Honey Lemon Pepper Wings: Sweet, Tangy, and Irresistibly Crispy!
These Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, with a crispy texture that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a casual get-together, or just craving something delicious, these wings are a crowd-pleaser. The honey lemon glaze adds a bright, zesty finish that makes these wings truly unforgettable!
Ingredients
For the Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings (split into flats and drumettes, if needed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Honey Lemon Glaze:
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra flavor)
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Wings
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top for even cooking.
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until evenly coated.
Step 2: Bake the Wings
- Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden brown and crispy.
Step 3: Make the Honey Lemon Glaze
- While the wings are baking, combine the honey, lemon juice, olive oil, black pepper, and lemon zest (if using) in a small saucepan.
- Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
- Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl.
- Pour the honey lemon glaze over the wings and toss until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley, lemon slices, or a sprinkle of extra black pepper if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: Sweet honey, tangy lemon, and a hint of black pepper create a delicious harmony.
- Crispy Texture: Baking the wings on a wire rack ensures they’re crispy all over.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe a breeze.
- Versatile: Great as an appetizer, snack, or main dish.
Tips for Success
- Pat Dry the Wings: For extra crispiness, pat the wings dry with paper towels before seasoning.
- Double the Glaze: If you love saucy wings, make extra glaze for dipping or drizzling.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to the glaze for a spicy kick.
- Air Fryer Option: Cook the wings in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, shaking halfway through, for even crispier results.
Serving Suggestions
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or extra honey lemon glaze on the side.
- Fresh Veggies: Pair with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or cucumber slices for a refreshing contrast.
- Lemon Wedges: Add extra lemon wedges for a zesty garnish.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or in the air fryer for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.
Enjoy these Honey Lemon Pepper Wings—a sweet, tangy, and crispy treat that’s perfect for any occasion!