Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
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.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Texture: The combination of potato starch and baking powder gives these wings a delightful crunch.
- Flavor Explosion: The honey and lemon create a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess that is simply irresistible.
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have these wings ready to bake in no time.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for game nights, family dinners, or casual gatherings; these wings suit any occasion!
- Easy to Customize: Adjust the level of pepper and garlic according to your taste for a personalized touch.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your honey lemon pepper wings, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides even cooking space for your wings, ensuring they bake perfectly.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up a breeze.
- Mixing bowl: Necessary for coating the wings with seasoning before baking.
Ingredients
All you need are a few pantry staples to make these delicious honey lemon pepper wings.
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
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: Season the Wings
Add the potato starch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to the chicken wings. Toss to coat the chicken wings evenly.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Lightly spray some oil onto the parchment-lined sheet pan. Transfer the chicken wings to the sheet pan in a single layer. Spray the tops of the chicken with some more oil.
Step 4: Bake the Wings
Decrease the oven temperature to 425°F. Bake the chicken wings for 35 to 40 minutes (depending on their size), flipping them at the halfway mark and spraying a bit more oil on the tops.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat, add the honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, butter, salt, and pepper. Stir and simmer the sauce for 3 to 5 minutes until everything is well combined. Set aside a small portion to dip the wings in if desired.
Step 6: Toss in Sauce
Once the wings are done baking, transfer them to a bowl and toss them to coat with the honey lemon pepper sauce. Enjoy your delicious honey lemon pepper wings!
How to Serve Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
Honey lemon pepper wings are not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve them in various ways to complement your meal or gathering. Here are some creative serving suggestions.
Pair with Dipping Sauces
- Ranch Dressing: A classic choice that adds a creamy contrast to the tangy wings.
- Blue Cheese Sauce: For those who enjoy a stronger flavor, blue cheese brings out the richness of the chicken.
- Hot Sauce: Spice things up with your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
Add Fresh Vegetables
- Celery Sticks: Crunchy and refreshing, they provide a nice balance to the sticky sweetness of the wings.
- Carrot Sticks: Sweet and crunchy, these pair well with any dipping sauce you choose.
Serve with a Cold Beverage
- Lemonade: A refreshing drink that echoes the citrus flavor in the wings.
- Iced Tea: Opt for sweetened or unsweetened, depending on your preference.
Create a Platter
- Vegetable Platter: Surround the wings with an assortment of fresh veggies for a colorful presentation.
- Cheese Board: Add some cheeses that pair well with chicken for a gourmet touch.
How to Perfect Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
To ensure your honey lemon pepper wings turn out perfectly crispy and flavorful, follow these tips.
- Choose Fresh Wings: Fresh chicken wings will yield better flavor and texture than frozen options.
- Pat Dry Thoroughly: Removing moisture before seasoning helps achieve maximum crispiness during baking.
- Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on your wings as they bake to avoid overcooking; they should be golden brown and crispy.
- Coat Generously in Sauce: Toss the wings well in sauce after baking to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
- Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve the wings right after tossing them in sauce.
Best Side Dishes for Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
Honey lemon pepper wings pair beautifully with many side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:
- French Fries: Crispy fries are always a favorite alongside chicken wings, perfect for dipping.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and balances out the sweetness of the wings.
- Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad complements the flavors while providing a filling side dish.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or buttered corn offers a sweet contrast that works well with spicy flavors.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Rich and cheesy, this comfort food is a delightful pairing with any wing dish.
- Baked Beans: The smoky-sweet flavor of baked beans goes hand-in-hand with honey lemon pepper wings.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread adds another layer of flavor that enhances your meal experience.
- Green Salad: A light green salad can refresh your palate between bites of rich chicken wings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Honey Lemon Pepper Wings can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some to watch out for:
- Not drying the wings properly: Moist chicken wings will not crisp up in the oven. Always pat them dry with a paper towel before seasoning.
- Skipping the baking powder: Baking powder is key to achieving that crispy exterior. Don’t omit it from your recipe.
- Overcrowding the pan: If wings are too close together, they will steam instead of bake. Make sure they’re in a single layer on your sheet pan.
- Ignoring the sauce timing: If you let the sauce simmer too long, it may become too thick or burnt. Keep an eye on it while preparing your wings.
- Not adjusting seasoning to taste: Everyone’s palate is different; feel free to adjust the amount of pepper or garlic in your sauce to suit your preferences.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Honey Lemon Pepper Wings in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
- Place cooled wings in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
- Oven: Preheat to 375°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
- Microwave: Heat for 1-2 minutes, but be aware this may make them less crispy.
- Stovetop: Reheat on medium heat in a skillet for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about making Honey Lemon Pepper Wings:
Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings. Just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning.
How do I make Honey Lemon Pepper Wings spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the honey lemon pepper sauce.
What can I serve with Honey Lemon Pepper Wings?
These wings pair well with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese.
How can I customize the flavor of my Honey Lemon Pepper Wings?
Feel free to experiment with additional spices like chili powder or even swap honey for maple syrup for a unique twist!
Final Thoughts
Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors. They make an excellent appetizer for gatherings and can easily be turned into a satisfying main dish. Feel free to customize them by adding your favorite spices or serving them with different dips. Enjoy these delicious wings any time you crave comfort food!
Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of Honey Lemon Pepper Wings, where crispy perfection meets a sweet and tangy sauce that will make your taste buds dance. These wings are not only easy to prepare but also perfect for any occasion, whether it’s game day, a family gathering, or a cozy dinner at home. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create these irresistible treats that are sure to be a hit. The combination of honey and lemon brings out a flavor explosion, while the unique blend of spices ensures every bite is packed with deliciousness. Toss them in the zesty sauce right after baking for maximum flavor impact!
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 and juiced)
- ¼ cup lemon juice (or more)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1–2 teaspoons ground pepper
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F.
- Pat dry chicken wings and toss them with potato starch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, spray with oil, and arrange wings in a single layer.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes at 425°F, flipping halfway through.
- Meanwhile, simmer honey, lemon juice, zest, minced garlic, butter, salt, and pepper in a saucepan for about 5 minutes until well combined.
- Toss baked wings in the sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 wings (approximately 120g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
