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. Perfect for game days or as an easy dinner option, these wings are sure to 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 Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce
• How to Make Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Wings
• Step 3: Arrange on Baking Sheet
• 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 Salad
• As a Sandwich Filling
• With Vegetables
• 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 crispy?
• Can I use frozen chicken wings?
• How should I serve honey lemon pepper wings?
• Can I customize the sauce?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time, you can whip up these wings quickly.
• Full of Flavor: The combination of honey, lemon, and pepper gives a unique taste that tantalizes your taste buds.
• Versatile Dish: These wings work great as appetizers or as a main course alongside your favorite sides.
• Crispy Texture: Thanks to the baking method, you’ll enjoy perfectly crispy wings every time.
• Healthier Option: Baking instead of frying keeps these wings lighter without sacrificing flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather the essential tools that will help you create these amazing honey lemon pepper wings.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy base for even cooking and easy cleanup with parchment paper.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for tossing the chicken wings with spices and sauces evenly.
• Small saucepan: Perfect for preparing the flavorful honey lemon pepper sauce without burning it.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Wings

All you need are a few pantry staples to make these delicious honey lemon pepper 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 Honey Lemon Pepper 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 until well coated.

Step 3: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Lightly spray some oil onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Transfer the chicken wings to the sheet in a single layer. Spray more oil on top of the wings for extra crispiness.

Step 4: Bake the Wings

Decrease the oven temperature to 425°F. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes depending on their size. Flip them halfway through cooking time and spray with more oil.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

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

Step 6: Toss in Sauce

Once baked, transfer the wings to a bowl and toss with the honey lemon pepper sauce until well coated. Serve hot!

How to Serve Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Honey lemon pepper wings are a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or enjoying a cozy dinner, these wings can complement a range of sides and dips.

With Dipping Sauces

• Ranch Dressing: This creamy dressing pairs perfectly with the spicy sweetness of the wings.
• Blue Cheese Sauce: A classic choice for wing lovers, offering a tangy contrast to the honey glaze.
• Honey Mustard: Enhance the sweet flavor with this zesty dip that balances the taste.

On a Salad

• Mixed Greens: Toss your wings on a bed of fresh greens for a lighter option.
• Caesar Salad: Combine the wings with romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing for a hearty meal.

As a Sandwich Filling

• Wing Sandwiches: Place crispy wings between ciabatta or brioche buns with toppings like coleslaw or pickles.
• Wraps: Use tortillas to create a spicy chicken wrap with lettuce and ranch sauce.

With Vegetables

• Celery and Carrot Sticks: Fresh veggies add crunch and help balance the flavors of the wings.
• Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements the tangy sauce beautifully, adding some smoky flavor.

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How to Perfect Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

To ensure your honey lemon pepper wings come out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use potato starch: This will give your wings an extra crispy texture when baked.
• Pat dry before seasoning: Removing moisture from the chicken helps achieve that desired crispiness.
• Flip halfway through cooking: This ensures even cooking and browning on all sides.
• Adjust baking time based on size: Larger wings may require additional cooking time; check for doneness.
• Let sauce cool slightly before tossing: This prevents the wings from becoming soggy while still allowing them to be coated well.
• Serve immediately after coating: For maximum crispiness, enjoy your wings right after tossing them in the sauce.

Best Side Dishes for Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Pairing sides with honey lemon pepper wings enhances the overall meal experience. Here are some great side dishes to consider.

1. French Fries: Crispy fries are always a favorite that adds crunch alongside your flavorful wings.
2. Coleslaw: A refreshing slaw provides a cool contrast to the heat of the pepper and sweetness of honey.
3. Potato Wedges: Seasoned wedges offer an easy-to-eat side that complements any wing dish beautifully.
4. Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac adds richness and is loved by both kids and adults alike.
5. Garlic Bread: The buttery flavors work well with the tangy sauce of the wings, making it an excellent addition.
6. Cornbread Muffins: Their sweetness pairs nicely with spicy foods like honey lemon pepper wings for balance.
7. Baked Beans: A warm serving of baked beans adds protein and depth to your meal.
8. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli is nutritious and provides color on your plate while balancing out richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making honey lemon pepper wings can be fun, but a few common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here’s how to steer clear of them.

• Not drying the wings: Moist chicken wings won’t crisp up well. Always pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning.
• Overcrowding the baking sheet: Placing too many wings on one sheet can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure they are in a single layer for optimal crispiness.
• Skipping the oil spray: Without oil, your wings may turn out dry. Lightly spray oil on both sides before baking for a crispy texture.
• Ignoring cooking times: Each oven is different; cooking times may vary based on wing size. Use a meat thermometer and aim for an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Rushing the sauce: A well-combined sauce enhances flavor. Take time to simmer the honey lemon pepper sauce until fully blended.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your honey lemon pepper wings in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3-4 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 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

• Oven: Preheat to 375°F and heat wings for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover; heat for 1-2 minutes, checking to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What makes honey lemon pepper wings so crispy?

The combination of potato starch and baking powder helps achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.

Can I use frozen chicken wings?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings! Just ensure they are fully thawed before preparing them according to the recipe.

How should I serve honey lemon pepper wings?

These delicious wings are perfect as an appetizer or main dish. Pair them with celery sticks and ranch dressing for a complete meal.

Can I customize the sauce?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of honey or lemon juice according to your taste preferences or add spices like cayenne for extra heat.

Final Thoughts

Honey lemon pepper wings offer a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors that make them irresistible. Their versatility allows for customization, so feel free to try different spices or sauces. Give this recipe a try for your next gathering or dinner—your taste buds will thank you!