There’s nothing quite like crispy, golden chicken wings coated in a zesty lemon pepper glaze.
These wings strike the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet—ideal for game day, family gatherings, or just a fun dinner at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The rub ensures extra crispy skin without deep frying.
The lemon pepper sauce brings a bright, tangy flavor with a touch of honey for balance.
It’s an easy recipe that requires simple ingredients and no special equipment.
These wings are customizable—you can make them mild or spicy depending on your taste.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Chicken wings are the star—use the first and second segments for the best bite.
Baking powder helps achieve that irresistible crispy texture in the oven.
Lemon pepper seasoning delivers a bold, citrusy punch in both the rub and the glaze.
A touch of cayenne pepper adds heat if you want a spicier kick.
Honey balances the tang with a subtle sweetness in the sauce.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Pat the chicken wings very dry—this is the secret to extra crispiness.
Use a baking rack so air circulates evenly around the wings while baking.
Don’t skip broiling at the end—it gives that golden, crispy finish.
Make the sauce right before serving for maximum freshness and flavor.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Step 1 – Prep the chicken
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove moisture.
Step 2 – Preheat the oven
Set the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
Spray the rack with cooking spray.
Step 3 – Season the wings
Mix all rub ingredients in a bowl.
Place half in a bag with half of the wings, shake to coat, then repeat with the rest.
Arrange wings on the rack without touching.
Step 4 – Bake the wings
Bake for 35–45 minutes until fully cooked.
Step 5 – Broil for crispiness
Move the oven rack closer to the broiler.
Broil the wings until crispy, flip, and broil the other side.
Step 6 – Make the sauce
Whisk melted butter, lemon pepper seasoning, lemon juice, and honey until smooth.
Step 7 – Toss and serve
Brush or toss the wings with the sauce.
Serve immediately with extra sauce or dips like ranch or blue cheese.
What to Serve Them With
Pair with creamy dips such as ranch, blue cheese, or honey mustard.
Serve alongside celery sticks and carrot sticks for balance.
Add fries, onion rings, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Variations / Substitutions
Swap chicken wings for drumsticks or boneless bites.
Use lime juice instead of lemon for a different citrus flavor.
Skip the honey for a sharper tang, or add extra cayenne for fiery heat.
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 375°F until hot and crispy again.
Avoid microwaving, as it will make the wings soggy.
FAQs
Can I make these wings in the air fryer?
Yes, cook at 375°F for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Do I have to use baking powder?
It’s highly recommended—it helps create crispy skin without frying.
Can I prepare the wings ahead of time?
Yes, you can season them a few hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
How do I know when the wings are done?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F, and the juices should run clear.
Can I make the sauce spicier?
Absolutely, add extra cayenne or a splash of hot sauce to the butter mixture.
What’s the best way to reheat?
Reheat in the oven or air fryer for crispiness—avoid the microwave.
Final Thoughts
These lemon pepper chicken wings are everything you want in a wing—crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor.
Once you try them, they’ll become a go-to recipe for parties, game nights, or even weeknight cravings.
Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Ingredients
Method
- Pat chicken wings very dry with paper towels.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with foil, place a wire rack on top, and spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Mix rub ingredients. Toss half the wings with half the rub in a bag, repeat with remaining wings and rub.
- Arrange on rack without overlapping.
- Bake 35–45 minutes until cooked through.
- Broil on both sides until crispy, watching closely.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/lemon-pepper-chicken-wings/
Notes
- Drying the wings well is key to extra crispiness.
- Adjust cayenne pepper for more or less heat.
- Sauce can be doubled if you like extra coating.
My name is Isabella, and this space was born from years of stirring sauces at sunset, baking cookies while the kids played on the porch, and finding comfort in a homemade meal after long, busy days. Here you’ll find delicious, reliable recipes made with simple ingredients, plus easy step-by-step photos and videos to help you cook confidently at home.