Lemon Pepper Wings

Lemon Pepper Wings are a zesty twist on a classic favorite. These crispy wings are coated in a tangy lemon pepper seasoning, making them the perfect crowd-pleaser for game days or weeknight dinners!

Lemon pepper wings are crispy, juicy, and coated in a zesty lemon pepper sauce that everyone will love. I always make a big batch because they disappear quickly!

Why I love this recipe

The lemon pepper seasoning gives these wings a refreshing tang that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken. In contrast to wings with traditional buffalo sauce, these wings have a lighter flavor. They are delicious and perfect for game nights, parties, or a family dinner, these wings are always a hit!

Equipment

• frying pan, deep fryer or Dutch oven
• paper towels for draining
• measuring glass
• large bowl with top

Ingredients

• unsalted butter
• honey – optional, to cut the tartness of the lemon
• oil – choose a high smoke point oil like vegetable or canola oil
• lemon pepper seasoning
• chicken wings

Step by step

1. Pat all of your chicken dry. Then, begin heating up the oil.
2. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the first batch of chicken wings (be sure not to overcrowd the pan). Fry the wings for 12-15 minutes, turning them halfway through.
3. Meanwhile, make the clarified butter for the sauce. In a pot, add the butter and melt it over medium heat.

1. Once melted, remove the pot from heat and skim off any foam from the top of the butter.
2. After removing as much foam as possible, pour the clarified butter into a measuring cup, scooping out any remaining foam that floats to the top.
3. Add oil, lemon pepper, and honey (if you want to cut the tang) to the clarified butter. Place the mixture in the fridge for 5 minutes to thicken.
4. Once the first batch of chicken is done, drain them on paper towels for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a large bowl. Repeat these steps for all remaining chicken wings.
5. Take the lemon pepper sauce out of the fridge and mix it well. Pour it over the hot chicken, cover the bowl, and toss to coat until fully coated.
6. Sprinkle on extra lemon pepper seasoning or honey depending on your preference for a tangier or sweeter flavor.

If you have left over chicken wings, be sure to try our Parmesan Herb Chicken Wings and Taco Ranch wings too!.

Variations

If you want to change things up, consider adding garlic powder to the lemon pepper seasoning for an extra flavor. You could also try different types of honey to tweak the sweetness to your liking.

For a healthier option, bake the wings instead of frying them. Just coat them lightly in oil and bake at 400°F for 30-35 minutes, turning them over halfway through.

Serving suggestions

Lemon Pepper Wings are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides:

• Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: Their salty crunch perfectly complements the tangy wings.
• Veggie Sticks: Carrots and celery add a refreshing crunch and balance the richness of the wings.
• Dipping Sauces: Serve with homemade ranch, tzatziki sauce, garlic sauce, or blue cheese dressing to enhance and contrast the zesty flavors of the wings.

Storage

If you have any leftover wings, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until they’re heated through and crispy again. You can also reheat them in the air fryer to keep them crispy.

If you try this recipe please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!

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