If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing snack or a finger-licking dinner, these Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are the answer. With a crispy exterior and juicy interior, these wings are coated in a sticky, sweet, and tangy sauce that balances perfectly with the punch of lemon and pepper. Whether you’re serving them for game day or as a casual dinner, they’re sure to disappear fast!
Why You’ll Love These Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
- Crispy and Juicy: The potato starch and baking powder create a crispy exterior, while the chicken stays tender and juicy on the inside.
- Sweet and Tangy Sauce: The combination of honey, lemon, and pepper gives these wings a deliciously sticky and flavorful coating.
- Easy to Make: With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up these wings in under an hour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Wings:
- 2 Pounds Chicken Wings: Perfect for a group snack or a hearty meal.
- 3 Tablespoons Potato Starch: Helps achieve that crispy exterior.
- 1 Tablespoon Baking Powder: Ensures the wings get crispy without deep frying.
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder: Adds a savory flavor.
- 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder: Provides depth and enhances the seasoning.
- 1/4 Teaspoon Paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness and color.
- Oil Spray: Keeps the wings from sticking and helps them crisp up.
For the Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce:
- 1/2 Cup Honey: Provides the sweet base for the sauce.
- Zest of 1 Lemon: Adds a bright, citrusy flavor.
- 1/4 Cup Lemon Juice (Or More, to Taste): Gives the sauce a tangy kick.
- 1 Tablespoon Minced Garlic: Adds a savory note to balance the sweetness.
- 1 Tablespoon Butter: Adds richness to the sauce.
- 1-2 Teaspoons Ground Pepper: Adjust the pepper to your taste for a mild or spicy kick.
- 1 Pinch Salt: Balances the flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Heat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which helps them crisp up in the oven.
2. Coat the Wings:
- In a large bowl, combine the potato starch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Toss the chicken wings in this mixture until they are evenly coated.
3. Prepare the Baking Sheet:
- Lightly spray a parchment-lined baking sheet with oil, then arrange the chicken wings in a single layer on the sheet. Spray the tops of the wings with a bit more oil to help them crisp in the oven.
4. Bake the Wings:
- Reduce the oven temperature to 425°F (218°C) and bake the wings for 35 to 40 minutes. Flip the wings halfway through and spray the tops with more oil to ensure even browning.
5. Make the Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce:
- While the wings are baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, butter, salt, and pepper. Stir and let the sauce simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until well combined and slightly thickened. Set aside a small portion for dipping, if desired.
6. Coat the Wings:
- Once the wings are done baking, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the honey lemon pepper sauce over the wings and toss until they are well coated in the sticky, sweet, and tangy sauce.
7. Serve:
- Serve the wings immediately, with the reserved sauce for dipping if desired. Enjoy the perfect balance of crispy, juicy wings with a tangy, peppery glaze.
Tips for Success
- Pat the Wings Dry: Make sure to thoroughly dry the wings before coating them with the seasoning mixture to achieve maximum crispiness.
- Adjust the Sauce: Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the lemon juice, honey, or pepper to suit your preference.
- Flip the Wings: Don’t forget to flip the wings halfway through baking to ensure they crisp evenly on both sides.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
Conclusion
These Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are a delicious combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. With their crispy texture and finger-licking sauce, they’re perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a game day snack, party appetizer, or easy dinner. Try this recipe and enjoy wings that are so good, you’ll want to make them again and again!