Honey Lemon Chicken Wings
If you’re looking for an easy, flavor-packed wing recipe that hits all the right notes—sweet, savory, tangy, and a little spicy—these Honey Lemon Chicken Wings are the answer. Glazed in a sticky honey-soy-lemon sauce and baked to golden perfection, these wings are perfect for game day, party spreads, or even a casual weeknight dinner.
Best part? They’re baked, not fried. So you get all the flavor and crunch without the grease.
Why I Love This Recipe
Wings are the ultimate shareable food, and this honey lemon version brings something a little unexpected to the table. The soy sauce adds that umami depth, the lemon keeps it bright and citrusy, and the honey gives it that finger-licking glaze that makes everyone go back for seconds.
You can prep it all in one bowl, toss it on a tray, and dinner—or your next appetizer tray—is done in 30 minutes flat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound chicken wings
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Chili flakes, optional for garnish
Notes & Swaps
- Chicken wings: You can use wingettes and drumettes or whole wings split into parts.
- Soy sauce: Go low-sodium if you’re watching your salt.
- Add heat: A pinch of red chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha makes these perfect for spice lovers.
- Air fryer version: These also cook great in the air fryer at 380°F for 20–25 minutes.
How to Make Honey Lemon Chicken Wings
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt & pepper
Step 3: Coat the Wings
Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss well to coat evenly in the marinade.
Step 4: Bake
Arrange wings in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish
Transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with lemon slices, chili flakes, or a drizzle of leftover glaze.
Tips for Success
- Dry the wings with paper towels before marinating to help them crisp up.
- Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for extra caramelization.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor—bottled just won’t be the same.
- Make extra sauce and simmer it on the stove for a thicker drizzle post-bake.
Serving Suggestions
These wings pair well with:
- A side of garlic rice or crunchy slaw
- A creamy ranch or blue cheese dip
- Crisp cucumber salad to balance the heat and sweetness
Or serve them as part of a crowd-pleasing spread alongside:
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas
- These Chicken Enchiladas
- This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole
- This Dorito Casserole
- These Easy Turkey Wings
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or in an air fryer until hot and slightly crisp.
- Freezer: Freeze cooled wings in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven.
Final Thoughts
These Honey Lemon Chicken Wings strike the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy—and they’re so easy, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered takeout wings. With bold flavor and minimal effort, they’re bound to be a go-to recipe for casual dinners, game nights, and beyond.
Try them once, and don’t be surprised if they become your most requested party plate. Tag @chefmaniac if you try them, and follow for more flavor-packed, no-fuss recipes coming soon.
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