Description
These Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are a perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors baked to crispy perfection. Coated with a zesty honey lemon pepper sauce and baked until golden brown, they make an irresistible appetizer or game day snack that’s gluten-free and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum free)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly grease the rack to prevent sticking.
- Dry and Season the Wings: Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness. In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until they are evenly coated.
- Arrange and Bake: Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on the wire rack. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through the cooking time, until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the wings bake, whisk together honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, cracked black pepper, paprika, melted butter, and olive oil in a small saucepan. Warm the mixture over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes until it slightly thickens and the flavors meld.
- Toss and Serve: Remove the wings from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm honey lemon pepper sauce over the wings and toss thoroughly to coat every piece. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra crispy wings, let the seasoned wings rest uncovered in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours before baking.
- Adjust the amount of cracked black pepper to control the spice level according to your preference.
- These wings can also be made in an air fryer at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, shaking halfway through cooking for even crisping.
