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. Perfect for game day or a quick weeknight dinner, these wings will surely impress your family and friends with their delightful flavor.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Wings
• For the Sauce
• How to Make Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Wings
• Step 3: Arrange on Sheet Pan
• Step 4: Bake the Wings
• Step 5: Make the Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce
• Step 6: Coat Your Wings
• How to Serve Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
• As an Appetizer
• With Fresh Vegetables
• On a Salad
• In Tacos
• With Rice or Quinoa
• How to Perfect Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
• Best Side Dishes for Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
• Reheating Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How long does it take to make Honey Lemon Pepper Wings?
• Can I use frozen wings for this recipe?
• What can I serve with Honey Lemon Pepper Wings?
• Are Honey Lemon Pepper Wings spicy?
• Can I customize the sauce?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have these wings ready for cooking.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey, lemon, and pepper creates a unique taste that’s both sweet and tangy.
• Versatile Dish: Ideal as an appetizer or main course, these wings fit any occasion from casual gatherings to festive parties.
• Crispy Perfection: Baking at high temperatures ensures the wings come out crispy without frying.
• Healthier Alternative: Using baking powder and potato starch makes them crispy while keeping them lower in fat than traditional fried wings.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making Honey Lemon Pepper Wings, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Sheet pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowl
• Small saucepan
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Sheet pan: A sturdy sheet pan ensures even cooking and prevents spills.
• Parchment paper: This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy after baking.
• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to coat the chicken wings evenly with seasoning.
• Small saucepan: Ideal for simmering your honey lemon pepper sauce without splattering.

Ingredients

To make your Honey Lemon Pepper Wings, gather the following ingredients:

For the Wings

• 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

For the Sauce

• 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

Preheat your oven to 450°F. Make sure to pat dry the chicken wings with a paper towel if they are moist. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Wings

In a mixing bowl, add the potato starch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Toss to coat the chicken wings evenly with this mixture.

Step 3: Arrange on Sheet Pan

Lightly spray some oil onto a parchment-lined sheet pan. Transfer the coated chicken wings to the sheet pan in a single layer. Finish by spraying a bit more oil on top of the wings for extra crispiness.

Step 4: Bake the Wings

Decrease the oven temperature to 425°F. Bake the chicken wings for 35 to 40 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking time and spray more oil on top as needed.

Step 5: Make the Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce

While your wings are baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, butter, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously until well combined; simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 6: Coat Your Wings

Once finished baking, transfer your crispy wings into a bowl. Toss them gently in the honey lemon pepper sauce until they are fully coated. Enjoy!

How to Serve Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Honey lemon pepper wings are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these wings will surely impress your guests.

As an Appetizer

• Serve with toothpicks for easy snacking.
• Pair with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese.

With Fresh Vegetables

• Include a side of crunchy celery and carrot sticks.
• Drizzle with lemon juice for added freshness.

On a Salad

• Toss the wings on a bed of mixed greens.
• Add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette.

In Tacos

• Shred the wings and use them as a filling for tacos.
• Top with avocado slices and fresh cilantro for extra flavor.

With Rice or Quinoa

• Serve the wings over cooked rice or quinoa.
• Drizzle some extra honey lemon sauce for added taste.

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How to Perfect Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

These wings are delicious and can be made even better with a few simple tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your cooking game!

• Pat dry the wings: Ensure they are very dry before seasoning to achieve maximum crispiness.
• Use potato starch: This ingredient helps create a crunchy texture on the outside of the wings.
• Monitor baking time: Check the wings halfway through cooking to ensure they are evenly baked and crispy.
• Adjust seasoning: Feel free to customize the amount of pepper and garlic based on your taste preference.
• Let them rest: Allow the wings to sit for a few minutes after baking to retain their juices before tossing in sauce.
• Serve immediately: For the best flavor and texture, serve them right after tossing in the sauce.

Best Side Dishes for Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Pairing side dishes with honey lemon pepper wings can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement their flavors perfectly.

1. Coleslaw: A refreshing cabbage slaw adds crunch and balances the sweetness of the wings.
2. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a sweet contrast and are easy to prepare.
3. Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is perfect for wiping up any leftover sauce from your plate.
4. Macaroni Salad: Creamy macaroni salad provides comfort alongside the tangy wings.
5. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and a fun bite-sized option.
6. Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges make for hearty companions that soak up wing flavors well.
7. Mixed Veggie Platter: A colorful assortment of veggies can add freshness and crunch to your meal.
8. Baked Beans: Sweet baked beans bring a rich flavor that’s perfect next to spicy chicken wings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Honey Lemon Pepper Wings can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls that can ruin the dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the drying step: Not patting the wings dry before cooking can result in soggy skin. Always ensure they are dry for maximum crispiness.
• Overcrowding the pan: Placing too many wings on the baking sheet prevents proper air circulation. Cook in batches to achieve even crisping.
• Ignoring temperature adjustments: Failing to lower the oven temperature after initial baking may lead to burnt wings. Always follow the recipe’s temperature instructions closely.
• Neglecting seasoning: Forgetting to evenly coat the wings with seasonings can result in bland flavors. Make sure all wings are well-coated for the best taste.
• Not saving sauce for dipping: Using all of your sauce on the wings means you miss out on a delicious dip. Set aside some sauce before tossing to enjoy later.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Honey Lemon Pepper Wings in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Ensure the wings have cooled down before sealing them to maintain freshness.

Freezing Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

• Place cooked wings in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Remember to label with dates for easy tracking.

Reheating Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, checking frequently. This method may not keep them crispy.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Honey Lemon Pepper Wings.

How long does it take to make Honey Lemon Pepper Wings?

The total time is around 50 minutes, including prep and cooking time.

Can I use frozen wings for this recipe?

Yes, but it’s best to thaw them completely before cooking for even results.

What can I serve with Honey Lemon Pepper Wings?

These wings pair perfectly with celery sticks, carrots, or a refreshing salad.

Are Honey Lemon Pepper Wings spicy?

The ground pepper gives a mild kick; adjust the amount based on your spice preference.

Can I customize the sauce?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more honey for sweetness or extra lemon juice for tanginess to suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

These Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are not just crispy and juicy; they’re also incredibly versatile! You can customize them by adjusting spices or adding your favorite sauces. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, you’ll love how easy they are to make at home. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a finger-licking meal!