Lemon Pepper Wings

Lemon Pepper Wings: Zesty and Crispy Finger-Licking Goodness

 Lemon Pepper Wings are a delightful twist on classic chicken wings, bringing a burst of zesty citrus and bold pepper flavor to your taste buds. These wings are the perfect combination of tangy and savory, offering a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re hosting a game-day gathering, a backyard barbecue, or simply craving a delicious snack, these wings are sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into this recipe and learn how to create crispy, flavorful wings that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Ingredients:

For the Lemon Pepper Seasoning:

• Zest of 2 fresh lemons
• 2 tablespoons ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

For the Lemon Pepper Wing Sauce:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning (from the above mixture)

For the Chicken Wings:

• 3 pounds chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning

Instructions:

Prepare the Lemon Pepper Seasoning:

1. In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest, ground black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well to create the lemon pepper seasoning.
2. Set aside 2 tablespoons of this seasoning for the Lemon Pepper Wing Sauce. The remaining seasoning will be used to season the chicken wings.

Prepare the Lemon Pepper Wing Sauce: 3. In a separate bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, fresh lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of the lemon pepper seasoning that was set aside earlier. Mix thoroughly to create the Lemon Pepper Wing Sauce.

Prepare and Season the Chicken Wings: 4. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place a wire rack on top of the foil-lined sheet.

5. In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of lemon pepper seasoning, ensuring they are evenly coated.
6. Arrange the seasoned chicken wings on the wire rack on the baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, turning them once or twice during cooking, or until the wings are golden brown and cooked through.

Coat the Wings in Lemon Pepper Sauce: 8. In a large mixing bowl, toss the baked chicken wings in the prepared Lemon Pepper Wing Sauce. Ensure they are evenly coated.

9. Return the sauced wings to the wire rack and place them back in the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize and adhere to the wings. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Serve and Enjoy: 10. Once the Lemon Pepper Wings are cooked to perfection, remove them from the oven.

11. Serve these zesty, crispy wings with your favorite dipping sauces, celery sticks, and carrot sticks.

Cook’s Notes:

• For extra citrus flavor, you can squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the wings right before serving.
• Adjust the level of black pepper in the lemon pepper seasoning to your taste. If you prefer it spicier, add more black pepper.
• These wings can also be prepared on a grill for a smoky flavor. Simply grill them over medium heat, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through. Then, toss them in the Lemon Pepper Wing Sauce.
• Pair these Lemon Pepper Wings with a cool, creamy dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese for a delicious contrast.

Lemon Pepper Wings are a refreshing take on classic chicken wings, offering a zesty and savory flavor profile that’s impossible to resist. These crispy, tangy wings are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or main course. With a delightful combination of lemon and pepper, they’re sure to become a favorite on your menu. Enjoy the tangy and satisfying experience of these finger-licking good wings!