Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings are baked at high heat for 45 minutes, rendering the excess fat, for the crispiest, lemony, sweet, and spicy wings.

They are covered in a lemon black pepper dry rub, baked, and drizzled in a hot honey sauce made with Frank's Red Hot, butter, and honey.

These Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are prepped overnight, tossed in lemon zest, black pepper, and baking powder for extra crispy wings. They can, however, be made the day of in a pinch.

Because they are baked in a dry rub and then tossed in a hot honey sauce after they are fully baked, they are a great family-friendly option. For those who do not like a spicy hot honey, the sauce can be left off, and they can enjoy the crispy lemon pepper wings.

We make these crispy chicken wings year round, but they are the perfect appetizer for game day, just like these Crispy Cheesesteak Wraps or Cajun Chicken Wraps.

🔎 Recipe Development

If you’ve had wings with hot honey lemon pepper sauce at a place like Buffalo Wild Wings, or seen it on the menu and wanted to try it, you can be sure that these are better (I recently tried them side by side). Because you are making them at home, they are much crispier and fresher than the restaurant version.

• Chicken Wings: I've made these with chicken wings from all different grocery stores and in different parts of the country. The best results always come from using meatier wings.
  • When buying wings at the store, check to make sure that the drumettes are separated from the middle flat segment, if possible. This will simplify the work that you need to do in the kitchen.
  • I have found good, high-quality, meaty wings at regular grocery stores. While I love Trader Joe's, they did not have the best wings in my experience.
• Baking vs. Frying: Baking the chicken wings at a high temperature (450℉) for a long time (45 minutes), renders the excess fat. This creates extra crispy wings. This is quite a bit different than frying, where the cooking time is relatively short and the excess fat is left on the wings. Baking also helps to avoid frying in vegetable oil.
• Hot Sauce: Buffalo wings or chicken wings are classically coated in Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, usually with a whole lot of butter too. To not stray too far from a classic, I use Frank’s Red Hot Sauce with honey and butter. But, I keep the proportion of butter low, so as not to thin out the sauce and to give a stronger honey flavor.

🍋 Lemon Pepper

There are two ways you can create a lemon pepper dry rub.

• Fresh Lemon Zest and Black Pepper: Using the zest of a lemon and freshly cracked black pepper provides a brighter lemon flavor. You’re also avoiding using any extra processed ingredients. Sometimes spice mixes include anti-caking agents or preservatives that you don’t need to worry about if you’re using lemon zest from a fresh lemon or freshly cracked black peppercorns.
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Lemon Pepper spice can be found at many grocery stores or at a Super Target. It's a quicker and easier approach to the recipe. Use 1 teaspoon lemon pepper instead of the zest and black pepper.

If you want an even stronger lemon flavor, add the zest of an additional lemon or extra lemon pepper. Feel free to adjust the spice level to your taste preferences.

🛒 Ingredients

Below are the simple ingredients needed to make these Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings, including the dry rub ingredients and hot honey sauce.

• Chicken wings: Choose meaty wings where the drummettes are separated from the middle flat segment, if possible. Otherwise, use a sharp knife to separate them.
• Lemon Zest: Zest only the outermost bright lemon part of the lemon using the smallest side of a box grater or a zester. Lemon pepper dry rub, which you can find in the spice section at the grocery store, can be used as a substitute for lemon zest and black pepper.
• Black pepper: I use freshly cracked black pepper.
• Baking Powder: Creates crispy wings.
• Frank's Red Hot: A classic hot sauce that can be found at most grocery stores, but other brands will work too.
• Butter: Adds a savory element. I use salted butter rather than unsalted butter.
• Honey: Adds sweetness. Use regular honey, or whatever kind is your favorite.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

📝 How to Make Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Below are the step-by-step instructions and photos for how to make Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings.

Step 1. Chicken Wing Prep: Place the chicken wings in a large mixing bowl, add the lemon zest, black pepper (or substitute lemon pepper for lemon zest and black pepper), and baking powder. Mix to combine. Cover the bowl in plastic wrap and place in the fridge overnight.

Step 2. Prep and Baking Round 1: The following day, preheat the oven to 450℉. Place the wings in a single layer on a sheet pan. Bake for 15 minutes.

Step 3. Baking Rounds 2 and 3: Using tongs or a thin, stiff spatula, scrape and flip over each of the wings on the baking sheet. Bake for another 15 minutes.

Flip the wings again, then bake for a final 15 minutes or until golden brown, for a total baking time of 45 minutes.

Step 4. Hot Honey Sauce: While the wings are baking in the oven, prepare the sauce. Place the Frank's Red Hot, butter, and honey in a small bowl or medium-sized microwavable bowl (no need to get out a small saucepan). Microwave for 30 seconds or until the butter is melted. Stir to combine.

Step 5. Serving: When the wings are out of the oven, place them in a large bowl. Drizzle with sauce and toss to coat the wings evenly. Or serve plain with the sauce on the side for dipping. Serve while hot.

🍽️ Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings Serving Suggestions

• Classic Appetizer: Serve with ranch or blue cheese along with crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery with plenty of paper towels or wet wipes for the sticky sauce.
• Main Dish: Make these for dinner with brown rice and lightly sautéed peppers. It’ll turn chicken wings into a well-rounded dinner, especially when served with a simple salad.
• Leftovers: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings FAQs

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