Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
Tender baked or fried chicken wings tossed in a glossy honey-lemon glaze infused with garlic, cracked black pepper, and a hint of butter. Serve with cooling ranch or blue cheese dip!
Ingredients
- For the Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings split into flats/drumettes, tips removed
- 1 tbsp baking powder for extra crispiness if baking
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil or neutral oil
- For the Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- Zest + juice of 1 large lemon about 3 tbsp juice
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1½ tbsp coarsely ground black pepper adjust to taste
- ½ tsp smoked paprika optional
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- Salt to taste
- For Serving:
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley or thyme chopped
- Ranch or blue cheese dip
Instructions
- Prep Wings:
- Baked: Pat wings dry. Toss with baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and oil. Arrange on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 40–50 mins, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Fried: Heat oil to 375°F (190°C). Fry wings in batches for 8–10 mins until golden. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté 1 min until fragrant.
- Stir in honey, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 2–3 mins until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust salt/pepper.
- Toss Wings:
- Add cooked wings to a large bowl. Pour sauce over and toss until evenly coated.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley, lemon wedges, and extra cracked pepper. Serve immediately with dip
Notes
- Extra Crispy: For baked wings, baking powder draws moisture out of the skin. Don’t skip it!
- Gluten-Free: Use GF baking powder (most are GF, but check labels).
- Spice Level: Reduce black pepper for milder flavor, or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Air Fryer Option: Cook wings at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 mins, shaking halfway.
- Make Ahead: Sauce can be prepared 2 days ahead; rewarm before tossing.
- Veggie Twist: Toss crispy cauliflower florets in the sauce for a plant-based version.