There is nothing quite like a plate of golden crispy wings coated in zesty lemon pepper seasoning. The lemon pepper wings recipe I’m sharing today is one I have perfected after many Sunday afternoons cooking for friends here in New York. They’re bright, savory, and a little addictive, the kind of dish that disappears faster than you expect. Whether you bake them, air fry them, or go the classic fried route, these wings are perfect for game day, casual dinners, or whenever you want to treat yourself to bold flavor with minimal effort.
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What Makes These Lemon Pepper Wings So Good
There are a lot of chicken wing recipes out there, but this lemon pepper wings recipe is one I keep coming back to because it hits all the right notes, crispy, juicy, tangy, and full of flavor. The lemon brightens the richness of the chicken, while the pepper adds just enough kick to keep you coming back for more. It’s the kind of seasoning combination that tastes like sunshine on a plate, and the best part is that it works whether you bake, air fry, or pan fry the wings. Plus, it’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for a party spread.
- Perfect balance of zesty citrus and peppery heat
- Crispy skin without the need for deep frying
- Works in the oven, air fryer, or skillet
- Easy to adjust seasoning for spice level or tang
- Great for parties, you can double or triple the recipe
Customizations:
- Low-sodium: Use unsalted butter and reduce added salt
- Extra spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the seasoning mix
- Gluten-free: Ensure your lemon pepper seasoning blend is gluten-free
Simple Prep Steps for Crispy Success
One of the easiest ways to make sure your lemon pepper wings turn out perfectly is to set yourself up before you even turn on the oven or air fryer. Having everything measured, patted dry, and ready to go means you can focus on cooking and getting that crispy golden finish without feeling rushed.
- Pat the wings completely dry with paper towels, moisture is the enemy of crispiness
- Measure out the lemon pepper seasoning so it’s ready to sprinkle evenly
- Melt your butter (or prep your oil) ahead of time so you can coat the wings while they’re still hot
- Line your baking sheet or air fryer basket with parchment or foil for easier cleanup
- Preheat your oven or air fryer so the wings start crisping up right away
Recipe Card: The Secret to Perfectly Seasoned Wings
Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe
4
servings10
minutes25
minutes430
kcalCrispy and zesty, lemon pepper wings are a flavorful dish you’ll love. The perfect combination of citrus and spices, these wings are an easy and delicious treat for any occasion.
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Ingredients
12 chicken wings (whole)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon zest
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure they crisp up in the oven.
- In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure the wings are spaced out on the baking sheet to get even crispiness.
- For extra crispness, broil the wings for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
- You can also fry these wings if you prefer a more indulgent option.
Nutrition Facts
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 520mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 14g
- Protein: 28g
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Tips for The Perfect Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe
- Season generously before glazing: Adding a light sprinkle of salt and pepper to the chicken before cooking builds a flavorful base that balances the sweetness of the jelly.
- Use room temperature chicken: Taking the chicken out of the fridge 15 to 20 minutes before cooking helps it cook more evenly and stay juicy.
- Choose the right jelly: A high quality pepper jelly with a good balance of sweetness and heat will shine in this recipe. If you like more spice, go for a hot variety.
- Do not rush the glaze: Let the jelly mixture simmer gently so it thickens and clings to the chicken rather than sliding off.
- Finish under the broiler for a sticky crust: If you want a caramelized finish, pop the glazed chicken under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes while keeping a close eye on it.
- Serve immediately: The glaze is at its peak when warm, glossy, and slightly sticky, so bring the chicken straight from pan to plate.
What Can You Serve with Lemon Pepper Wings ?
- French Fries: Classic crispy fries pair wonderfully with lemon pepper wings.
- Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the tangy flavor of the wings.
- Garlic Bread: For a bit of crunch, serve garlic bread on the side.
- Veggies and Dip: Carrots, celery, and a blue cheese or ranch dip will complement the wings perfectly.
New Ways to Play with Sweet Heat
If you are like me, you love playing around with ingredients based on what is in the fridge or what your cravings demand, so here are a few ideas to switch things up. Each spin keeps the sweet heat you love, but nudges the flavor in a new direction. Pick the one that matches your mood or your menu.
- Hot and Smoky Jalapeño Jelly Chicken
Brings a deeper warmth and a gentle smoky finish. Works for spice lovers.
Brief method: swap the pepper jelly with jalapeño jelly and stir in one eighth teaspoon smoked paprika. Simmer the glaze gently, then coat the chicken as written. - Peach Pepper Jelly Chicken
Adds a sunny stone fruit note with a softer sweetness. Great with summer sides.
Brief method: use half peach preserves and half pepper jelly. Add a teaspoon of lemon juice for brightness before simmering. - Garlic Butter Pepper Jelly Wings
Richer mouthfeel with a glossy finish and a little extra savoriness.
Brief method: whisk one tablespoon melted butter into the hot glaze just before coating the wings or chicken pieces. Toss to coat and serve right away. - Baked Sheet Pan Version
The texture is tender inside with edges that caramelize. Easy for a crowd.
Brief method: toss seasoned chicken with one tablespoon oil. Bake at three hundred ninety five degrees Fahrenheit on a rack set over a sheet pan for twenty five to thirty five minutes until cooked through. Brush with warm glaze during the last five minutes and again after baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use frozen wings! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for the best results.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix for an extra kick.
Absolutely! Preheat your grill and cook the wings over medium heat, turning occasionally, for about 20 minutes or until crispy.
Yes, you can bake them in advance and reheat them in the oven or air fryer for a crispy finish.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, a pepper jelly glazed chicken recipe that is as impressive as it is easy to prepare. It is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner yet special enough for guests. Once you take that first bite, you will see why this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation.
If you are a fan of chicken recipes, we suggest checking out our variety of meals, such as the Authentic Nashville Hot Chicken Recipe, Chicken Diane Recipe, Buffalo Chicken Wrap Recipe, Bang Bang Chicken, and many more.
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