Description
These Lemon Pepper Wings are a crispy, zesty appetizer perfect for any occasion. Baked to perfection and finished under the broiler for extra crispiness, the wings are tossed in a buttery lemon pepper sauce with a touch of honey for subtle sweetness. Garnished with fresh green onions and served with lemon wedges, they offer a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and sweet flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds chicken wings, tips trimmed, drumettes separated from flats
Marinade & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons canola oil (or your preferred high-heat cooking oil)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 3 ½ teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning, divided
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Garnish
- Chopped green onions
- Additional lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prep and Bake: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C), positioning racks in the center and upper third spots. Line a baking sheet with foil. Pat chicken wings dry, trim the wing tips and separate the drumettes from the flats. In a bowl, toss the wings with canola oil, honey, and 2 teaspoons of lemon pepper seasoning until well coated. Arrange wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-18 minutes until fully cooked through.
- Broil for Crispiness: After baking, move the baking sheet to the upper third oven rack and broil the wings for 2-3 minutes. This step crisps and browns the skin perfectly. Keep a close watch to avoid burning the wings.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the wings are baking, melt the unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl and toss with the melted butter, freshly squeezed lemon juice, remaining 1 ½ teaspoons of lemon pepper seasoning, and ground black pepper. Ensure the wings are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the sauced wings to a serving plate. Garnish generously with chopped green onions and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for extra zing.
Notes
- For extra crispy wings, pat the wings very dry before tossing with oil and seasoning.
- You can substitute canola oil with avocado or grapeseed oil for similar high-heat roasting results.
- The honey adds a subtle sweetness that balances the tangy lemon pepper; don’t skip it.
- Adjust the lemon pepper seasoning amount based on your preferred level of tanginess and spice.
- These wings are best served immediately to enjoy peak crispiness and flavor.
