Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are a perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that will have you reaching for seconds—and thirds. These crispy wings are coated in a sticky glaze that balances honey’s sweetness with zesty lemon and a peppery kick. Whether you’re hosting game night, a backyard BBQ, or just treating yourself, these wings are always a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The crispy wings coated in a flavorful glaze are irresistible.
- Perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a delicious snack.
- A quick and easy recipe with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Here’s a peek at what you’ll need to whip up these wings:
- Chicken wings
- Lemon juice and zest
- Honey
- Black pepper
You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements below.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Wings
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure they get crispy. Toss them in a mixture of salt, pepper, and a little baking powder to help with browning.
Step 2: Bake or Fry
Bake the wings in a preheated oven at 400°F for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway, or fry them in hot oil until golden and crispy. Set aside while you prepare the glaze.
Step 3: Make the Glaze
In a saucepan, combine honey, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, and a generous amount of black pepper. Heat over medium heat, stirring, until the mixture thickens slightly.
Step 4: Toss the Wings
Place the crispy wings in a large bowl and pour the warm glaze over them. Toss to coat each wing evenly.
Step 5: Serve
Arrange the wings on a platter and garnish with extra lemon zest or chopped parsley for a pop of color.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Dry the wings well: Removing excess moisture ensures they crisp up nicely, especially if baking.
- Adjust the spice: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes if you like your wings with some heat.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and zest make a big difference in flavor.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Use lime instead of lemon for a tangy twist.
- Swap honey with maple syrup or agave for a slightly different sweetness.
- Add garlic powder or fresh minced garlic to the glaze for a savory depth.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve these wings with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Pair them with crisp celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a fresh salad to balance the flavors. For beverages, an ice-cold lemonade or a light beer complements the tangy glaze perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to maintain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the glaze sticky and the wings less crispy.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use chicken drumsticks instead of wings?
Yes, drumsticks work well, but you may need to adjust the cooking time.
Q2: Can I make these in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air fry the wings at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Q3: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled juice can work in a pinch.
Q4: How can I make the glaze thicker?
Let the glaze simmer longer on the stove or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry if needed.
Conclusion
Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are a delightful fusion of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, this recipe is sure to be a winner in your kitchen. Ready to make your wing game unforgettable? Let’s get cooking!
Print
Honey Lemon Pepper Wings: A Sweet and Tangy Delight
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes (baked) or 10 minutes (fried)
- Total Time: 55 minutes (baked) or 20 minutes (fried)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking, Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and zesty flavors. Crispy baked or fried wings are coated in a luscious honey-lemon glaze with a peppery kick, making them an irresistible appetizer or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
- For the Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, drumettes and flats separated
- 1 tbsp baking powder (for crispy baked wings)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- For the Honey Lemon Pepper Glaze:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Wings:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking.
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss them with baking powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
- For Baked Wings: Arrange the wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden brown.
- For Fried Wings: Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 375°F (190°C). Fry the wings in batches for 8–10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Glaze:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, cracked black pepper, and butter. Stir until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Coat the Wings:
- Transfer the cooked wings to a large bowl. Pour the honey lemon pepper glaze over the wings and toss until evenly coated.
- Serve:
- Arrange the wings on a platter and serve immediately. Garnish with extra lemon zest or cracked black pepper if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.
- These wings can also be grilled for a smoky flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approx. 4–5 wings
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg