Lemon Pepper Wings: A Recipe for Finger-Lickin' Good
Are you ready to take your wing game to the next level? This recipe for lemon pepper wings is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, whether you're hosting a game day party or just craving a delicious, flavorful snack. Forget bland, boring wings – these are bursting with zesty lemon and savory pepper, creating a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is designed to be adaptable to your preferred level of spice and quantity. Feel free to adjust based on your needs.
- Chicken Wings: About 2-3 pounds of chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats (this makes about 24 wings)
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is best, about 1/4 cup (or to taste). Adds that vibrant citrus zing.
- Lemon Zest: The zest from 1 lemon, adding another layer of lemon flavor.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper, at least 2 tablespoons (or to taste). Don't be shy with the pepper!
- Garlic Powder: 1 tablespoon. Adds a savory depth to the flavor profile.
- Onion Powder: 1 tablespoon. Works beautifully alongside garlic powder.
- Paprika: 1 tablespoon (sweet or smoked, depending on your preference). Provides a lovely warm flavor.
- Salt: 1 tablespoon (or to taste). Essential for seasoning.
- Cayenne Pepper: 1/2 - 1 teaspoon (or to taste). This is optional, but adds a nice kick. Adjust to your spice preference!
- Vegetable Oil: Enough to coat the wings adequately, for baking or frying.
Equipment You'll Need:
- Large Bowl: For mixing the wings and seasonings.
- Baking Sheet: If baking the wings.
- Wire Rack: For crispier baked wings, place the wings on a wire rack placed atop the baking sheet.
- Large Skillet or Deep Fryer: If frying the wings (fryer preferred for even cooking)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Wings
- Rinse and Pat Dry: Thoroughly wash the chicken wings under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving crispy wings.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Pepper Seasoning
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to ensure all the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Season the Wings
- Coat Evenly: Add the chicken wings to the bowl with the lemon pepper seasoning and toss until the wings are completely coated. Make sure every wing is well seasoned. Let the wings marinate for at least 30 minutes (or longer, up to overnight in the refrigerator for even better flavor penetration).
Step 4: Cook the Wings
Method 1: Baking
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Arrange the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet or wire rack on a baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 45-60 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Method 2: Frying (Recommended for extra crispy wings)
- Heat Oil: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry in Batches: Fry the wings in batches for about 8-10 minutes, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. This allows for even cooking and crispy skin.
- Drain on Paper Towels: Remove the wings from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your delicious lemon pepper wings immediately! They're fantastic on their own, but you can also serve them with your favorite dipping sauces (ranch, blue cheese, etc.).
Tips for the Best Lemon Pepper Wings:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding will lead to steaming instead of crispy wings.
- Freshly ground pepper: Using freshly ground black pepper makes a significant difference in flavor.
- Experiment with spice: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
- Double the recipe: These wings disappear quickly, so feel free to double (or even triple!) the recipe.
Enjoy your incredible lemon pepper wings! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!
