Imagine crispy, golden-brown chicken wings coated in a buttery, zesty lemon pepper seasoning. These aren’t your average wings; they’re a perfect balance of tangy and savory, with a satisfying crunch that’ll have you coming back for more. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a snack, or a main course, these lemon pepper wings are guaranteed to be a hit. And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, so you can whip them up anytime!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Perfection: The baking powder secret ensures extra crispy skin every time.
- Tangy & Savory: The lemon pepper seasoning provides a perfect balance of flavors.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 50 minutes, perfect for last-minute cravings.
- Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Everyone loves crispy, flavorful wings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather our ingredients, shall we? This list is short, sweet, and packed with flavor!
- Chicken Wings: The star of the show! Use whole wings or pre-cut wings for convenience. Remember to separate whole wings into flats and drumettes before baking!
- Baking Powder: The secret to crispy skin! Don’t confuse this with baking soda!
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- Butter (Unsalted, Melted): Adds richness and helps the seasoning stick.
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning: The key to that tangy, peppery flavor! You can use store-bought or make your own!
Variations
Want to spice things up? Here are a few fun twists:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the lemon pepper seasoning.
- Garlic Lover’s Dream: Add garlic powder or minced garlic to the melted butter.
- Herb Heaven: Sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme over the wings before serving.
- Honey Lemon Glaze: Drizzle honey over the wings after coating them in lemon pepper butter for a sweet and tangy twist.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Wings
Step 1: Prep the Wings
- Preheat oven to 425℉ (220℃). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place all wings in a large bowl.
- Sprinkle the baking powder and salt over the wings and toss well, ensuring each wing is coated.
Step 2: Bake the Wings
- Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until they’re golden crisp.
Step 3: Finish with Lemon Pepper Butter
- Combine the melted butter with the lemon pepper seasoning.
- Brush or drizzle the lemon pepper butter over the baked wings and toss to coat.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley.
- Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Baking Powder is Key: Don’t skip the baking powder! It’s crucial for achieving that crispy skin.
- Single Layer Baking: Ensure the wings are in a single layer on the baking sheet for even cooking.
- Check for Crispiness: Bake the wings until they’re golden and crispy to your liking.
- Toss Well: Toss the wings thoroughly in the lemon pepper butter for even coating.
How to Serve
Game Day Glory:
Serve as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at sports events or parties.
Movie Night Munchies:
Enjoy as a delicious snack during movie nights.
Casual Dinner Delight:
Pair with sides like celery sticks, carrot sticks, and dips for a fun meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended as the texture may change upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until crispy and heated through.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cut wings?
Yes! Pre-cut wings save time and are just as delicious.
Can I make my own lemon pepper seasoning?
Absolutely! It’s easy to make using dried lemon zest, black pepper, and salt.
Can I use a different type of seasoning?
Of course! Feel free to experiment with other seasonings like garlic parmesan or buffalo.
How do I prevent the wings from sticking to the baking sheet?
Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Conclusion
There you have it! Lemon Pepper Wings that are crispy, tangy, and incredibly easy to make. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the seasonings and make them your own. Now, go forth and make some amazing wings! You’ll be the MVP of every gathering!
PrintLemon Pepper Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Lemon Pepper Wings are a crispy and flavorful delight, perfect for game days, parties, or a satisfying snack. Baked to golden perfection and tossed in a buttery lemon pepper seasoning, they offer a zesty and savory experience.
Ingredients
- 4 pound chicken wings
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoon butter, unsalted, melted
- 2 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 425℉ (220℃). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prep the Chicken: Place all wings in a large-sized bowl. Sprinkle the baking powder and salt over the wings and toss well, making sure each wing is coated in the baking powder.
- Bake the Wings: Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking pan. Bake for about 40 to 45 minutes or until they’re golden crisp.
- Finish the Wings: Combine the melted butter with the lemon pepper and brush over the wings or drizzle the butter over them and toss.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley and serve.
Notes
- Baking Powder: This is not the same as baking soda. Baking powder is crucial in achieving crispy skin on the wings. Don’t skip it!
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning: You can easily find this in the spice aisle of your supermarket. You can make your own using a recipe.
- Chicken Wings: If you’re using whole wings, don’t forget to separate the flats and drumettes before baking. You can also buy pre-cut wings to save time.
- Serving Suggestion: These wings are great as is, but they also pair well with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a cool, creamy dip like blue cheese or ranch.
- Leftovers: Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg