Craving something tangy and crispy? These lemon chicken wings hit all the right notes.
Bursting with zesty lemon flavor and boasting a perfectly crispy skin, these wings are a delicious treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Grab your ingredients and get ready to whip up a batch of wings that are as easy to make as they are irresistible.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Take the chicken wings out of the refrigerator and thoroughly pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure crispy skin.
- In a small bowl, mix together black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and baking powder. Sprinkle this spice mix over the wings, tossing them until they are evenly coated.
- Arrange the seasoned wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or fitted with a cooling rack. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, then flip the wings and bake for another 20-25 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine lemon pepper seasoning, melted unsalted butter, and freshly-squeezed lemon juice to create the sauce.
- Once the wings are done baking, remove them from the oven and toss them in the prepared lemon pepper sauce. Serve immediately while they are hot and enjoy!
Ingredients
- Chicken wings, segmented into drumettes and flats
- Baking powder
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Nutritional Values
Calories: 784kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 64g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 20g | Trans Fat: 1.2g | Cholesterol: 248mg | Sodium: 196mg | Potassium: 1728mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 1580IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 588mg | Iron: 4mg
FAQ
- How do I achieve extra crispy wings without deep frying?
- To get crispy wings without deep frying, use baking powder in the spice rub. The baking powder alters the pH of the chicken skin, making it crispier when baked.
- Can I make these wings ahead of time and store them?
- Yes, you can store leftover lemon pepper wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes.
- Is it possible to freeze lemon pepper wings for later use?
- Absolutely! These wings can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw them completely before reheating, although you can also reheat them straight from the freezer in a 350°F oven for 25-30 minutes.
- What should I serve with lemon pepper wings?
- Lemon pepper wings pair well with dipping sauces such as homemade blue cheese dressing, low-carb ranch dressing, Greek yogurt ranch dip, Cajun garlic butter sauce, or a copycat Chick-fil-A sauce.
- How can I make the wings less messy to eat?
- If you prefer dry wings, simply skip the wet sauce and toss the baked wings with just the lemon pepper seasoning.
- Why is it important to use room temperature wings?
- Using wings that are at room temperature before baking ensures they remain juicy, as they cook more evenly compared to cold wings taken directly from the refrigerator.
Tips
- Use Room Temperature Wings: Allow the wings to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This step ensures that they cook more evenly and remain juicy once baked.
- Thoroughly Dry the Wings: Pat the wings dry with a paper towel meticulously before seasoning them. The drier the skin, the crispier the wings will become in the oven.
- Avoid Crowding the Baking Sheet: Ensure that the wings are spaced out and not touching each other on the baking sheet. This will allow them to crisp up nicely. Use an additional baking sheet or cook in batches if necessary.
- Serving Variation: For those who prefer dry wings, skip the butter and lemon juice sauce, and simply toss the baked wings with lemon pepper seasoning for a drier version.
Equipment
- Air Fryer – If you choose to make the wings using an air fryer instead of an oven.
- Cooling Rack – This can be placed on top of a baking sheet to help the wings cook more evenly and get crispy.
- Baking Sheet – If you don’t already have a suitable one for baking wings.
- Parchment Paper – To line the baking sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Ramekins – Small dishes useful for mixing and holding spices.
