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Lemon Pepper Honey Wings Recipe

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4.2 from 72 reviews

These Lemon Pepper Honey Wings are a flavorful and crispy chicken wing recipe combining the tangy zest of lemon pepper seasoning with the natural sweetness of honey, enhanced by a smoky paprika kick. Perfectly baked to achieve a crispy texture without frying, then tossed in a luscious honey-lemon sauce, these wings make an irresistible appetizer or snack.

Ingredients

For the Wings

  • 8 Springer Mountain Farms chicken wings, cut in half
  • 1 ¾ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¾ teaspoon OliveNation sweet smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon thyme

For the Honey Sauce

  • ½ cup honey plus 2 tablespoons
  • ⅓ cup lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon garlic herb seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Wings: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for crispiness. In a large bowl, combine the baking powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, lemon pepper seasoning, onion powder, and thyme. Toss the wings with this dry mixture until evenly coated.
  2. Bake the Wings: Arrange the wings in a single layer on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to allow air circulation. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes or until the wings are crispy and cooked through, flipping halfway for even crisping.
  3. Make the Honey Sauce: While the wings bake, combine ½ cup honey, lemon juice, garlic herb seasoning, pepper, and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. In a separate small bowl, whisk cornstarch with water until smooth, then slowly add the slurry to the simmering sauce. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens, then remove from heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons honey.
  4. Toss Wings in Sauce: When the wings are done baking, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm honey-lemon sauce over the wings and toss well to coat each piece evenly.
  5. Serve and Garnish: Arrange the sauced wings on a serving platter, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.

Notes

  • Ensure wings are very dry before coating to maximize crispiness during baking.
  • Use a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow air flow, which helps wings crisp up evenly.
  • The baking powder is key for creating a crispy skin without frying.
  • Adjust the honey and lemon juice in the sauce to your preferred balance of sweetness and tartness.
  • Leftover wings can be stored in the refrigerator and gently reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.