Lemon Pepper Wings with Honey are a perfect combo of tangy, zesty lemon and bold black pepper, all balanced by a touch of sweet honey. These wings are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and loaded with flavor that hits just the right spot every time.
I love making these wings when I want something that feels special but doesn’t take forever to prepare. The lemon pepper seasoning brings a bright pop, and the honey adds a little sticky sweetness that makes each bite so satisfying. It’s a flavor mix that keeps everyone coming back for more, whether it’s game day or just a cozy night in.
My favorite way to serve these wings is with a side of crunchy celery sticks and a cool ranch dip. They’re great as a snack or a main dish, and honestly, I find it hard to stop eating them once they’re on the table. If you want a quick tip, try tossing the wings in the honey right after they come out of the oven so they stay nice and sticky without losing their crispiness.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: Fresh wings are best for that crispy skin and juicy meat. If you can’t find wings, drumettes or flats work fine too.
Baking Powder: Helps make the wings extra crispy in the oven. Make sure to use aluminum-free baking powder to avoid any metallic taste.
Lemon: Fresh lemon zest and juice give the bright, tangy flavor that defines this dish. Bottled lemon juice won’t give quite the same punch, so fresh is best.
Honey: Adds a natural sweetness that balances the tartness and pepper heat. You can swap it for maple syrup or agave if you want a vegan option.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper gives the wings their signature kick. Feel free to adjust the amount depending on how spicy you like it.
How Can I Get Crispy Oven-Baked Wings Without Frying?
Getting crispy wings in the oven isn’t hard if you follow these tips:
- Dry the Wings Well: Use paper towels to pat the wings dry before seasoning. Removing moisture helps skin crisp up.
- Add Baking Powder: Toss wings with baking powder to draw out moisture and create a crunchier coating.
- Use a Wire Rack: Baking wings on a rack lets hot air circulate all around, so wings don’t sit in their own fat and get soggy.
- Flip Halfway: Turn the wings halfway through cooking to get even crispiness on all sides.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give each wing some space so steam can escape, keeping them crispy.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – A sturdy pan for roasting your wings evenly in the oven.
- Wire rack – Keeps wings elevated so air can circulate for crispy skin.
- Mixing bowl – Perfect for tossing wings with seasonings and sauces.
- Whisk – Helps blend the honey, lemon juice, and spices smoothly.
- Tongs – Makes flipping and coating wings easy without burning your fingers.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken wings for drumsticks for a meatier bite that still crisps well.
- Add smoked paprika or chili powder to the seasoning mix for a smoky, slightly spicy twist.
- Mix in fresh chopped thyme or rosemary for an herby note that pairs great with lemon.
- Toss wings in grated Parmesan after baking for a cheesy finish that adds flavor and texture.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Wings with Honey
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, split and tips removed
- 1 tbsp baking powder (aluminum-free)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
For the Honey Lemon Glaze:
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices or wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 35-45 minutes to bake the wings until crispy. After baking, you’ll toss them with the honey lemon glaze and serve right away. Total time is roughly 50-55 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Your Oven and Wings:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top to allow air circulation, which helps the wings crisp up. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin.
2. Season the Wings:
In a large bowl, mix baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon zest. Toss the wings in this seasoning until every piece is well coated.
3. Bake the Wings:
Arrange the wings on the wire rack in a single layer. Bake for 35-45 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the wings are golden brown and crispy.
4. Prepare the Honey Lemon Glaze:
While the wings bake, whisk together honey, olive oil, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
5. Coat and Garnish:
Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the honey lemon glaze over the wings and toss gently to coat evenly. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
6. Serve:
Serve your delicious lemon pepper wings immediately while warm, enjoying the perfect balance of crispy, tangy, peppery, and sweet flavors!
Can I Use Frozen Wings for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the wings completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat them dry before seasoning. This helps ensure they crisp up nicely in the oven.
How Do I Store Leftover Wings?
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Can I Make These Wings Spicier?
Absolutely! Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix to boost the heat. You can also serve with a spicy dipping sauce if you prefer.
Is There a Substitute for Baking Powder?
Baking powder helps make wings extra crispy, but if you don’t have it, cornstarch can be used as a substitute. Toss wings lightly in cornstarch before seasoning for a similar crispy effect.
