Description
These Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings are a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, baked to crispy perfection. Ideal for game day or gatherings, they are sure to impress with their delicious taste and easy preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Clean the Wings: Rinse the chicken wings under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Trim the Wings: If whole, separate the wings into drumettes and flats using a sharp knife. Discard the wing tips or save for stock.
- Marinate the Wings: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and cayenne pepper. Add the wings and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2-4 hours.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Arrange the Wings: Remove wings from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place in a single layer on the wire rack.
- Bake the Wings: Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and crispy.
- Broil for Extra Crispiness: For extra crispiness, broil for the last 5-7 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine remaining marinade with an additional tablespoon of honey and lemon juice. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Taste and Adjust: Adjust sweetness or tanginess of the sauce as desired.
- Coat the Wings: Remove wings from the oven, place in a bowl, and pour the sauce over them. Toss gently to coat.
- Garnish: Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Serve: Serve hot with celery sticks and your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
- For extra crispy wings, dry them in the refrigerator uncovered for a few hours before marinating.
- These wings can also be grilled for a smoky flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes