Sticky Honey Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe: Sweet, Tangy, and Full of Zing

These Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are sticky, crispy, and packed with bold flavor from the first bite to the last. Coated in a bright lemon-pepper seasoning and glazed with sweet honey, they offer the perfect balance of tang, heat, and sweetness. I love making these for game days, parties, or just when I’m craving something bold and satisfying straight from the oven.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly easy, yet the flavors are layered and exciting. The lemon pepper seasoning gives the wings a fresh, zesty base, while the honey glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness and shine. Baking (or air frying) the wings keeps them crispy without the mess of deep frying, which means I can make these more often and with less hassle.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken wings (split into flats and drumettes)

• Lemon pepper seasoning

• Salt

• Baking powder (for crispiness)

• Honey

• Fresh lemon juice

• Lemon zest

• Butter

• Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for heat

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.

2. I pat the wings dry with paper towels to remove moisture.

3. I toss the wings in baking powder, lemon pepper seasoning, and a little salt to coat evenly.

4. I place them on the baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

5. While they bake, I make the glaze by melting butter in a saucepan, then whisking in honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, and optional chili flakes.

6. Once the wings are done, I toss them in the glaze until fully coated.

7. I serve them hot, garnished with extra lemon zest or a sprinkle of lemon pepper if I want an extra punch.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. Prep time is around 10 minutes, baking takes 40–45 minutes, and the glaze comes together in 5 minutes.

Variations

When I want to mix it up, I try these twists:

• Use lime instead of lemon for a citrusy twist.

• Add a splash of soy sauce to the glaze for an umami boost.

• Swap honey for maple syrup for a deeper sweetness.

• Air fry the wings at 390°F for 25–30 minutes for a faster version.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place them in the oven at 375°F for 10–15 minutes or in an air fryer until crispy again. I avoid microwaving to preserve the texture.

FAQs

How do I make the wings extra crispy?

I always pat the wings dry and use baking powder in the seasoning—it helps pull moisture from the skin and crisp them up in the oven.

Can I use pre-cooked or frozen wings?

Yes, but I make sure they’re fully thawed and dry before baking. I skip the baking powder if the wings are already cooked.

What’s the best lemon pepper seasoning to use?

I use a quality lemon pepper blend with visible lemon zest and cracked pepper. Some blends include salt, so I adjust extra seasoning accordingly.

Can I make these wings ahead of time?

Yes, I often bake the wings ahead and glaze them just before serving to keep them crispy and fresh.

Are these wings spicy?

Not unless I add chili flakes or hot sauce. The base flavor is zesty and sweet, but I can easily dial up the heat.

Conclusion

These Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are one of my favorite ways to serve wings—bold, sticky, citrusy, and always a hit. With a crisp texture and that irresistible honey-lemon glaze, they’re the kind of dish I make again and again for casual dinners, parties, or whenever I want to wow with something simple yet full of flavor.

Sticky Honey Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe: Sweet, Tangy, and Full of Zing

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• Author: Linda
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Sticky Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are crispy baked chicken wings tossed in a sweet, tangy glaze made with honey, fresh lemon, and bold lemon pepper seasoning — perfect for parties, game days, or a crave-worthy appetizer.

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Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
• 1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• Optional: 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.
2. Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
3. In a bowl, toss wings with baking powder, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt until well coated.
4. Arrange wings in a single layer on the baking sheet and bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.
5. While wings bake, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, and optional chili flakes. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
6. Transfer cooked wings to a large bowl, pour the glaze over them, and toss to coat evenly.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with additional lemon zest or lemon pepper if desired.

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Notes

• Patting wings dry is key for crispiness.
• Baking powder helps achieve a crunchy texture.
• Glaze wings just before serving to keep them crisp.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: about 5–6 wings
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 110mg