Get ready to elevate your game day snacking with these irresistible Lemon Pepper Wings! Bursting with zesty flavor and perfectly crispy, these wings are sure to be the star of any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a delicious treat, this recipe combines the tangy brightness of lemon with the savory kick of pepper, making every bite a mouthwatering experience. And the best part? You can whip them up in just under an hour! Dive into this recipe to discover how to create wings that will leave your guests begging for more!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Wing sauce (Buffalo or BBQ)
- Butter (for sauce)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your chicken wings cook evenly and become crispy.
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken wings with the lemon juice, lemon pepper seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Toss the wings thoroughly to ensure they are evenly coated with the marinade. Let them marinate for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- While the wings are marinating, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This will allow the heat to circulate around the wings, making them crispier.
- After marinating, arrange the chicken wings in a single layer on the wire rack. Make sure they are not touching each other to allow for even cooking.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the wings for 30-35 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Flip the wings halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness.
- While the wings are baking, prepare the wing sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup of butter. Once melted, add your choice of wing sauce (Buffalo or BBQ) and stir well to combine. Adjust the amount of sauce based on your preference for heat and flavor.
- Once the wings are done baking, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared wing sauce over the wings and toss gently until they are well coated.
- Serve the lemon pepper wings hot, garnished with additional lemon pepper seasoning if desired, alongside celery sticks and your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken wings to marinate for at least 10 minutes, but if you have time, let them sit for up to an hour in the fridge. This will enhance the lemony flavor and make them even more delicious.
- Crispy Perfection: For the crispiest wings, use a wire rack on your baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate around the wings, ensuring they cook evenly and develop that perfect crunch.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on your wings as they bake. Ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark. You want them golden brown and crispy, but not overcooked.
- Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to experiment with different wing sauces! Whether you prefer the heat of Buffalo sauce or the sweetness of BBQ, adjust the amount to suit your taste. You can even mix sauces for a unique flavor profile.
- Serve with Fresh Sides: Pair your wings with crunchy celery sticks and a cooling dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese for a classic combination that complements the spicy and tangy flavors of the wings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 609kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 30g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 125mg
