Why I Love This Recipe
It’s the trifecta of wing perfection: crispy skin, juicy meat, and bold flavor. The honey brings a glossy sweetness, the lemon juice and zest give it that citrus pop, and the black pepper finishes it with a little attitude. Best of all? These wings are oven-baked, not fried — meaning less mess and more ease. They also pair ridiculously well with a cold drink or crunchy side like totchos or a chilled blueberry lemonade.
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 pounds of chicken wings
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
🔪 Instructions
1. Prep & Preheat
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, lemon juice, olive oil, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and lemon zest. This mixture should be fragrant, tangy, and sweet — taste it and adjust if you like more zest or spice.
3. Coat the Wings
Place the chicken wings in a large bowl and pour the marinade over them. Toss well to coat every piece thoroughly.
4. Bake
Arrange the wings in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the wings are crispy and caramelized.
5. Garnish & Serve
Let the wings rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with any leftover honey-lemon mixture if desired. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
🧠 Tips for Success
- Crispier Wings Tip: Pat wings dry before adding marinade to help them brown better in the oven.
- Want it spicier? Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
- Short on time? Marinate for at least 30 minutes — but overnight gives the deepest flavor.
- Lemon zest is key: Don’t skip it! It adds pure citrus oil that balances the honey.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These wings are a hit at game day parties, summer BBQs, or weeknight dinners. Try them with:
- Beer Cheese Dip
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas
- Blueberry Lemonade
- Totchos
- Monster Cookie Energy Balls for dessert or snack
🧊 Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Re-crisp in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked wings for up to 2 months. Thaw and bake to reheat.
💬 Final Thoughts
These Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are sticky, sweet, and sensational — an unforgettable crowd-pleaser that brings flavor in every bite. You don’t need a deep fryer or fancy ingredients to make wings that wow. Just a simple glaze, some love, and an oven!
Tried it? Let us know in the comments or tag us @Chefmaniac on social media. We’d love to see your plate!
