Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
All you need are a few pantry staples to make these delicious Honey Lemon Pepper Wings. They’re incredibly crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a sticky sweet and tangy sauce. Perfect for game days or an easy finger-licking dinner, these wings are sure to impress your friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Texture: The combination of potato starch and baking powder ensures that your wings turn out perfectly crispy.
- Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these wings in no time, making them ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
- Flavor Explosion: The blend of honey, lemon, and pepper creates a unique flavor profile that’s both sweet and savory.
- Versatile Dish: Serve these honey lemon pepper wings as an appetizer, snack, or main course—perfect for any occasion.
- Healthy Option: Baked instead of fried, these wings are a lighter alternative without sacrificing any taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking, gather your essential tools to make the preparation process smooth.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Cooking spray
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for even cooking of the chicken wings.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup after baking.
- Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients evenly before coating the wings.
- Small saucepan: Necessary for preparing the honey lemon pepper sauce to coat the 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
Heat the oven to 450°F. Pat dry the chicken wings with a paper towel if they are moist.
Step 2: Prepare the Wings Mixture
Add the potato starch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to the chicken wings. Toss to coat all sides evenly.
Step 3: Arrange Wings 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 additional oil on top of the chicken.
Step 4: Bake Chicken Wings
Decrease the oven temperature to 425°F. Bake the chicken wings for 35 to 40 minutes (depending on their size), flipping them halfway through and spraying more oil on top if needed.
Step 5: Make Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce
While waiting for the wings to bake, prepare your sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, butter, salt, and pepper. Stir occasionally and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until well mixed. Reserve some sauce for dipping if desired.
Step 6: Coat Wings in Sauce
Once baked, transfer the chicken wings to a bowl. Toss them in your freshly made honey lemon pepper sauce until thoroughly coated. Enjoy!
How to Serve Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
Honey lemon pepper wings are not only delicious but also versatile. They can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience.
Casual Game Day Snack
- Pair these wings with a selection of dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or extra honey lemon sauce for a fun game day treat.
Light Salad Accompaniment
- Serve the wings alongside a fresh green salad. The crispness of the salad complements the sticky sweetness of the wings perfectly.
On a Platter
- Present the wings on a large platter surrounded by celery and carrot sticks. This not only looks appealing but also adds a crunchy element to your meal.
With Drinks
- Enjoy these wings with your favorite beverage, such as cold beer or lemonade, for an ultimate flavor match that elevates your taste buds.
As an Entrée
- These honey lemon pepper wings can easily be the star of your dinner table. Serve them with rice or mashed potatoes for a satisfying main dish.
How to Perfect Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
To achieve perfectly crispy and flavorful honey lemon pepper wings, follow these tips:
- Pat dry the wings: Ensure that the chicken wings are thoroughly dried before seasoning. This helps them become crispy in the oven.
- Use potato starch: Coating the wings in potato starch contributes to a crispier texture compared to regular flour.
- Flip halfway through cooking: Turning the wings halfway ensures even cooking and browning on both sides for that perfect crunch.
- Adjust seasonings: Customize the amount of honey and lemon juice based on your taste preference. More honey means sweeter wings, while extra lemon adds tanginess.
Best Side Dishes for Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
Pairing side dishes with your honey lemon pepper wings can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options:
- Coleslaw: The crunch and creaminess of coleslaw provide a refreshing contrast to the sticky, sweet wings.
- French Fries: Crispy fries are always a hit! Consider making sweet potato fries for a unique twist.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and is easy to prepare alongside the wings.
- Baked Beans: The savory flavor of baked beans pairs well with the sweet and tangy profile of the honey lemon pepper sauce.
- Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread offers additional flavor and is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from your plate.
- Vegetable Platter: Fresh veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes provide a healthy crunch and balance out richer flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making honey lemon pepper wings can be straightforward, but a few common mistakes can ruin the experience. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using wet wings: Always pat your chicken wings dry before seasoning. Moisture can prevent them from becoming crispy.
- Skipping the oil spray: Don’t forget to lightly spray oil on the wings and the pan. This helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior.
- Not flipping the wings: Make sure to flip your wings halfway through baking. This ensures even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
- Overcooking or undercooking: Keep an eye on the time and adjust according to wing size. Proper cooking guarantees juicy, tender meat without drying it out.
- Rushing the sauce prep: Take time to simmer the honey lemon pepper sauce properly. This enhances flavors, ensuring the wings are flavorful and sticky.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store wings in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow them to cool completely before sealing to avoid moisture buildup.
Freezing Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
- Freeze cooked wings in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place wings on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish covered with a lid; heat in short intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until warmed throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common queries regarding honey lemon pepper wings that may help you out!
What are Honey Lemon Pepper Wings?
Honey lemon pepper wings are crispy chicken wings coated in a sweet and tangy sauce made with honey, lemon juice, and pepper.
How do I make Honey Lemon Pepper Wings crispy?
To achieve crispy wings, dry them thoroughly before coating and use baking powder in your seasoning mix.
Can I customize the spice level of Honey Lemon Pepper Wings?
Absolutely! You can add more ground pepper or even chili flakes for an extra kick.
How long do Honey Lemon Pepper Wings last in the fridge?
They will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 3 days when stored properly.
Final Thoughts
Honey lemon pepper wings are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you serve them at game day parties or enjoy them as a casual dinner, these wings are bound to impress. Get creative by adding your favorite spices or adjusting the sweetness of the sauce to suit your taste!
Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the mouthwatering experience of Honey Lemon Pepper Wings, a delightful treat that combines crispy chicken with a sticky sweet and tangy sauce. Perfect for game days, casual gatherings, or as a finger-licking dinner option, these wings are sure to impress your guests. The unique flavor blend of honey, zesty lemon, and pepper creates an explosion of taste that pairs perfectly with any occasion. Best of all, they’re baked instead of fried, making them a healthier choice without sacrificing flavor. With just a few pantry staples and straightforward steps, you can whip up this irresistible dish in no time!
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 (or more)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1–2 teaspoons ground pepper
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F. Pat the chicken wings dry.
- In a mixing bowl, combine potato starch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Toss the wings in this mixture until evenly coated.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with oil. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the sheet and spray the tops lightly with oil.
- Bake at 425°F for 35 to 40 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Meanwhile, prepare the sauce by simmering honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, butter, salt, and pepper in a saucepan for about 5 minutes.
- Once baked, toss the wings in the sauce until thoroughly coated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 wings (120g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
