Description

Honey Lemon Pepper Wings have quickly become one of my family’s favorite game-day treats. We’re not talking about just any wings here—these pack a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and a bit of heat, thanks to the honey-lemon-pepper trifecta. The first time I made them, the whole family devoured them before I even had a chance to sit down! My little ones were licking their fingers, and my husband? He couldn’t stop raving about how the flavors popped. So naturally, I knew this was a recipe I’d be making again and again.

Ingredients

Scale

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious Honey Lemon Pepper Wings:

2 lbs chicken wings (split into drumettes and flats)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/4 cup honey
1 lemon (zested and juiced)
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional for extra richness)
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Prepare the Wings: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel (this helps them get crispy). Toss them in a large bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until they are evenly coated.
Bake the Wings: Arrange the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden and crispy.
Make the Sauce: While the wings are baking, combine honey, lemon zest, lemon juice, and freshly ground black pepper in a small saucepan over medium heat. If you like a richer sauce, add the tablespoon of butter and stir until melted. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Coat the Wings: Once the wings are done, toss them in the honey lemon pepper sauce until they are fully coated. You can do this in a large bowl or directly on the baking sheet if you prefer less mess.
Serve: Transfer the wings to a serving platter, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately while they’re still hot and crispy.

Notes

Dry your wings thoroughly. Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin. Patting your wings dry with a paper towel ensures they crisp up nicely.
Use freshly ground black pepper. It makes a world of difference in flavor compared to pre-ground pepper.
Adjust sweetness to your preference. If you like things less sweet, start with 2 tablespoons of honey and taste as you go.
Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Giving each wing enough space helps them crisp up instead of steaming.
Want spicier wings? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix or to the sauce for an extra kick.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 5
Calories: 320