When it comes to finger-licking good appetizers, honey lemon pepper wings are a crowd favorite. The perfect combination of sweet and tangy flavors with a hint of spice makes these wings irresistible to anyone who tries them. Crafting the perfect batch of honey lemon pepper wings requires a few key ingredients and some simple cooking techniques that will have your guests coming back for more.
To start, you’ll need a pound of chicken wings, which you can either buy pre-cut or cut yourself. Make sure to pat the wings dry with paper towels before seasoning them – this will help the skin crisp up in the oven. In a bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of honey, the juice of one lemon, and a tablespoon of freshly ground black pepper. This mixture will be used as both a marinade and glaze for the wings.
Place the chicken wings in a large resealable plastic bag and pour half of the honey lemon pepper mixture over them. Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the wings, making sure they are evenly coated. Let the wings marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour – overnight is even better if you have time.
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit while your wings are marinating. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top – this will help air circulate around the wings and ensure they cook evenly. Place the marinated chicken wings on the wire rack in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them.
Bake the wings for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking. While they are baking, heat up the remaining honey lemon pepper mixture in a small saucepan until it thickens slightly – this will be used as a glaze for your cooked wings.
Once your chicken wings are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oven and brush them with the warm honey lemon pepper glaze. Make sure each wing is coated evenly before serving hot.
The combination of sweet honey, tart lemon, spicy black pepper, and savory chicken creates an explosion of flavors that is simply irresistible. These honey lemon pepper wings are perfect for game day gatherings, backyard barbecues or just as an indulgent snack any day of the week.
So next time you’re looking to impress your friends or family with some delicious homemade appetizers, give these honey lemon pepper wings a try. They’re easy to make but pack big flavor that will leave everyone reaching for seconds!
