Description
Zesty lemon pepper wings bring explosive flavor straight from Southern kitchens, combining tangy citrus with bold pepper kick. Crispy, golden-brown wings deliver irresistible comfort perfect for game day gatherings or casual weekend meals you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 2 lbs (907 grams) chicken wingettes and drumettes, thawed
Sauce Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (+ more for topping)
- ½ teaspoon salt
Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon salt-free lemon pepper seasoning (e.g., True Lemon brand)
Instructions
- Prepare the kitchen workspace by heating the oven to 400°F and preparing a foil-lined baking tray with non-stick spray.
- Carefully blot chicken wings using paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy exterior during cooking.
- Transfer wings to a mixing vessel and generously coat with zesty lemon pepper seasoning, massaging the spices thoroughly into the meat’s surface.
- Strategically arrange wings in a single, uncrowded layer on the prepared baking sheet, allowing even heat circulation and consistent browning.
- Roast the wings in the preheated oven for approximately 35-40 minutes, turning them midway through the cooking process to guarantee uniform crispness and golden-brown coloration.
- While wings are roasting, craft a luxurious lemon butter sauce by gently melting butter in a small saucepan over medium temperature.
- Enhance the melted butter with fresh lemon juice and delicate lemon zest, allowing the flavors to meld for one minute.
- Introduce garlic powder, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of salt to the sauce, stirring continuously to create a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Once wings are perfectly cooked and crisp, transfer them to a large mixing bowl and lavishly coat with the aromatic lemon butter sauce.
- Finish the dish by sprinkling additional cracked black pepper and finely chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve the wings immediately while they are piping hot and gloriously crispy, ready to delight eager taste buds.
Notes
- Pat wings thoroughly to ensure maximum crispiness and better seasoning adherence.
- Use a wire rack inside the baking sheet for extra air circulation, creating more crispy exterior on wings.
- Opt for fresh lemon zest instead of bottled seasoning for brighter, more vibrant flavor profile.
- Consider gluten-free alternative by using cornstarch or almond flour to coat wings for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 315
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg