Are you in the mood for lemon pepper chicken wings? This is the easiest chicken wings recipe ever and they taste amazing! These may be a bit of a splurge for me, but definitely ok to enjoy once in a while. It’s the perfect snack for Superbowl Sunday or for an outdoor summer party, or actually anytime you crave some wings!
The story behind these gems goes like this…I was introduced to this simple tasty recipe many years ago when I first met my husband. One night, he surprised me with these little tasty treats for dinner, and wow, they were good.
The recipe requirements for him were:
- 3 ingredients or less
- they had to taste really good
- and they had to be easy to prepare
Check, check, and check!
When they came out of the oven all brown, crispy and glistening, I just couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into them and savor the taste.
So, if you want to take your chicken wings to the next level, try this recipe! Are you ready? Let’s roll up our sleeves and get started making these mouth-watering lemon pepper chicken wings!
In This Post: Everything You will need to make Lemon Pepper Wings:
- Equipment you will need
- Ingredients you will need
- How to make this recipe
- What to serve as a side
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Rebecca’s Tips for Success
Equipment You Will Need:
- large roasting pan
- kitchen tongs
- aluminum foil
- wire cooling rack
Ingredients You Will Need:
- chicken wings – I buy the party wings already cut (makes it much easier!)
- lemon pepper seasoning – any brand you like best, just remember to sprinkle it liberally on each side of the wing.
How to make Lemon Pepper Wings:
First
- preheat oven to 375 deg. F Convect bake or 400 deg. F regular bake
- line an extra large roasting pan with aluminum foil – makes clean-up a breeze
Second
- Spread chicken wings in pan and pat dry.
- Sprinkle lemon pepper seasoning evenly on both sides of wings – I use kitchen tongs to turn the wings so I can keep both hands clean to sprinkle the seasoning.
- Cook for 25 minutes and then flip wings.
- Cook for an additional 25 minutes and switch oven to broil.
Third
- Continue broiling – keep a close eye on the lemon pepper wings as they begin to brown and get nice and crispy (usually will take about 4-8 minutes depending on the size of the wings).
- Flip wings and broil the other side until nice and crispy and brown – continue this process until the wings are the way you like them.
Finally
- Remove wings to cooling rack – I place a paper towel on a sheet pan, then place the cooling rack on top. The paper towel catches any drips – this minimizes clean up too!
- Let wings rest a couple minutes, then serve.
Finished lemon pepper wings after broiling
What to serve as a side dish:
- I enjoy a simple green salad with red onion, cucumbers and tomatoes with a dressing made from seasoned rice wine vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil. Marukan brand rice vinegar with the orange top is my go-to and favorite!
- Couscous or rice pilaf would go perfectly, mildly contrasting with the bold lemon pepper seasoning.
- Steamed broccoli or roasted veggies goes well too
- Oven roasted potatoes with a hint of garlic and chopped parsley is also nice and will balance the bright citrusy flavor of the lemon pepper wings
It was interesting to see when my husband and I recently visited Italy, that many restaurants chose to have Colavita brand extra-virgin olive oil on their tables. After tasting it, I was surprised how good it was. This quickly has also become my new go-to for extra virgin olive oil here in the states and I use it daily. I enjoy the spicy aroma and bite, especially when dipped into homemade bread.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make lemon pepper chicken wings ahead of time?
Yes, you can make lemon pepper chicken wings ahead of time. You can season and bake them in advance, then store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the wings in the oven or air fryer to crisp them back up.
How can I make the wings extra crispy?
Pat the wings dry with paper towels before seasoning. Removing excess moisture helps with crispiness. You can also use the convection setting (like in this recipe) if available. Alternatively, you can lightly dust the wings with baking powder before baking, which helps achieve extra crispiness. Experiment using an air fryer – it results in crispier wings compared to oven-baking.
How do I make the wings spicy?
If you want spicy lemon pepper wings, you can add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the seasoning mix. For extra heat, you can even toss the wings in buffalo sauce after baking or air frying.
Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings. Just make sure to thaw them completely, and pat dry well before seasoning.
How do I store leftover lemon pepper wings?
Store any leftover lemon pepper wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or air fry them for a few minutes to restore crispiness. If you reheat in the microwave, they will still be tasty, but they will lose their crispiness.
Rebecca’s Tips For Success for Making Lemon pepper Wings:
- Dry the Wings Thoroughly – First, make sure to pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step removes excess moisture, ensuring the wings get crispy when cooked.
- Season Evenly but Moderately – Next, season the wings with lemon pepper, but don’t overdo it. While it’s tempting to add a lot, a light and even coating will provide the right balance of flavor. If you’re using store-bought seasoning, taste it first and adjust as needed.
- Preheat Your Oven or Air Fryer – Before cooking, preheat your oven or air fryer to the desired temperature. Starting with a hot cooking surface helps the wings crisp up immediately.
- Flip the Wings for Even Crisping – During cooking, flip the wings halfway through. This guarantees both sides are golden and crispy, whether you’re using the oven or an air fryer.
- Broil the Wings – When wings are almost done, switch oven to broil to crisp up any areas on the wings that need more browning.
- Serve Immediately for Maximum Flavor – Finally, after a few minutes rest, serve your wings right away. Lemon pepper wings are at their best when hot and crispy, so enjoy them fresh out of the oven or air fryer.
Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings – Easy & Delicious
Equipment
- large roasting pan with wire rack - wire rack is not essential, but elevating the wings will help make them extra crispy
- aluminum foil - to line pan for easy cleanup
Ingredients
- 7.5 lbs. chicken wings (This is about 3 medium sized packages. I buy the party wings already cut apart – makes prep so much quicker and easier!)
- lemon pepper seasoning (choose your favorite brand)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400 °F OR Convection Bake at 375 °F
- Line a large rimmed roasting pan with foil
- Place 7.5 lbs. chicken wings in pan and sprinkle each side with lemon pepper seasoning to your liking.
Bake
- Bake for 25 min., then flip and bake another 25 min.
- Turn oven to Broil, and broil chicken wings in 3-4 min. increments, flipping them until you achieve the desired crispiness. Keep a close eye on them to prevent them from burning.
- When wings are finished, remove from oven and let rest 5 min.on a wire rack seated over a sheet pan.
- Serve and Enjoy!
Notes
- Dry the Wings Thoroughly – First, make sure to pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step removes excess moisture, ensuring the wings get crispy when cooked.
- Season Evenly but Moderately – Next, season the wings with lemon pepper, but don’t overdo it. While it’s tempting to add a lot, a light and even coating will provide the right balance of flavor. If you’re using store-bought seasoning, taste it first and adjust as needed.
- Preheat Your Oven or Air Fryer – Before cooking, preheat your oven or air fryer to the desired temperature. Starting with a hot cooking surface helps the wings crisp up immediately.
- Flip the Wings for Even Crisping – During cooking, flip the wings halfway through. This guarantees both sides are golden and crispy, whether you’re using the oven or an air fryer.
- Broil the Wings – When wings are almost done, switch oven to broil to crisp up any areas on the wings that need more browning.
- Serve Immediately for Maximum Flavor – Finally, after a few minutes rest, serve your wings right away. Lemon pepper wings are at their best when hot and crispy, so enjoy them fresh out of the oven or air fryer.
YOUR OWN NOTES
Nutrition
Disclosure
The provided nutritional information should only be used as a general guideline rather than an exact representation of the nutritional content of the prepared dish. Individual nutritional needs and dietary preferences may vary, and we encourage our readers to use their discretion and consult with a qualified healthcare professional or nutritionist for personalized dietary advice.
