Description
This Lemon Pepper Wings recipe offers crispy, flavorful chicken wings coated in a zesty lemon pepper seasoning and baked to golden perfection. Ideal for game day or a savory appetizer, these wings combine fresh lemon juice, aromatic spices, and melted butter for a tangy, satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds chicken wings (split at joints, tips removed)
Seasoning and Coating
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Lemon Pepper Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or set up a wire rack to allow air circulation. This will help your wings cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
- Dry and Season Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispiness. Place them in a large bowl and toss with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until all wings are evenly coated with the seasoning mix.
- Arrange and Bake: Lay the seasoned wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet or rack. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking to promote even browning and crispness. The wings should turn golden brown and crispy when done.
- Make Lemon Pepper Sauce: While the wings bake, whisk together melted unsalted butter, lemon pepper seasoning, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest in a large bowl. This will be your flavorful coating for the wings.
- Toss Wings in Sauce: After removing the wings from the oven, immediately transfer them to the bowl with the lemon pepper sauce. Toss well until each wing is fully coated with the tangy buttery mixture.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish the wings with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot, ideally with classic sides like ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.
Notes
- For even crispier wings, pat them dry and leave uncovered in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- This recipe can also be adapted for air frying: cook the wings at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Serve with classic accompaniments such as ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks for a delicious combination.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5–6 wings
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
