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Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
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Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings are perfectly crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and generously seasoned with bright lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and bold cracked black pepper. This easy and flavorful recipe delivers a tangy, savory kick with simple ingredients and a quick baking method, making it ideal for game days, family dinners, or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Wings

  • 2 pounds chicken wings

Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (freshly grated)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Fat

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

Optional Herbs and Variations

  • Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
  • Optional: cayenne pepper or chili flakes for spice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove all moisture. This step ensures the wings crisp up nicely when baked.
  2. Season Generously: In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil or melted butter, lemon zest, garlic powder, freshly cracked black pepper, and salt. Make sure each wing is evenly coated to maximize flavor.
  3. Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Place the wings in a single layer on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This setup allows air to circulate around the wings, promoting even cooking and crispy skin on all sides without the wings sitting in their juices.
  4. Bake Until Crispy: Bake the wings in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 35-40 minutes. Flip the wings halfway through cooking to ensure uniform browning and crispiness.
  5. Toss with Lemon Juice: Remove the wings from the oven and immediately toss them with freshly squeezed lemon juice. This step adds a bright, tangy finish that brings the flavors together beautifully.

Notes

  • Dry the Wings Thoroughly: Removing moisture before cooking is essential for achieving crispy skin.
  • Use Fresh Lemon: Fresh lemon zest and juice provide a vibrant flavor much better than bottled alternatives.
  • Don’t Skip the Wire Rack: Elevating wings helps hot air crisp all sides evenly.
  • Adjust Pepper Levels: Increase freshly cracked black pepper for a bolder, spicier bite if desired.
  • Rest Before Serving: Let wings rest for a few minutes after baking to redistribute juices and settle flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon pepper chicken wings, crispy chicken wings, baked chicken wings, lemon zest wings, flavorful appetizers, game day wings

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/lemon-pepper-chicken-wings/