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Homemade Honey-Lemon-Pepper Chicken Wings (Crispy Oven) recipe photo

Honey-Lemon-Pepper Chicken Wings (Crispy Oven)

These Honey-Lemon-Pepper Chicken Wings are crispy, tangy, and sweet with a subtle peppery kick—perfectly baked in the oven for a crowd-pleasing snack!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds chicken wings patted dry
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking sheet with wire rack
  • Mixing bowls
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Microplane or fine grater
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Stepwise Method: Honey-Lemon-Pepper Chicken Wings (Crispy Oven)
  1. Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels — this step is crucial for crispiness. If you have a wire rack, place it on a baking sheet for even heat circulation.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and olive oil until well combined. This mixture will be your flavorful glaze.
  3. Add the dried wings to the bowl with the marinade. Toss well to ensure every wing is coated evenly. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors while the oven finishes preheating.
  4. Place the wings on the wire rack in a single layer, skin side up. This positioning helps the skin crisp up nicely.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to brown both sides. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, especially towards the end.
  6. For an extra crispy finish, switch the oven to broil for the last 3-5 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid overcooking.
  7. Remove the wings from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for color and freshness.

Notes

  • Pat wings dry thoroughly to ensure maximum crispiness.
  • Use a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow air circulation for even cooking.
  • Broil at the end for 3-5 minutes to achieve extra crispy skin.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the oven at 400°F for 8-10 minutes to keep skin crispy; avoid microwaving.