There’s something magical about the combination of crispy chicken wings and a sticky-sweet, zesty glaze. These Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are an irresistible fusion of crunch, citrus brightness, and bold peppery heat—making them the ultimate finger food. Whether you’re serving them at a game-day party, for dinner, or as a weekend treat, these wings bring serious flavor and are sure to disappear fast.
Inspired by classic American bar-style wings with a summery citrus twist, this recipe uses simple pantry ingredients to deliver maximum impact. Best of all? They’re oven-baked for a crispy finish without the deep fryer mess.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 3 tablespoons potato starch
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Oil spray
Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce
- ½ cup honey
- 1 lemon, zested
- ¼ cup lemon juice (or more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1–2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken Wings
Preheat your oven to 450°F. Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel—removing moisture helps them crisp up in the oven.
In a large bowl, toss the wings with potato starch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
Step 2: Bake for Crispy Perfection
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray lightly with oil. Arrange the wings in a single layer and spray the tops with a bit more oil.
Reduce the oven temperature to 425°F and bake the wings for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray the flipped wings again for an extra-crispy finish.
Step 3: Make the Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce
While the wings are baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, butter, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, stirring until the butter melts and the sauce is smooth. Set aside a small portion of the sauce for dipping, if desired.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Once the wings are golden and crispy, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm sauce over the wings and toss to coat evenly.
Serve hot with extra sauce on the side and napkins nearby—these wings are sticky, zesty, and totally addictive!
Flavor Tips & Variations
- Extra tang: Add more lemon juice to the sauce for a stronger citrus punch.
- Make it spicier: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.
- Air fryer option: Cook at 400°F for 22–25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Use cornstarch: If you don’t have potato starch, cornstarch is a good alternative.
Perfect Pairings
These Honey Lemon Pepper Wings go great with:
- Celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dip
- Cornbread muffins
- Macaroni salad or coleslaw
- Crisp lager or lemon iced tea
They’re versatile enough to be a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a satisfying dinner on their own.
Storing and Reheating
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Reheat in a 375°F oven for 10–12 minutes or in an air fryer for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Avoid microwaving, as it can make the skin soggy.
Why This Recipe Works Year-Round
With fresh lemon juice and bold black pepper, these wings feel bright and vibrant for summer—but the comforting stickiness and baked-in heat make them just as welcome on a winter game day. It’s the best of both worlds, all in one saucy bite.
Final Thoughts
These Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are proof that you don’t need a deep fryer to make wings that are crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor. With the perfect blend of sweet, citrusy, and peppery heat, they’re guaranteed to become a regular feature on your menu—whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself to something extra delicious.
Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 3 tablespoons potato starch
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Oil spray
Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce
- ½ cup honey
- 1 lemon zested
- ¼ cup lemon juice or more to taste
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 –2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken Wings
- Preheat your oven to 450°F. Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel—removing moisture helps them crisp up in the oven.
- In a large bowl, toss the wings with potato starch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
Step 2: Bake for Crispy Perfection
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray lightly with oil. Arrange the wings in a single layer and spray the tops with a bit more oil.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 425°F and bake the wings for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray the flipped wings again for an extra-crispy finish.
Step 3: Make the Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce
- While the wings are baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, butter, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, stirring until the butter melts and the sauce is smooth. Set aside a small portion of the sauce for dipping, if desired.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
- Once the wings are golden and crispy, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm sauce over the wings and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve hot with extra sauce on the side and napkins nearby—these wings are sticky, zesty, and totally addictive!
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