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    Home ยป Recipes ยป Recipes by Ingredient ยป Chicken or Turkey Recipes

    Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

    Last modified: Dec 28, 2024 ยท Published by Adina, Oct 4, 2021 ยท 10 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    These honey lemon pepper wings are incredible. Sweet and lemony, with a nice kick from the black pepper, crispy on the outside and tender, moist inside. Not to mention that they are so easy to make!

    honey lemon pepper chicken wings, a bowl with spices and lemon wedges.

    These honey lemon pepper wings are so goooood! We love chicken wings! In any form: deep-fried, pan-fried, sweet, hot, breaded โ€ฆ you name it!

    But these baked honey lemon pepper wings are one of our favorite finger foods. No messy deep-frying, no breading that takes time. Just the chicken, some honey, a bit of lemon juice, and spices.

    Ingredients: 5 + spices and oil

    Working time: 10 minutes

    Cooking time: 45 minutes

    This super delicious recipe is great for dinner; it's a perfect appetizer for parties or Super Bowl. And it's ready in less than one hour. For more delicious game-day recipes, have a look at the Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers , Baked Cajun Chicken Wings, Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings, Quick Pork Belly Bites, or the Easy Margherita Flatbread Pizza. To cook wings faster, learn How to Parboil Chicken Wings.

    Jump to:
    • Recipe ingredients
    • How to divide chicken wings at the joint?
    • How to make honey lemon pepper wings?
    • How to make lemon pepper honey glaze?
    • Tips
    • How to store chicken wings?
    • Recipe FAQs
    • How to serve wings?
    • Quick appetizers for the football season
    • ๐Ÿ“– Recipe
    • ๐Ÿ’ฌ Comments

    Recipe ingredients

    bowls with raw chicken wings, lemon pepper, and honey, a lemon, garlic and spices.

    Chicken wings: 3 lb โ€“ in my case, 3 lb was 16 fresh chicken wings, but that can vary a bit depending on the size of the pieces you have. You can buy them either fresh or frozen. If frozen, defrost overnight in the refrigerator.

    They can be whole or already cut into wingettes and drumettes. The wingettes, also known as flats, are the flat part of the wing, while the drumettes are those pieces that look like mini drumsticks. The pre-cut ones are often labeled as "party wings."

    If they are jointed, you can go ahead with baking them. If they are whole, you should divide them at the joint and remove the wing tip if it's still there (it's already removed most of the time).

    Lemon pepper is a fantastic seasoning made from granulated lemon zest and black pepper. The citrus oils infuse the crushed peppercorns, which are then baked and dried. Although it can be used for fish and other meats, I use it mostly for chicken; the two are a perfect match.

    Other ingredients: Lemon juice, honey, and spices.

    See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

    How to divide chicken wings at the joint?

    1. Place a piece on a cutting board.
    2. Cut the tip of the wing with a good sharp knife. I never discard the tips; I use them to make chicken stock.
    3. Hold the drumette in your hand and stretch the joint open while the wingette still lies on the board.
    4. Find the right spot between the bones and cut with the knife through the joint; you should not encounter much resistance. If you do, it means that you hit the bone. Move the knife a little bit more on the right or left side of the joint until you find the right spot. It should be very easy to cut through the skin, between the two bones.
    collage of two pictures with one raw chicken wings with description of the parts and a women diving wings at the joint.

    How to make honey lemon pepper wings?

    collage of two pictures of chicken wings on a rack before and after baking.
    • Step #1: Pat the wings dry with a paper towel and rub them with oil and seasoning. Arrange the wingettes and drumettes on the rack on the lined baking sheet.
    • Step #2: Bake for 35-40 minutes, until crispy, golden brown, and cooked through. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit/ 74 degrees Celsius.
    collage of two pictures of chicken wings on a rack before and after glazing.
    • Step #3: Prepare the glaze shortly before the roasting time is over, and generously brush the wings with the mixture.
    • Step #4: Return the chicken wings to the oven and roast for another 5 minutes until they are shiny and sticky.

    How to make lemon pepper honey glaze?

    cooking glaze for wings in a small saucepan with a spoon in it.
    • Place all the ingredients in a small saucepan. Heat on the stove, let it come to a gentle boil, turn down the heat to low, and simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the spoon without dripping off too quickly.
    • However, don't overcook the mixture, or it will set too much, and you will not be able to glaze the chicken properly.

    Tips

    If you have the time, you can place the wings on a tray in a single layer and refrigerate them, uncovered, for a few hours or overnight; they will dry out and will be even crispier. However, this step is optional; the honey lemon pepper chicken wings will still be delicious without waiting.

    How to store chicken wings?

    Refrigerate: Let come to room temperature and refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

    Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer bags. Defrost in the fridge and reheat in the oven before serving (as instructed above).

    The lemon pepper chicken wings are best served immediately. However, you can reheat them in the preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit/ 180 degrees Celsius for 10 โ€“ 15 minutes or until heated through.

    many glossy chicken wings with honey glaze.

    Recipe FAQs

    Should I wash the chicken before cooking?

    No, don't wash the meat. The bacteria are only destroyed during the cooking process; washing will spread it all over your sink.

    Can I use another glaze for the wings?

    Yes, definitely. You can spice the honey with lemon zest and cracked black pepper if you don't have lemon pepper. Or another spice blend you like.
    Instead of honey, you can glaze the wings with Gochujang, Teriyaki, BBQ, sweet chili, or hot sauce.

    Can I use the glaze for other chicken parts?

    Try it on drumsticks, thighs, or chicken breasts. You might want to double the glaze recipe; in this case, I always need more for legs.

    How to serve wings?

    Sprinkle them with chopped parsley, toasted sesame seeds, or finely chopped green onions if you wish.

    We mostly have them as they are; I never make a dip because they are very spicy and flavorful. Eat them with your fingers, and make sure you have enough napkins close by. And don't forget to squeeze the lemon wedges directly on the hot wings when serving; I find those few drops of juice make them even better.

    When serving them as a main dish, I make a green salad or coleslaw and cut some crusty bread to have on the side. You can serve them with mac and cheese without flour, mashed potatoes, or a simple rice dish for a complete meal.

    pile of honey glazed lemon pepper wings.

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    ๐Ÿ“– Recipe

    overhead view of a plate with honey lemon pepper wings served with lemon wedges.

    Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

    Sweet, lemony, and peppery honey lemon pepper wings. These baked chicken wings make a delicious main meal or a perfect appetizer for parties or the football season.
    4.45 from 34 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 555kcal
    Author: Adina

    Equipment

    • Baking tray
    • Rack
    • Small saucepan
    • Brush
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients 
     

    Wings:

    • 3 lb chicken wings about 16
    • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil canola, sunflower oil
    • ยฝ teaspoon fine sea salt
    • ยผ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

    Glaze:

    • ยฝ cup honey
    • 1 tablespoon lemon pepper or to taste, it depends on the brand
    • 2 garlic cloves
    • ยฝ teaspoon fine sea salt
    • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
    • lemon wedges for serving

    Instructions

    Chicken wings:

    • Divide the chicken wings at the joint if necessary (Note). Place in a large bowl and toss with oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. If you have the time, place them on a tray in a single layer and in the refrigerator to dry for a few hours or overnight. If not, cook them immediately.
      3 lb chicken wings/ 1.3 kg + 2 tablespoons vegetable oil + ยฝ teaspoon fine sea salt + ยผ teaspoon ground black pepper + 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a baking tray with heavy-duty aluminum foil and place a rack on top. Arrange the wings on the rack.
    • Bake for about 35-40 minutes until crispy and cooked through. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
    • Glaze: Remove from the oven and brush with the honey lemon pepper glaze. Return to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes until sticky and shiny. Serve immediately.
      lemon wedges for serving

    Honey lemon pepper glaze:

    • Cook glaze: Place honey, lemon pepper, grated garlic cloves, and lemon juice in a small pan. Heat on the stove, let it come to a gentle boil, turn down the heat to low, and simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes.
      It should thicken slightly, coat the spoon and not drip off the spoon very quickly. You should be able to brush the wings with it, without it dripping off the meat.
      Don't over-boil it.
      ยฝ cup honey/ 170 g + 1 tablespoon lemon pepper + 2 garlic cloves + ยฝ teaspoon fine sea salt + 2 tablespoons lemon juice

    Notes

    Divide the wings: Place a wing on the cutting board. Remove the tip (if still attached) with a good sharp knife. Find the right spot between the bones and cut through the joint between the bones; you should not encounter much resistance.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 4wings | Calories: 555kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 141mg | Sodium: 727mg | Potassium: 383mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 285IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe? Pin it today!Mention @thefastrecipe or tag #thefastrecipe!

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    Comments

      4.45 from 34 votes (29 ratings without comment)

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    1. Kristin says

      May 17, 2022 at 9:07 am

      5 stars
      I didn't have a meat thermometer, but they were great anyway! Very good wings recipe! Regards from Iceland

      Reply
      • Adina says

        May 17, 2022 at 9:27 am

        Hi. Thank you for the feedback!

        Reply
    2. Aiyla says

      May 17, 2022 at 7:20 am

      5 stars
      I tried it and I give it a 5 star rating. Absolutely delicious

      Reply
      • Adina says

        May 17, 2022 at 9:27 am

        Thank you.

        Reply
    3. M. Soto says

      May 16, 2022 at 8:17 am

      5 stars
      Wow, this is ridiculously simple and delicious at the same time!! Thank you!!!

      Reply
      • Adina says

        May 16, 2022 at 1:16 pm

        So glad to hear it! Thank you.

        Reply
    4. Adelaide Abbott says

      May 11, 2022 at 1:04 pm

      5 stars
      I made this exactly as directed. I recommend! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
      • Adina says

        May 11, 2022 at 3:22 pm

        Thank you, Adelaide.

        Reply
    5. Malia says

      May 09, 2022 at 12:48 pm

      5 stars
      Best lemon pepper wings recipe that I've tried, thanks Adina!

      Reply
      • Adina says

        May 11, 2022 at 3:22 pm

        So happy to hear it, thank you for the feedback.

        Reply

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    Adina Beck the recipe writer, creator, and photographer behind The Fast Recipe Food Blog.

    Hi, I'm Adina! I am a foodie, creator, writer, and photographer, creating and photographing recipes for my blogs and clients.

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