These Lemon Pepper Wings are crispy, zesty, and just the right amount of spicy! The tangy lemon and bold pepper make every bite a tasty treat you can’t resist.
I love serving these wings at parties or game nights. They’re a big hit, and let’s be real, you can never have too many! Just make sure to have napkins ready for the finger-licking goodness! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: The star of the dish! Use fresh wings when possible, but frozen wings work too. If you’re short on wings, chicken drumsticks are a great alternative, although the cooking time may vary.
Olive Oil: This helps with crisping up the wings. If you prefer, feel free to use vegetable oil or canola oil. I often switch to avocado oil for its high smoke point and health benefits.
Lemon Pepper Seasoning: You can buy this at the store, but if you’re out, mix equal parts fresh ground black pepper and lemon zest with a little salt. It gives a similar zesty flavor!
Garlic Powder: A great way to add garlic flavor without the hassle of peeling and chopping. You can swap it with fresh minced garlic, but keep in mind it may change the cooking time slightly.
Dried Thyme: Fresh thyme adds a lovely touch if you have it! Using fresh herbs will enhance the flavor. Just adjust the quantity since fresh thyme is more potent.
How Do I Get Perfectly Crispy Wings?
For extra crispy wings, follow these simple tips: First, make sure they are patted dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. The less moisture, the crispier they get! Using a wire rack helps air circulate around the wings during baking, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.
- Preheat your oven properly to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the wings in a single layer without overcrowding them.
- Turn them halfway through baking for even crispiness.
And remember, tossing the hot wings in lemon juice right after baking allows them to soak up that zesty flavor without losing their crispiness!
How to Make Delicious Lemon Pepper Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme sprigs for garnish)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and approximately 45 minutes for cooking, making the total time around 55 minutes. You’ll enjoy that crispy goodness in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you have a wire rack, place it on a baking sheet lined with foil for easier cleanup. This will help in getting the wings extra crispy!
2. Season the Wings:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken wings with the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, lemon pepper seasoning, lemon zest, and dried thyme. Toss everything together until the wings are well-coated and seasoned. This is where all the flavor starts!
3. Arrange for Baking:
Next, lay the seasoned wings in a single layer on the wire rack or directly on the foil-lined baking sheet. Making sure they aren’t overlapping will help them cook evenly.
4. Bake Until Crispy:
Pop the wings into the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. Remember to flip the wings halfway through to ensure both sides become crispy and golden brown!
5. Add the Zesty Lemon:
While the wings are baking, squeeze the juice of one lemon into a small bowl and set it aside. Once the wings are done and perfectly crispy, take them out of the oven.
6. Toss with Lemon Juice:
Immediately toss the hot wings in the fresh lemon juice. This will give them that bright, tangy flavor that complements the spices perfectly.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Transfer your delicious wings to a serving platter. You can garnish them with fresh thyme or parsley and add lemon slices for a lovely presentation. They’re ready to be devoured!
8. Enjoy!
Serve these lemon pepper wings hot and enjoy the explosion of spicy and tangy flavors! Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can thaw frozen chicken wings overnight in the fridge or use the quick method by sealing them in a plastic bag and submerging that in cold water.
Can I Make These Wings Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the wings and coat them in seasoning a few hours before baking. Just cover and refrigerate them, then bake them when you’re ready to serve. They can also be reheated in an oven to maintain crispiness.
How Do I Store Leftover Wings?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you reheat them, use the oven or an air fryer to get them crispy again instead of a microwave, which may make them soggy.
Can I Use Different Seasonings?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the flavor by using BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or your favorite spice blends instead of lemon pepper seasoning. Just adjust the quantities to suit your taste!