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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers

    Honey Lemon Pepper Wings (CRISPY BAKED!)

    Feb 18, 2022(updated Apr 19, 2022)

    By Michelle Weiner

    No ratings yet
    Prep Time 30 minutes
    Cook Time 45 minutes
    Chill Time 1 hour
    Jump to Recipe Leave a Comment
    a pile of baked chicken wings on a grey plate.

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    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
    Jump to:
    • What are honey lemon pepper wings made of?
    • How to make baked honey lemon pepper wings
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Recipe

    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!

    Frequently asked questions

    Can maple syrup be used instead of honey?

    Maple syrup should work in place of honey, although I haven’t tested it. The wings will still taste sweet but the overall flavor will differ from the original recipe.

    Can you bake chicken wings without chilling them in the fridge first?

    If you’re hungry for wings right now you can bake them without letting them chill for a long time, but they won’t turn out as crispy. The longer they sit in the coating, the more time they have to dry out. This lengthy process always gives you the best results.

    If you won’t have much time to cook on the day you’re serving the wings, you can prepare them ahead of time. Coat the wings in the baking powder, cornstarch, salt, and lemon pepper seasoning and leave them to rest in the fridge for up to 12 hours ahead of baking.

    How do you serve lemon pepper wings?

    Chicken wings always need a dipping sauce on the side! These wings would be delicious dipped in an extra batch of the honey lemon pepper sauce, ranch dressing, or blue cheese dressing. 

    Having a party? Serve these wings with more fun snacks like vegetarian nachos and pigs in a blanket. They’d also be delicious next to mac and cheese and salad if you’re serving a batch for dinner.

    How do you store leftover chicken wings?

    Leftover chicken wings can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge.

    Reheating them in an air fryer will retain their crispiness or you can place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet and reheat them in the oven instead.

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

    🎉 It's time to cook! 🎉

    Alright, friend! It's your turn to make this delish recipe for your next get-together.

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ When you do, please leave a comment and star rating below so we can hear what you think! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Recipe

    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
    Cook Time: 45 minutes
    Chill Time: 1 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!

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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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    Disclosure

    This site may include affiliate links, meaning I may receive a commission if you purchase something through a link at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    woman with brown hair wearing a blue button up shirt smiling and holding a frozen mango margarita

    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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