Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

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Thereโ€™s something magical about wingsโ€”crispy, tender, and bursting with flavor. And when you toss them in a sweet, tangy honey lemon glaze with just the right amount of pepper kick? Oh, itโ€™s a game-changer. These Honey Lemon Pepper Wings will quickly become your new favorite! The sweet and tangy glaze is perfectly balanced by the pepperโ€™s bold punch, making every bite a delicious burst of flavor. Trust me, youโ€™re going to love these wingsโ€”theyโ€™re perfect for game day, family dinners, or a weekend treat.

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Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

These wings are all about bringing bold flavor and a bit of zing to your plate. Hereโ€™s why theyโ€™re a must-try:

  • Versatile: Whether youโ€™re serving them at a party, enjoying them for a casual dinner, or snacking during a movie marathon, these wings fit any occasion perfectly.
  • Simple Ingredients: The best part? You donโ€™t need a lot of fancy ingredients to make these wings. Theyโ€™re made with staples you probably already have on hand!
  • Quick & Easy: No complicated techniques hereโ€”just a few easy steps to make crispy, flavorful wings thatโ€™ll wow everyone.
  • Crowd-Pleasing: Sweet, tangy, pepperyโ€”itโ€™s a combo that everyone loves. Theyโ€™re the kind of wings that are always a hit, no matter the crowd.
  • Customizable: Want to add a little heat? Toss in some chili flakes! Prefer a milder version? Adjust the pepper to your taste. The flavor profile is easy to tweak.

Ingredients

These wings have it allโ€”crispiness, sweetness, tanginess, and a peppery kick. Letโ€™s break it down:

  • Chicken Wings: The star of the show. Crispy and tender, perfect for soaking up all the flavor.
  • Honey: For that sweet, sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds a refreshing tang that balances out the sweetness of the honey.
  • Black Pepper: Freshly cracked pepper is what gives these wings that zesty kick.
  • Garlic Powder: For a savory depth that complements the honey and lemon.
  • Olive Oil: To help crisp up the wings in the oven and give them that golden finish.
  • Salt: To season and bring everything together.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make some crispy, tangy, and sweet wings? Hereโ€™s how:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC). This ensures the wings get nice and crispy.
  2. Prepare the Wings: Pat your chicken wings dry with paper towels. This is key to getting that crispy texture!
  3. Season the Wings: In a bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper. Make sure the wings are well-coated.
  4. Bake the Wings: Arrange the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden and crispy.
  5. Make the Glaze: While the wings are baking, whisk together the honey and lemon juice in a small bowl. This will be the sweet, tangy glaze that coats the wings.
  6. Toss the Wings: Once the wings are cooked, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the honey lemon glaze over the wings and toss them until theyโ€™re all coated in that sticky, flavorful goodness.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, or enjoy them as they are!

How to Serve Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

These wings are delicious on their own, but if you want to elevate your meal, here are some great sides to serve with them:

  • Fresh Veggies: Carrot sticks, celery, or cucumber slices are perfect for balancing out the richness of the wings.
  • Dips: Serve with ranch, blue cheese, or even a tangy yogurt-based dip for a cooling contrast.
  • Fries: Crispy fries or sweet potato fries are a classic pairing with wings.
  • Salads: A simple green salad or a crunchy coleslaw works well to cut through the savory sweetness of the wings.

Additional Tips

  • Crispier Wings: If you want your wings extra crispy, broil them for 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time.
  • Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the glaze for a spicy twist.
  • Cook Them on a Rack: If you have a wire rack, place the wings on it while baking to help them crisp up all over.
  • Meal Prep: You can prepare the wings ahead of time and bake them the day you plan to serve them.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen wings?
A1: Yes! Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking, and you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q2: Can I make these wings in an air fryer?
A2: Absolutely! Air fry at 400ยฐF for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, for perfectly crispy wings.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best crispiness.

Q4: Can I make these wings ahead of time?
A4: Yes, you can bake the wings and toss them in the glaze ahead of time. Just reheat them in the oven when youโ€™re ready to serve.

Q5: Whatโ€™s the best way to reheat these wings?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350ยฐF for 10-12 minutes to keep them crispy.

Q6: Can I make the glaze spicier?
A6: Yes, add more pepper or a bit of hot sauce to the glaze to give it an extra kick!

Q7: Can I use this glaze for other proteins?
A7: Definitely! This honey lemon pepper glaze works great on chicken breasts, shrimp, or even grilled vegetables.

Q8: Are these wings gluten-free?
A8: Yes, these wings are naturally gluten-free! Just double-check the seasoning and glaze ingredients to be sure.

Q9: Can I grill these wings instead of baking them?
A9: Yes! Grill the wings over medium-high heat for about 20 minutes, turning frequently, and then toss them in the glaze.

Q10: Can I double this recipe?
A10: Absolutely! Just make sure to use a larger baking sheet, and you might need to cook the wings in batches.

Conclusion

These Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are crispy, tangy, and totally irresistible. With just the right balance of sweet, sour, and peppery flavors, theyโ€™ll quickly become a family favorite. Whether youโ€™re hosting a gathering or just craving a snack, these wings are the perfect go-to. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a dish thatโ€™ll leave everyone asking for seconds!

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Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

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  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4โ€“6 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These sweet and tangy Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are the perfect balance of flavors with crispy skin, a touch of citrus, and a hint of spice. An easy and delicious appetizer or main dish for any occasion!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 pounds chicken wings
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Prepare the Honey-Lemon Mixture:
    • In a medium bowl, mix together honey, lemon juice, olive oil, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and lemon zest.
  • Coat the Chicken Wings:
    • Place the chicken wings in a large bowl. Pour the honey-lemon mixture over the wings and toss to coat well.
  • Arrange the Wings:
    • Arrange the coated wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
  • Finish and Serve:
    • Once done, let the wings cool for a few minutes. Drizzle with any leftover honey mixture if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Feel free to adjust the amount of honey or lemon juice based on how sweet or tangy you like it.
  • These wings can be served with a side of fresh veggies or your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
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