Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
All you need are a few pantry staples to make these delicious honey lemon pepper wings. They’re perfect for game day or any casual gathering, offering a delightful combination of crispy texture and a sticky sweet and tangy sauce. The standout qualities of these wings include their juicy interior and the burst of flavor from the honey, lemon, and pepper seasoning.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Perfection: Achieve restaurant-quality crispy wings right in your oven with simple techniques.
- Flavor Explosion: The blend of honey, lemon, and pepper creates an unforgettable taste experience.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer for parties or a satisfying main course for family dinners.
- Easy Preparation: Minimal effort and ingredients make this recipe accessible for cooks of all levels.
- Healthy Option: Baked instead of fried, these wings are a lighter yet equally delicious alternative.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your honey lemon pepper wings, gather your essential tools for a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Small saucepan
- Measuring spoons
- Paper towels
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides ample space to cook the wings evenly without overcrowding.
- Parchment paper: Ensures easy cleanup while preventing the wings from sticking to the pan.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients and tossing the wings with seasonings effectively.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds chicken wings
Dry Coating
- 3 tablespoons potato starch
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
Sauce Ingredients
- 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
Instructions:
1. Heat the oven to 450°F. Pat dry the chicken wings with a paper towel if they are moist.
2. Add the potato starch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to the chicken wings. Toss to coat the chicken wings.
3. Lightly spray some oil onto the parchment-lined sheet pan, then transfer the chicken wings to the sheet pan in a single layer. Spray the tops of the chicken with some more oil.
4. Decrease the oven temperature to 425°F and bake the chicken wings for 35 to 40 minutes (depending on their size), flipping them at the halfway mark and spraying a bit more oil on the tops.
5. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat, add the honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, butter, salt, and pepper. Stir and simmer the sauce for 3 to 5 minutes until everything is well combined. Set aside a small portion to dip the wings in if desired.
6. Once the wings are done, transfer them to a bowl and toss them to coat with the honey lemon pepper sauce.
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
How to Make Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Heat your oven to 450°F. This high temperature will help achieve that crispy exterior on your honey lemon pepper wings.
Step 2: Prepare Chicken Wings
Pat dry your chicken wings using paper towels if they are moist. This step is crucial for crispiness.
Step 3: Coat Wings in Seasoning
In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine potato starch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
2. Toss this mixture with your chicken wings until they are evenly coated.
Step 4: Bake The Wings
Prepare your baking sheet:
– Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
– Lightly spray oil onto it before placing your wings in a single layer.
– Spray more oil on top of each wing.
Reduce oven temperature to 425°F after placing them inside. Bake for about 35-40 minutes. Be sure to flip them halfway through cooking time!
Step 5: Make Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce
While your wings bake:
1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, butter, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir occasionally as you let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes until well mixed.
Step 6: Toss Wings in Sauce
Once baked:
– Transfer your crispy wings into a bowl.
– Pour over your prepared honey lemon pepper sauce.
– Toss well until all wings are coated evenly before serving. Enjoy!
How to Serve Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
Honey lemon pepper wings are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these wings can be paired with several delicious accompaniments.
With Dipping Sauces
- Ranch Dressing: A classic choice that balances the sweetness of the honey with creamy coolness.
- Blue Cheese Dressing: For those who love bold flavors, this dressing adds a tangy kick.
- Hot Sauce: If you enjoy some heat, a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce will spice things up.
On a Bed of Greens
- Mixed Green Salad: Serve your wings over fresh greens dressed lightly for a refreshing contrast.
- Coleslaw: This crunchy side provides texture and complements the savory flavor of the wings.
Accompanied by Starch
- French Fries: Crispy fries are always a hit and can soak up any excess sauce.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for mopping up any leftover honey lemon pepper sauce.
How to Perfect Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
To ensure your honey lemon pepper wings turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Potato Starch: This helps achieve an ultra-crispy skin that holds the sauce well.
- Pat Dry Thoroughly: Moist wings will not crisp up properly; ensure they’re dried before seasoning.
- Flip Halfway Through Baking: This promotes even cooking and browning on both sides.
- Adjust Lemon Juice to Taste: Feel free to increase or decrease the amount of lemon juice for desired acidity.
- Let Sauce Simmer: Allowing the sauce to simmer helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
Pairing honey lemon pepper wings with the right side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options that complement their rich flavors.
- Crispy Potato Wedges: Seasoned and baked until golden, these wedges add crunch and heartiness.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn pairs nicely with the tangy wings; grill or boil for best results.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac adds comfort to your meal; consider adding some spices for extra flavor.
- Steamed Broccoli: A healthy option that provides color and nutrition to balance out the richness of the wings.
- Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce while offering coolness.
- Vegetable Platter: Fresh veggies like carrots and celery add crunch and freshness as a light side option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making honey lemon pepper wings can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome.
- Not drying the chicken wings: Moist chicken wings will not become crispy. Always pat them dry with a paper towel before seasoning.
- Skipping the baking powder: Baking powder is essential for achieving that crispy texture. Don’t omit it from your ingredient list.
- Overcrowding the sheet pan: Placing too many wings on one pan can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure to spread them out in a single layer.
- Ignoring sauce proportions: Using too much or too little of the honey lemon sauce can alter the flavor balance. Measure carefully for the best results.
- Not flipping the wings halfway: Flipping helps cook both sides evenly and ensures crispiness. Remember to turn them during baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover honey lemon pepper wings in an airtight container.
- They will keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
- For longer storage, freeze cooked wings in a freezer-safe container.
- They can last up to 2 months when frozen.
Reheating Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
- Oven: Preheat to 375°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
- Microwave: Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, but be aware this may make them less crispy.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making honey lemon pepper wings.
How spicy are Honey Lemon Pepper Wings?
Honey lemon pepper wings have a mild to moderate spiciness, depending on how much ground pepper you use. Adjust according to your taste preference.
Can I make Honey Lemon Pepper Wings in an air fryer?
Yes! You can air fry these wings at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes, shaking halfway through for even cooking.
What goes well with Honey Lemon Pepper Wings?
These wings pair nicely with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese dressing.
How do I ensure my Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are crispy?
The key is to dry the wings thoroughly and use baking powder in your coating mix. This helps create that perfect crispiness.
Final Thoughts
Honey lemon pepper wings are an incredible choice for any occasion, whether it’s game day or a cozy dinner at home. Their combination of sweetness and tang makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize by adding spices or adjusting the sweetness level to suit your taste buds!
Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Honey Lemon Pepper Wings, a delightful dish that combines crispy texture and a mouthwatering sweet and tangy sauce. Perfect for game day or casual gatherings, these wings are easy to prepare with just a few pantry staples. The juicy interior, enhanced by the zesty honey-lemon-pepper seasoning, delivers a flavor explosion that will have your guests coming back for more. Baked instead of fried, they offer a lighter alternative without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 3 tablespoons potato starch
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup honey
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- ¼ cup lemon juice (or more)
- 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 with paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix potato starch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Coat wings thoroughly with this mixture.
- Prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet and lightly spray it with oil. Arrange wings in a single layer and spray tops with oil.
- Decrease oven temperature to 425°F; bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, butter, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until well blended.
- Toss baked wings in the sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 wings (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
