Description
These Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are crispy baked chicken wings tossed in a zesty and sweet honey lemon pepper sauce. The wings are coated with a seasoned potato starch and baking powder mixture to achieve extra crispiness in the oven, then baked to perfection. Finished with a tangy sauce made from fresh lemon juice, honey, garlic, and black pepper, this recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet, citrusy, and mildly spicy flavors, perfect for a flavorful appetizer or game day snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Wings
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 3 tablespoons potato starch (or cornstarch)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Oil spray
Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 lemon, zested
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1–2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Wings: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) to ensure a hot environment for crisp baking.
- Dry the Wings: Use paper towels to pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly; this step is crucial for achieving crispy skin during baking.
- Coat the Wings: In a mixing bowl, combine potato starch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Toss the wings in this dry mixture until each piece is evenly coated with the flavorful and crisp-enhancing mixture.
- Arrange for Baking: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated wings in a single layer on the sheet, ensuring space between each wing for even cooking.
- Bake the Wings: Lower the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Bake the wings for 35 to 40 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking. When flipping, spray the wings lightly again with oil to boost crispness.
- Prepare the Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce: While the wings bake, combine honey, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, unsalted butter, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir the sauce and let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until it slightly thickens. Reserve some sauce for dipping if desired.
- Coat the Wings with Sauce: Once wings are golden brown and crispy, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm honey lemon pepper sauce over the wings and toss until each wing is thoroughly coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the wings immediately, accompanied by the reserved dipping sauce if desired, to enjoy their optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- Patting the wings dry before coating is essential for crispiness.
- Baking powder helps to create a crisp exterior without frying.
- Flipping the wings halfway and spraying oil ensures even cooking and extra crispness.
- Reserve some sauce before tossing if you want a dipping option on the side.
- Adjust black pepper quantity based on desired spice level.
