Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

When I think of these Honey Lemon Pepper Wings, my mouth immediately begins to water… for a lot of reasons. The tangy lemon, spicy black pepper, and sweet honey create the perfect balance of flavors.

They are baked in the oven and not fried in oil. It’s a hassle and honestly I still have not conquered my fear of frying foods. But that doesn’t even matter because the high baking temperatures makes them super crispy.

Did I mention they are done in under an hour and go great on a multi-flavor chicken wing platter. These Garlic Butter Parmesan Wings are a reader favorite. Or you can customize yours with my Oven Baked Chicken Wings recipe. I also have Soy Garlic Chicken Wings and Salt and Pepper Wings too.

Ingredients for Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

You’ll need 9 ingredients and most of them are probably in your kitchen right now. Keep reading for notes on each ingredient and potential substitutions.

• Chicken Wings: The easiest option is wings labeled “party style” or “party wings.” This just means the wingettes and drumettes are separated. You can also use chicken wings that are not separated and cut them on your own.
• Flour: This recipe uses all-purpose flour and has not been tested with other types of flour.
• Baking Powder: This is essential for chicken skin to become super crispy and crunchy. Read more about the chemistry that makes it happen, it’s super cool.
• Salt: An essential for seasoning the wings.
• Paprika: It takes the seasoning on these wings to another level. Use traditional or smoked paprika.
• Unsalted Butter: This is the base of our honey lemon pepper sauce. Make sure it’s melted and definitely do not substitute for salted butter or your sauce will be salty.
• Honey: I typically use my hot honey recipe, but if I don’t want them spicy I will use regular honey. Feel free to use whichever you prefer, either way they turn out delicious.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is an absolute must. Bottled juice makes this recipe acidic tasting.
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning: I use salt free seasoning from Dash so I can use the amount of lemon pepper seasoning I want without it being overly salty. If you use a seasoning with salt you may have to reduce the amount and omit the salt above.

Special Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Other than the basics, there are a few more things you’ll need to make really delicious and crispy chicken wings.

• Large baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and topped with a wire rack. Doing it this way means you don’t have to flip the chicken wings and they usually bake up crispier. I use these ones if you’re curious, and they come in 3 sizes.
• Kitchen tongs with silicone grabbers. These work great and they don’t break the chicken wings apart by tearing the meat.
• Digital meat thermometer for measuring the internal temperature of the chicken wings.

How to Make Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Here’s a quick summary so you can get familiar with the recipe. Below will be complete details and instructions in the recipe card.

1. PREP THE CHICKEN WINGS by patting them dry and then tossing in flour, baking powder, salt, and paprika. Place them in a single layer and with space in between.

2. BAKE THE SEASONED CHICKEN WINGS on high heat for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat and continue to bake them for 15 more minutes.

3. PREPARE THE HONEY LEMON PEPPER SAUCE in a small bowl. Mix together the melted and slightly cooled butter, honey, lemon juice, and salt-free lemon pepper seasoning.

4. TOSS THE BAKED CHICKEN WINGS IN THE SAUCE and put them back on the baking sheet.

5. BAKE THE CHICKEN WINGS AGAIN for 10 more minutes or until the exterior is caramelized and the internal temperature is 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow them to rest on the rack for 15 minutes before serving.

Storing Information

If you happen to have leftover wings, which I doubt you will, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I do not recommend freezing them or storing leftovers at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions – How Many You’ll Need

There is no definitive rule for the right amount of chicken wings you need for dinner or a party. However, here’s what I ask myself:

First, is it a main dish or appetizer? If it’s a main dish I plan for 6 to 8 chicken wings. If it’s an appetizer I plan for 3 to 5. I also like to consider who will be eating the wings. Men and hungry teenagers tend to eat more, so I might increase the amount of chicken wings by a few.

I’ll be honest, I typically make more of this flavor because everyone really loves the flavor. I think it’s better to have a few extra wings than to run out. I guarantee everyone be asking for more.

Appetizer Recipes That Go Great with Chicken Wings

When I think of chicken wings, I immediately think of dinner (because we eat them a lot). But, chicken wings are also a go-to appetizer for parties. With that in mind I thought I would throw together a few other recipes that pair beautifully with these Honey Lemon Pepper Wings.

• Butter Bean Hummus
• Lemon Feta Fries
• Green Onion Dip
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders
• Chili Cheese Nachos
• Pulled Pork Sliders
• Cheesy Ground Beef Sliders
• Olive Dip
• Feel free to browse all of my appetizers here

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