Honey Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe
If there’s a dish that knows how to bring people together, it’s these Honey Lemon Pepper Wings. Imagine crispy, golden chicken wings, luxuriously coated in a glaze of sweet honey, zesty lemon, and a bite of cracked black pepper. Each bite bursts with tangy, sweet, and peppery flavors that sing in perfect harmony! This game-day favorite is easy to make, yet tastes restaurant-worthy. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want something special for dinner, Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are bound to become a new tradition at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I adore about this recipe is its simplicity—every ingredient is easy to find, but each one plays a starring role in the flavor, texture, and color of the finished wings. Here’s what you need to make these Honey Lemon Pepper Wings shine:
- Chicken wings: Go for 2 pounds, split and tips removed for the perfect finger food bites.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and ensures irresistibly crispy skin.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors in your wings.
- Black pepper: A must for that signature peppery bite in every nibble.
- Garlic powder: Adds a mellow, savory backbone to the seasoning mix.
- Onion powder: Subtle but necessary for depth and aroma.
- Smoked paprika: Not just for color—smoked paprika brings a whisper of smoky warmth.
- Unsalted butter: The base for the luscious sauce; unsalted lets you control the seasoning.
- Honey: Delivers signature sweetness and gorgeous stickiness to the glaze.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brings a tart, tangy freshness that brightens every bite.
- Lemon zest: Packs a punch of concentrated citrus flavor for boldness and aroma.
- Cracked black pepper: Doubles down on the pepper notes and adds texture to the sauce.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Sprinkle for a pop of green color and freshness.
How to Make Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
Step 1: Prep and Season the Wings
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), making sure it’s nice and hot before the wings go in. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Pat your chicken wings dry with paper towels—this is key for crispiness! Then, toss the wings in a large bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Every wing should be beautifully coated in the spice mix, setting the foundation for that irresistible flavor.
Step 2: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Pop them in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping halfway through so both sides get equally golden and crispy. If you want them extra crispy, use a wire rack over the tray—this allows hot air to circulate all around each wing.
Step 3: Make the Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce
While the wings bake, get that sauce ready! In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Whisk in the honey, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and cracked black pepper. Stir until everything’s well combined, then remove from heat. The result is a glossy, fragrant glaze that will cling perfectly to your wings.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Once the wings are finished baking, transfer them straight to a clean bowl. Pour that warm honey lemon pepper sauce over the top, and toss until every wing is lacquered in glaze. For the finishing touch, sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like—it adds both color and a subtle pop of freshness. Serve your Honey Lemon Pepper Wings immediately for the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
Garnishes
Garnishing is the secret to wings that look as fabulous as they taste. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a pretty, vibrant contrast to the golden glaze. If you want more color, try extra lemon zest or a dusting of cracked black pepper right before serving. These little touches make your Honey Lemon Pepper Wings party-ready and photo-worthy every time.
Side Dishes
The zippy, sweet-savory flavor of these wings pairs beautifully with all kinds of sides. Think crisp celery sticks, carrot batons, or a fresh coleslaw for crunch and contrast. For a heartier meal, serve alongside classic potato wedges or a simple macaroni salad. If you’re hosting game day, a platter with blue cheese dip or ranch is always a home run.
Creative Ways to Present
Let these wings steal the show! Arrange Honey Lemon Pepper Wings on a rustic wooden board for a laid-back gathering, or plate them on a tiered stand with lemon slices and parsley for something more elegant. Thread them onto skewers for parties, or serve in paper cones for a fun, food-truck style vibe. However you serve them, they’ll disappear quickly!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cool the wings to room temperature and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to three days, and the glaze keeps them moist without getting soggy.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze these wings! Place cooled Honey Lemon Pepper Wings in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. This way, they won’t stick together. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months, ready for whenever cravings strike.
Reheating
To reheat, spread wings on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10–15 minutes, or until hot and crispy again. The air fryer is also excellent for small batches—just be sure not to overcook and dry them out. Avoid the microwave if possible, since it softens the skin.
FAQs
Can I use whole chicken wings instead of split?
Absolutely! Whole wings work just fine, though splitting them makes them easier to eat and helps them cook more evenly. You may need to adjust cooking time for larger pieces.
What can I use instead of smoked paprika?
If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular sweet paprika will do, or you can add a dash of chipotle powder for a little heat and smokiness. The flavor depth may vary, but the wings will still be delicious.
Is there a way to make these wings in the air fryer?
Definitely! Air frying is a fantastic option. Cook at 380°F for about 25 minutes, shaking halfway through. The wings will come out extra crispy, and the sauce goes on after, just like with the baked version.
How do I make the sauce tangier or sweeter?
This Honey Lemon Pepper Wings sauce is totally customizable. Add more honey if you want it sweeter, or an extra splash of lemon juice for fresh, tangy flavor. Adjust both to match your personal tastebuds.
Can I double this recipe for a large crowd?
Yes! Just double all the ingredients and bake on two trays, rotating halfway through cooking. It’s a hassle-free way to feed a hungry crew with crowd-pleasing flavor.
Final Thoughts
Once you taste these Honey Lemon Pepper Wings, there’s no going back—they’re that memorable! Whether you’re making them for a party or a cozy night in, their cheerful lemony zing and sticky honey glaze will win over everyone at the table. Give them a try and get ready for rave reviews!
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Honey Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. Crispy baked chicken wings tossed in a sticky honey lemon pepper sauce, they make a delicious appetizer for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, split and tips removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Prepare the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry, then toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Arrange on the baking sheet.
- Bake the Wings: Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Make the Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, and cracked black pepper.
- Toss the Wings: Toss the baked wings with the sauce until fully coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra crispy wings, bake on a wire rack.
- You can also air-fry the wings at 380°F for 25 minutes.
- Adjust honey or lemon to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5–6 wings
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
