Baked Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are the perfect combination of crispy texture and bold sweet-tangy flavor. These wings are oven-baked until golden and crispy, then tossed in a buttery honey lemon pepper sauce that’s bright, slightly sweet, and packed with flavor. This recipe delivers everything you love about wings without deep frying, making it easier and lighter while still incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re hosting game day, planning a party appetizer, or craving a flavorful weeknight snack, these wings are guaranteed to impress.
Key Takeaways
• Crispy oven-baked wings
• Sweet and tangy honey lemon glaze
• No frying required
• Perfect for game day or family dinners
• Easy beginner-friendly recipe
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Baked Honey Lemon Pepper Wings stand out because they’re both crispy and flavorful without the mess of frying. The honey adds natural sweetness, fresh lemon juice brings brightness, and cracked black pepper provides the perfect kick. The buttery glaze coats each wing beautifully, creating a glossy finish that looks just as good as it tastes. They’re easy to prepare and ideal for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
For the Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, split and tips removed
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (for crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack (optional but recommended)
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
- Tongs
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top if available.
- Pat the chicken wings completely dry using paper towels. This step is crucial for crispiness.
- In a large bowl, toss wings with baking powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
- Arrange wings in a single layer on the rack.
- Bake for 35–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until wings are golden brown and crispy.
- While wings bake, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, melted butter, garlic, and cracked black pepper. Stir until warm and combined.
- Once wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl and toss immediately with the honey lemon pepper sauce until evenly coated.
Tips & Variations
- Use aluminum-free baking powder for best results.
- Add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for extra crispiness.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or lemon slices for presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Baked Honey Lemon Pepper Wings with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks for a classic game-day spread. They also pair well with fries, coleslaw, or cornbread for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven for 10–12 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain texture.
Nutrition (Approx.)
Calories: 410 per serving
Protein: 28g
Fat: 26g
Carbohydrates: 18g
FAQs
How do I make the wings extra crispy?
Make sure they are completely dry before seasoning and bake on a wire rack.
Can I air fry these wings?
Yes, cook at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor.
Are these wings very sweet?
They are balanced with tangy lemon and pepper for a perfect sweet-savory taste.
Conclusion
Baked Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are crispy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. With their glossy sweet-tangy glaze and bold pepper kick, they’re perfect for game day, parties, or satisfying comfort food cravings. Once you try this easy baked wing recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.