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    Home » Recipes » Party Food » Wings

    Honey Lemon Pepper Wings (CRISPY BAKED!)

    Feb 18, 2022(updated May 9, 2023)

    By Michelle Weiner

    5 from 1 vote
    Prep Time 30 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 45 minutes minutes
    Chill Time 1 hour hour
    Jump to Recipe
    a pile of baked chicken wings on a grey plate.

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    These Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are not only sticky, sweet, peppery, and citrusy, but also completely addicting! They’re a must-have at parties and on game day.

    3 plates holding baked chicken wings next to an orange cocktail and yellow napkins.
    Photos by Michelle Boulé

    A chicken wing bursting with citrus, sweetness, and a peppery punch

    Have you been lucky enough to indulge in baked Honey Lemon Pepper Wings yet? If not, you’re in for a treat!

    These aren’t your average chicken wings. While Salt and Vinegar Wings and Smoky Dry Rub Wings are delicious and classics for a reason, these lemon pepper wings offer a unique, punchy, and bright flavor profile. Plus, using my method for crispy baked chicken wings, the wings always turn out super crunchy and golden brown!

    These baked wings are extra special thanks to the lemon pepper seasonings and honey lemon pepper sauce on top. The zest, spice, and sweetness takes every bite to an entirely different level!

    3 baked chicken wings topped with honey on a beige plate.

    What are honey lemon pepper wings made of?

    The chicken wings are coated before being cooked in the oven and covered in sauce. Try not to replace any of these ingredients to achieve the crispiest texture and best flavors:

    Chicken wings

    Separate the flats and drumettes if the chicken wings are connected. Dry them really well with paper towels so the coating and seasonings stick really well to the skin.

    Aluminum-free baking powder

    This is the secret to crispy baked chicken wings! Aluminum-free baking powder (along with cornstarch and salt) coats the chicken skin and helps it bubble and blister in the oven without affecting the overall flavor.

    DO NOT replace the baking powder with baking soda. While it can crisp up your wings, baking soda will give the chicken a strong, unappetizing metallic flavor.

    individual white bowls filled with spices, cornstarch, raw chicken wings, and honey.

    Cornstarch

    The chicken wing coating is made with a simple mix of cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. This coating helps dry out the wings and crips up and bubbles when baked, giving you crispy chicken skin. The longer you let the wings sit in the coating, the better!

    Lemon pepper seasoning 

    Lemon pepper seasoning is made from granulated lemon zest, salt, black pepper, sugar, garlic, and a handful of other ingredients. It's stirred into the chicken wing coating to infuse peppery and tangy flavors in every bite.

    Lawry’s Lemon Pepper Seasoning is my favorite storebought brand but you can substitute it for a salt-free alternative, make your own blend, or use fresh lemon zest and cracked black pepper instead.

    Do you have leftover seasoning that you aren't sure how to use? It's delicious with roasted vegetables, chicken, and seafood!

    3 plates holding baked chicken wings next to orange cocktails and yellow napkins.

    Salt

    To help flavor the wings.

    Honey lemon pepper sauce

    The easy honey lemon pepper sauce is made from a simple mix of honey, fresh lemon juice, and black pepper. The wings maintain their delicious crispy skin and crunchy bites even when doused in the sauce.

    Try warming up the honey right before mixing the sauce together and coating the wings. The warm honey complements the chicken beautifully while the sweetness helps balance the tart, zippy wings.

    How to make baked honey lemon pepper wings

    The sweet and tangy wings are ready to eat after a few simple steps:

    raw chicken wings in a paper towel-lined bowl.

    Step 1: Thoroughly dry the chicken wings with paper towels.

    a white bowl filled with seasonings and baking powder.

    Step 2: Mix the baking powder, cornstarch, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt together in a small bowl.

    tossing raw chicken wings in a white bowl filled with baking powder.

    Step 3: Toss the wings in the lemon pepper mixture.

    rows of raw chicken wings on a wire rack.

    Step 4: Place the wings on a wire rack and leave them to chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour and up to 12 hours

    baked chicken wings in rows on a wire rack.

    Step 5: Bake the wings until they're crisp and golden brown.

    drizzling honey on a pile of baked chicken wings on a grey plate.

    Step 6: Drizzle the baked wings with the warm honey mixture, then enjoy!

    close up on a pile of baked chicken wings on a grey plate.

    Recipe

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    a pile of baked chicken wings on a grey plate.

    Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Print Rate Pin
    Author: Michelle Weiner
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: party food, super bowl, tailgating
    Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes
    Chill Time: 1 hour hour
    Makes: 6 servings

    Equipment

    • parchment paper
    • baking sheet
    • wire baking rack

    Ingredients

    • 2 pounds chicken wings separated into drumettes and flats
    • 1 tablespoon aluminum-free baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
    • 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
    • 1 teaspoons salt
    • 3 tablespoons honey
    • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
    • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • Pinch kosher salt

    Instructions

    • Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top of each. Spray the racks with nonstick spray.
    • Place wings in a large bowl and thoroughly dry with paper towels.
    • Mix baking powder, cornstarch, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt together in a small bowl.
    • Sprinkle the lemon pepper mixture evenly over the wings and toss to coat.
    • Evenly place on the racks and chill for at least 1 hour and up to 12.
    • Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
    • Bake the wings for 30 minutes. Flip the wings, and continue to bake until they are crisp and golden brown about 15 minutes.
    • While the wings are almost done baking, thoroughly mix the remaining ingredients together in a small bowl. If you like, warm the honey mixture slightly.
    • Plate the wings and drizzle with the honey lemon pepper mixture and serve immediately.
    Did you make this recipe?Share a pic and tag @cupofzest and use #cupofzest so I can see it!

    « Smoky Dry Rub Chicken Wings [BAKED]
    Dry Rub Ranch Chicken Wings (BAKED) »

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    Comments

      5 from 1 vote

      Leave a Comment & Rate this Recipe Cancel reply

      Leave a Comment & Rate this Recipe

      ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

      Not only will you be helping us out, but you'll also be spreading the love to other party planners looking for their next big hit!

      Your star rating and comment can make all the difference in helping others discover the perfect recipe for their next shindig. And let's be honest, who doesn't love a good party? So let's get this party started by sharing the love and making sure everyone has a delicious time. Thanks for being a part of the Party Food Crew! And remember, party more & stress less!

      🎉 Cheers,
      Michelle

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Daniela Swamp says

      July 27, 2024 at 9:21 pm

      5 stars
      Just made these! So easy and gooood!

      Reply
      • Michelle Weiner says

        July 28, 2024 at 6:58 pm

        Hell yeah!!! Thanks so much for making it and sharing!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Michelle and welcome to the party!

    After of working in the culinary world for over 10 years, I'm sharing the skills I've learned with you here at Cup of Zest. I'm here to help you invite your friends over more and stress less when cooking for them. Glad you're part of the crew!

    More about me →

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