Lemon-Pepper Wings

Introduction

Lemon-Pepper Wings are the perfect combination of tangy citrus, savory seasoning, and crispy skin. These wings are seasoned with a zesty blend of lemon, black pepper, and other aromatic spices, giving them a fresh and bold flavor.

I first made these wings when I was looking for a lighter, flavorful option for a game day snack, and they quickly became a go-to. The best part is how simple and satisfying they are to make! The wings are baked to golden perfection, becoming crispy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. A squeeze of fresh lemon right before serving gives them an extra burst of citrus that makes them even more irresistible.

Whether you’re making them for a game day snack, a family dinner, or a party, these wings are sure to be a crowd favorite. The bold flavors and crispy texture make them a snack everyone will love!

Perfect for:

• Game day snacks
• Family dinners
• Parties and gatherings
• Grilled or baked wing lovers
• Citrus and pepper enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Lemon-Pepper Wings

Here’s why Lemon-Pepper Wings will quickly become your go-to wing recipe:

• Bold and Zesty Flavor: The fresh lemon zest and cracked black pepper give these wings a vibrant, citrusy punch with a little kick of spice.
• Crispy Texture: The high heat baking process makes the wings wonderfully crispy on the outside while keeping the meat juicy and tender inside.
• Simple Ingredients: The recipe uses a few basic ingredients, but the result is a deliciously complex flavor that tastes like you’ve been cooking for hours.
• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and less than an hour in the oven, these wings are a breeze to prepare for any occasion.
• Customizable: You can adjust the amount of lemon and pepper to suit your preferences, or add other seasonings to make it your own.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 people
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 5g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Lemon-Pepper Wings:

• 2 pounds chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken Wings: The star of the recipe, chicken wings are seasoned and baked to crispy perfection. Feel free to choose between flats, drumettes, or both.
• Lemon Zest & Juice: The combination of lemon zest and juice provides the perfect citrusy flavor that elevates the wings without being overly tart.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper gives a sharp, peppery kick that balances the citrusy zest.
• Olive Oil: Olive oil helps coat the wings, ensuring a crispy texture and adding a subtle richness.
• Garlic and Onion Powder: These aromatic powders bring depth to the flavor, complementing the lemon and pepper.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Lemon-Pepper Wings:

Prepare the Wings:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup, and place a wire rack on top of the sheet to allow air circulation.
2. Prep the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the wings become crispier as they bake.
3. Season the Wings: In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil until well coated. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and paprika. Mix until the wings are evenly coated with the seasoning.

Bake the Wings:

4. Arrange on the Baking Sheet: Lay the seasoned wings out in a single layer on the wire rack, making sure they are not overcrowded. This allows the heat to circulate around them, ensuring an even crisp.
5. Bake the Wings: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through for even crispiness. The wings should be golden brown and crispy when done.
6. Check for Doneness: Ensure the wings are fully cooked by checking their internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (74°C).

Serve the Wings:

7. Garnish and Serve: Once the wings are done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, and serve with your favorite dipping sauces, like ranch or blue cheese.

How to Serve Lemon-Pepper Wings

Lemon-Pepper Wings can be served in a variety of ways:

• As a Main Dish: Pair the wings with a side of fries, coleslaw, or a simple salad for a satisfying meal.
• With Drinks: These wings go wonderfully with cold beer, lemonade, or a crisp white wine, making them a perfect addition to any party or gathering.
• For Game Day: Serve these wings as a snack for your next game day gathering. They’re perfect for nibbling while watching your favorite teams.
• In a Wing Platter: Create a wing platter by serving these alongside other types of wings, like buffalo or honey mustard wings, for a delicious spread.
• With a Side of Veggies: For a lighter option, pair the wings with fresh cut vegetables like carrots, celery, and cucumber.

Additional Tips for Lemon-Pepper Wings

Here are some tips to ensure your Lemon-Pepper Wings turn out perfectly:

• Pat Dry for Crispy Skin: Patting the wings dry before seasoning helps remove excess moisture, which results in a crispier texture.
• Use a Wire Rack: Placing the wings on a wire rack ensures even cooking and crispiness all over.
• Adjust the Pepper: If you love a peppery kick, feel free to increase the amount of black pepper to your liking.
• Bake at a High Temperature: Baking at 400°F allows the wings to crisp up and caramelize without drying out the meat.
• Try Broiling: For extra crispy wings, broil them for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
• Serve with Lemon Wedges: For a burst of fresh lemon flavor, serve your wings with wedges of lemon on the side.
• Make Them Spicy: If you prefer a spicy twist, add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the seasoning mix.

Recipe Variations for Lemon-Pepper Wings

Here are 5 variations you can try for Lemon-Pepper Wings:

• Lemon-Herb Wings: Add dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary to the seasoning for an herbaceous twist.
• Garlic-Lemon-Pepper Wings: Increase the garlic powder and add minced garlic for a deeper savory flavor.
• Crispy Lemon-Pepper Wings with Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the wings after baking for a cheesy finish.
• Honey-Lemon-Pepper Wings: Drizzle honey over the wings before baking for a touch of sweetness that pairs well with the peppery heat.
• Cajun Lemon-Pepper Wings: Add Cajun seasoning to the mix for a spicy and smoky variation.

Freezing and Storage for Lemon-Pepper Wings

• Freezing: You can freeze these wings after they’ve been cooked. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a zip-top bag and store for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.
• Storage: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven to maintain their crispy texture.

Special Equipment for Lemon-Pepper Wings

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Lemon-Pepper Wings easier:

• Baking Sheets and Wire Rack: A wire rack allows for even cooking and crispy skin on all sides.
• Tongs: Use tongs to flip the wings halfway through baking for even crisping.
• Citrus Zester: A zester or microplane will give you fine lemon zest, which is key to the fresh citrus flavor.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensure precise measurements of the seasonings for a balanced flavor.
• Storage Containers: Use airtight containers to store any leftover wings.

Frequently Asked Questions for Lemon-Pepper Wings

1. Can I use drumsticks instead of wings?
   Yes, drumsticks can be substituted for wings. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
2. How do I make these wings spicier?
   You can add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the seasoning mixture for a spicier kick.
3. Can I cook these wings on the grill?
   Yes, you can grill the wings over medium heat for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Be sure to watch carefully so they don’t burn.
4. Can I bake these wings at a lower temperature?
   If you prefer a slower cooking process, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C), but they may not become as crispy as they would at 400°F.
5. Can I make these wings ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prep the wings and store them in the fridge before baking. Bake them just before serving for the best crispiness.

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Conclusion

Lemon-Pepper Wings are the perfect balance of tangy, citrusy goodness and bold, savory seasoning. With each bite, you’ll experience a crispy, juicy texture that makes these wings a standout dish for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a snack to share at a gathering, these wings are sure to be a hit.

The best part? They’re super easy to customize—adjust the amount of lemon and pepper to suit your taste or add extra heat with a bit of spice. These wings are as versatile as they are delicious.

Can’t wait to see how your Lemon-Pepper Wings turn out! Be sure to take a photo and share it on social media. Tag me—I’d love to see your tasty creation! Happy cooking!