Honey Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe

These Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy, making them an irresistible appetizer or main dish. Coated with a crispy, seasoned exterior and tossed in a zesty honey lemon pepper sauce, these wings are sure to be a crowd favorite. Whether you’re baking them for a family dinner or serving them at your next party, this recipe will not disappoint.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Wings:

• 2 pounds chicken wings
• 3 tablespoons potato starch
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• Oil spray (for coating)

For the Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce:

• ½ cup honey
• Zest of 1 lemon
• ¼ cup lemon juice (or more to taste)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1-2 teaspoons ground black pepper
• A pinch of salt

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Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 450°F (230°C). Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel to ensure they cook up crispy.
2. Coat the Wings: In a large bowl, mix together the potato starch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss them until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
3. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Lightly spray a parchment-lined sheet pan with oil. Arrange the coated chicken wings in a single layer on the sheet pan. Lightly spray the tops of the wings with a little more oil.
4. Bake the Wings: Lower the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Bake the wings for 35-40 minutes, flipping them halfway through and spraying a little more oil on top. The wings should be golden and crispy when done.
5. Make the Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce: While the wings are baking, combine the honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, butter, salt, and black pepper in a small saucepan. Place over medium heat and simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is well-combined and heated through.
6. Toss and Serve: Once the wings are crispy and cooked through, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the honey lemon pepper sauce over the wings and toss to coat evenly. If desired, reserve a small portion of the sauce for dipping.
7. Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy the deliciously tangy, sweet, and peppery wings!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Honey Lemon Pepper Wings offer a delightful balance of flavors—sweet honey, tangy lemon, and a spicy kick of pepper. The crispy, oven-baked wings are a healthier alternative to fried wings, without sacrificing flavor. The honey lemon pepper sauce is easy to make, and tossing the wings in it adds the perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a weeknight treat, these wings are sure to please everyone.

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Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

• Crispier Wings: For extra crispy wings, make sure to pat them dry before seasoning and lightly spray them with oil during baking.
• Sauce Variations: Adjust the amount of lemon juice and pepper based on your taste. For a sweeter version, add a bit more honey. For extra heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or chili powder.
• Air Fryer Option: You can also cook the wings in an air fryer. Set it to 400°F and cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Spicy Kick: Add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the honey lemon pepper sauce for a spicier version.
• Butter Substitute: Use olive oil or a non-dairy butter substitute for a dairy-free version.

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FAQs

Can I make these wings ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the wings and sauce in advance. Store the cooked wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer, then toss in the sauce before serving.

Can I freeze the wings? Yes, you can freeze the wings before baking. Place the seasoned wings on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen at 425°F for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What if I don’t have potato starch? If you don’t have potato starch, you can use cornstarch or rice flour as a substitute for the crispy coating.

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Serving Suggestions

These Honey Lemon Pepper Wings pair wonderfully with a variety of sides:

• Crispy fries or sweet potato fries for a classic wing-night combo.
• A green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the wings.
• Vegetable sides like roasted Brussels sprouts or grilled corn on the cob to complement the flavors of the wings.
• A cooling dipping sauce, like ranch or blue cheese, to balance the peppery heat.

Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or main course, and enjoy these flavorful wings with family and friends!