Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or main dish, lemon pepper chicken wings are a fantastic option. These wings are crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor thanks to the zesty lemon pepper seasoning and rich lemon pepper sauce. Perfect for game day, a party, or simply a tasty weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress anyone who tries them.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Wings:
2 pounds chicken wingettes
2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
1/3 cup flour
2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Lemon Pepper Sauce:
4 tablespoons salted butter, melted
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Total Time
55 minutes
Yield
Serves 4 to 6 people
Enjoy preparing and indulging in these flavorful lemon pepper chicken wings that are sure to make any meal special!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the wings.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to make cleanup easier and prevent the wings from sticking.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup of flour, 2 tablespoons of lemon pepper seasoning, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until well combined.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken Wings
Place 2 pounds of chicken wingettes in a large mixing bowl. Pour 2 tablespoons of melted salted butter over the wings and toss them to coat evenly.
Step 5: Add the Flour Mixture
Sprinkle the prepared flour mixture over the butter-coated wings. Toss the wings again until they are evenly coated with the flour mixture.
Step 6: Arrange the Wings
Lay the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet to promote even cooking and crispiness.
Step 7: Bake the Wings
Bake the wings in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Step 8: Flip and Continue Baking
After 30 minutes, flip the wings over and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until they are crispy and fully cooked through.
Step 9: Prepare the Lemon Pepper Sauce
While the wings are baking, make the sauce by combining 4 tablespoons of melted salted butter, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper in a large mixing bowl. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended.
Step 10: Coat the Wings with Sauce
Once the wings are done baking, add them to the bowl with the lemon pepper sauce. Toss the wings gently until they are thoroughly coated in the sauce.
Step 11: Serve
Transfer the coated wings to a serving platter and enjoy them while they are hot and flavorful!
Notes
– For extra crispy wings, consider using a wire rack on top of the baking sheet to allow air circulation.
– Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest in the sauce according to your preference for tanginess.
– Serve with celery sticks and your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor options.
Cook techniques
Coating Wings
Using a combination of melted butter and flour mixture helps to ensure that the chicken wings are evenly coated, resulting in a flavorful and crispy texture during baking.
Baking
Baking the wings at a high temperature (425°F) promotes a crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy. Flipping the wings halfway through the cooking process ensures even cooking and browning.
Making Sauce
Combining melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and pepper creates a zesty and rich lemon pepper sauce that adds vibrant flavor to the wings after baking.
FAQ
Can I use fresh chicken wings instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh chicken wings can be used; just ensure they are thoroughly dried before applying the butter and flour mixture for the best crispiness.
Is there a substitute for lemon juice?
Yes, you can use lime juice as a substitute for lemon juice for a different citrus flavor.
How can I make the wings spicier?
You can add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the flour mixture or sauce to increase the heat level according to your preference.
Can I air fry the wings instead of baking?
Yes, air frying is a great alternative that can yield similar results in terms of crispiness, usually taking less time than baking.
How do I store leftover wings?
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Conclusion
This lemon pepper chicken wings recipe offers a delightful combination of crispy texture and zesty flavor. Perfect for game day or any gathering, these wings will surely impress your guests with their bold taste and simplicity. Enjoy your wings tossed in homemade lemon pepper sauce for an unforgettable snack.
Spicy Garlic Wings
Combine garlic powder with red pepper flakes for a spicy twist on the classic lemon pepper wings.
Honey BBQ Wings
Mix honey and barbecue sauce into the lemon pepper sauce for a sweet and tangy flavor combination.
Cajun Wings
Add Cajun seasoning to the flour mixture for a Southern flair to your wings.
Asian Sesame Wings
Incorporate soy sauce and sesame seeds into the sauce for a flavorful Asian-inspired wing dish.
Buffalo Lemon Pepper Wings
Mix buffalo sauce with the lemon pepper sauce for a fiery and tangy wing experience.
Herb Garlic Wings
Add mixed Italian herbs to the flour mix for an herby infusion alongside the garlic flavor.
