place the wings over mixed greens for a fresh and vibrant salad option.

With Crunchy Vegetables

• Serve alongside carrot and celery sticks for a refreshing crunch.

In a Wrap

• Roll the wings in a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite sauce for a fun twist.

How to Perfect Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Achieving the perfect honey lemon pepper wings requires attention to detail and some insider tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your wing game.

• Pat dry the wings: Ensuring your chicken wings are dry helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven.

• Use potato starch: This ingredient is key for achieving that desired crunch on the outside of the wings.

• Monitor cooking time: Depending on wing size, adjust baking time to ensure they are fully cooked but not overdone.

• Flip halfway through: Turning the wings during cooking promotes even crisping and browning.

• Taste test your sauce: Adjust sweetness or tanginess by adding more honey or lemon juice as needed before tossing the wings.

Best Side Dishes for Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Complementing your honey lemon pepper wings with delicious side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw adds freshness and balances out the richness of the wings.
2. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a hearty side that pairs well.
3. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweet flavor and complements the zesty wings nicely.
4. Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread offers a comforting accompaniment that’s perfect for dipping.
5. Macaroni Salad: This creamy dish provides a rich contrast to the tangy flavors of the chicken.
6. Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes pairs wonderfully with honey flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making honey lemon pepper wings can be simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to unsatisfactory results. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Skipping the drying step: Not patting the chicken wings dry will prevent them from becoming crispy. Always ensure your wings are fully dried before seasoning.
• Overcrowding the baking sheet: Placing too many wings on the pan can cause steaming instead of baking. Arrange them in a single layer for optimal crispiness.
• Neglecting to toss with sauce: Failing to thoroughly coat the wings in sauce after baking can result in uneven flavor. Make sure every wing is well-coated for that delicious honey lemon pepper taste.
• Ignoring temperature adjustments: Not lowering the oven temperature after the initial bake can make the wings cook too quickly and not achieve that perfect crispy texture. Remember to decrease the heat as instructed.
• Not checking doneness: Relying solely on cooking time without checking internal temperatures can lead to undercooked wings. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach at least 165°F.

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

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

Reheating Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake wings for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat for 1-2 minutes. Note that this may result in less crispiness.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Cook wings for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making honey lemon pepper wings:

What makes Honey Lemon Pepper Wings so popular?

Honey lemon pepper wings are loved for their sweet and tangy flavor combined with a spicy kick from black pepper. They are perfect as appetizers or main dishes.

How should I serve Honey Lemon Pepper Wings?

These wings are best served hot with extra sauce on the side for dipping. Pair them with celery sticks and ranch dressing for added crunch.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes, you can use turkey or even lamb if you prefer! Adjust cooking times based on the type of meat used.

How can I customize my Honey Lemon Pepper Wings?

Feel free to add different spices or herbs like cayenne pepper or fresh parsley to enhance the flavor profile according to your taste.

Are Honey Lemon Pepper Wings suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! These wings store well and can be made ahead of time, making them great for meal prepping.

Final Thoughts

Honey lemon pepper wings are not only delicious but also versatile, making them suitable for various occasions. You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite spices or adjusting the sweetness level. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!