Get ready to savor the bold, zesty flavors of Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken Wings! These wings are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with bright lemon and savory garlic goodness. Perfect as an appetizer, game-day snack, or even a main course, these wings are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Best of all, they’re baked, not fried, making them a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Crispy and flavorful without the mess of frying.
- The lemon-garlic marinade infuses the chicken with bright and savory notes.
- Super easy to prepare and bake—perfect for any skill level.
- Great for entertaining or casual family dinners.
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll need. The full list is in the recipe card below!
- Chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
- Fresh lemon juice and zest
- Garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Dried oregano
- Paprika
Directions
- Prep the wings: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack for even crisping. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Make the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the wings: Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
- Arrange and bake: Spread the wings out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Garnish with additional lemon zest and fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Dry the wings: Patting the wings dry helps them get extra crispy in the oven.
- Marinate longer: For maximum flavor, marinate the wings for a few hours or overnight.
- Use a wire rack: Placing the wings on a wire rack ensures even air circulation and crispy skin.
- Don’t overcrowd: Give the wings space on the baking sheet to crisp up properly.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Use lime juice instead of lemon for a tangy twist.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Swap dried oregano for Italian seasoning or fresh herbs.
- Experiment with honey or maple syrup in the marinade for a touch of sweetness.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve these wings with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. They’re also great alongside celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, pair with roasted potatoes or garlic bread.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked wings for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to regain crispiness.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken wings?
A: Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating.
Q: How do I know the wings are cooked through?
A: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Q: Can I grill these wings instead of baking them?
A: Absolutely! Grill over medium heat for about 20 minutes, flipping occasionally, until cooked through.
Q: What’s the best way to get extra crispy wings?
A: Besides patting them dry, you can sprinkle a little baking powder on the wings before baking to enhance crispiness.
Conclusion
Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken Wings are the perfect combination of crispy, zesty, and savory. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a flavorful snack, these wings will hit the spot every time. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, they’re sure to become a go-to recipe in your collection. So grab your ingredients and give these wings a try today!
Print
Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken Wings – Zesty and Irresistible
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (excluding marinating time)
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
hese crispy baked lemon garlic chicken wings are packed with flavor. The zesty lemon and savory garlic marinade will have you craving more with each bite. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, they’re easy to make and incredibly tasty.
Ingredients
- 10 chicken wings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zest
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the chicken wings in the marinade, ensuring they’re well coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or longer for more flavor).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the wings in a single layer.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden and crispy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can also grill these wings for an extra smoky flavor.
- Marinating overnight will intensify the lemon and garlic flavor.
- Serve with a dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 wings
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg