Wings flavored with honey and lemon pepper can be grilled or baked making them perfect for any occasion. Just a few simple ingredients and a few minutes to have this fun appetizer ready to eat.
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Why you'll love them
- They're versatile. We love them grilled which makes them ideal for a tailgate party or anytime you're cooking out. But, they can be baked in the oven too.
- They're simple and easy to make. A dip in a honey and butter mixture, then cook until partially done, season and finish up. That's it!
- The list of ingredients is short and sweet.
- They taste SO good!
- They're healthier than most wings. While not exactly a diet dish, these wings are not breaded so that eliminates the calories added by doing so.
Ingredients and substitutions
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Besides about a pound a half of chicken wings you will just need:
- Honey (we try to always buy local)
- Coarsley ground black pepper
- Dried Lemon Peel (if your store doesn't carry it you can order here)
- Coarsely ground salt - we use kosher salt
- Butter - use salted or unsalted just adjusting your salt as needed
- Cayenne pepper is totally optional, but it gives a great zing to your wings
Now you can totally use pre-mixed lemon pepper that readily available in all grocery stores. We find that the lemon flavor is more prominent when we make it ourselves.
Store bought lemon pepper seasoning is also very salty, so if you use it eliminate the added salt. Going by this recipe gives you the ability to control the amount of salt on your wings.
How to make your wings
Anytime you cook with chicken you want to wash and pat the chicken dry before you get started. After that:
- Mix the lemon peel, salt, pepper and cayenne if you're using it in a small bowl.
- Melt the butter in the microwave or on the stove top on low.
- Whisk in the honey
- Dip the wings in the honey butter mixture and lay them in a single layer on a pan to take to the grill. If baking put them on a wire rack that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
- Cook on direct medium high heat on the grill or in the oven at 425 degrees for about 15 minutes.
- Now sprinkle the seasoning mix over the wings, turn them and sprinkle again.
- Continue cooking about another 10-15 minutes or until the juices run clear when pierced with a fork.
What if my oven or grill is at a lower temperature?
We always recommend adjusting time and temperature if needed. Many of our recipes can be changed up according to what else you're cooking and how fast you need to have the food ready to eat.
These wings are no exception. For example, say you've got chuck roast on the grill too. It will ideally cook at a medium heat, so it would be fine to put your wings on with the roast. They will just take a few more minutes to get done.
Storing your lemon pepper wings
Chances are you won't have any leftovers, but if you do they will keep in the refrigerator just fine. Make sure they're tightly covered and you reheat and serve within 4-5 days.
They could be heated in the oven or on the grill still wrapped in the foil or with it opened loosely. Set the temperature between 375 and 425 degrees and start checking after about 10 minutes.
Love chicken wings? Try these too!
Our Cajun wings can be finished two ways or you can make some of both. Leave just the seasoned dry rub on them, or toss in the Cajun butter for a wet finish.
Peach Glazed Wings feature preserves of our favorite Georgia fruit. They're finished with a sweet, but spicy sauce.
Dill Pickle Ranch is a great pairing with these wings. It's easy to make and so flavorful!
If you're here it must mean that you love lemon. You're going to want to try these Lemon Gooey Butter Cake Bars and Honey Bourbon Lemonade.
📖 Recipe
Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds chicken wings washed and patted dry
- ⅓ cup butter melted
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 teaspoons lemon peel dried
- 2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
- Mix all of the dry ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
- Melt the butter in microwave or on stove top on low heat.
- Whisk the honey into the melted butter.
- Dip each wing in the honey butter mixture and then place them all in a single layer, not touching on a rack and pan for oven or on a platter to transfer to grill.
- Cook over medium high heat on the grill or in a 425 degree oven for about 15 minutes.
- Sprinkle with half of the seasoning mixture and turn the wings.
- Sprinkle with the other half and continue cooking 10-15 minutes or until juices run clear when pierced with a fork.
Notes
- 4-5 teaspoons of prepared lemon pepper seasoning may be substituted for the lemon peel, pepper and salt.
- Unsalted or salted butter may be used and added salt adjusted or eliminated accordingly.
- Wings may be cooked at lower temperatures for slightly longer times, checking for doneness periodically.
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Suja md says
This looks really delicious and fairly simple to make!
gunjan says
This was so flavorful and had the perfect texture. Loved everything about this.
Beth says
This lighter take on wings is absolutely delicious. I love that they're not breaded but still full of flavor. Delicious!
Ned says
Wings are some of my favorite foods! These did not disappoint! Thank you for an amazing recipe!
Toni says
These quickly became a favorite at my house! Such an amazing recipe! Thanks!
Alison Corey says
That sounds absolutely delicious! Honey and lemon pepper is such a tasty combination for wings—it's sweet, tangy, and savory all at once.
DK says
These wings are so juicy, sweet and savory - all in one! Love these honey lemon pepper wings! They are becoming our favorite!
Fiona Maclean says
These look so amazingly moist and tender - and honey lemon is a great flavour pairing!