Lemon-Pepper Baked Chicken Wings

Lemon-Pepper Baked Chicken Wings is so simple to make with just three simple ingredients.
A hearty and flavorful dish that brings satisfaction without the overwhelming richness and heaviness

Serve up a meal of chicken with, cilantro rice, garlic bread, and a greek salad for a light dinner.

The key to these baked chicken wings

The key to these baked chicken wings is to use your own homemade flavored seasoning.
Making your own homemade flavored seasonings is easy. However, finding the perfect balance of flavors is more of an art than a science, because individual tastes vary so widely.

This was inspired by my other recipe on this site, and pairs well with this amazing sidedish recipe.

Jump to:

• The key to these baked chicken wings
• Ingredients needed to make Lemon-Pepper Baked Chicken Wings
• Instructions
• Variations on the Lemon-Pepper Baked Chicken Wings recipe
• Equipment used when making Lemon-Pepper Baked Chicken Wings
• Storage for the Lemon-Pepper Baked Chicken Wings
• Top tips to know when making Lemon-Pepper Baked Chicken Wings
• Related
• Pairing
• Lemon-Pepper Baked Chicken Wings

Ingredients needed to make Lemon-Pepper Baked Chicken Wings

4-5 large organic lemons, zested
1 T. kosher salt
1 t. black peppercorns, crushed

Chicken Wings:
4 lbs. chicken wings, tips removed and patted dry
3 T. extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

STEP 1: Position oven rack to center position and preheat oven to warm (lowest setting).

STEP 2: Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

STEP 3: To prepare the lemon-pepper seasoning, wash the lemons and pat dry. Remove zest from each lemon with a microplane. While doing so, collect as much of the flavorful yellow outer layer as possible, while avoiding the more bitter white layer below.

STEP 4: Spread the zest in a thin layer on the parchment paper and place in the oven. After 20 minutes, remove the pan from the oven and shake to make sure the zest is drying evenly. Return to oven until thoroughly dried, approximately 25-30 minutes.

STEP 5: Remove dried lemon zest from the oven and increase oven temperature to 425°F.

STEP 6: Add dried lemon zest to a spice grinder or food processor along with salt and black peppercorns. Grind ingredients until desired consistency is reached. Taste and adjust the ratio of salt and pepper as desired.

STEP 7: In a large bowl, combine chicken wings with olive oil and 1 - 2 tablespoons of lemon-pepper seasoning and toss until evenly coated.

STEP 8: Arrange seasoned chicken wings in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Do not overcrowd. Place baking sheet on center rack of preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

STEP 9: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and turn each wing to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. Return to oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until wings are browned and crispy.

STEP 10: Remove from oven and serve immediately with sliced celery and blue cheese or ranch dressing, if desired. 

Variations on the Lemon-Pepper Baked Chicken Wings recipe

Here are 10 down-to-earth variations for your Lemon-Pepper Baked Chicken Wings recipe:

1. Garlic Parmesan Twist:
   • Add minced garlic to the lemon-pepper marinade and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the wings before baking. It's like a flavor explosion in your mouth!
2. Honey Mustard Kick:
   • Mix honey and Dijon mustard into the lemon-pepper marinade for a sweet and tangy twist. It adds a whole new dimension to your wings.
3. Spicy Lemon Heat:
   • Amp up the heat by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the lemon-pepper mix. Perfect for those who love a little kick!
4. Herb Garden Blend:
   • Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the marinade. It gives the wings an earthy, aromatic flavor.
5. Asian Fusion Infusion:
   • Swap out the lemon for lime and add a splash of soy sauce and a hint of ginger to the mix. It's a delightful Asian-inspired twist.
6. Zesty Orange Surprise:
   • Substitute lemon with orange zest and juice in the marinade. The citrusy burst from oranges gives a unique and refreshing flavor.
7. Smoky Paprika Magic:
   • Mix in some smoked paprika to the lemon-pepper seasoning. The smokiness adds depth to the flavor profile, making it a real crowd-pleaser.
8. Maple Glazed Goodness:
   • Combine maple syrup with the lemon-pepper marinade for a sweet and savory glaze. It's like a little piece of comfort food heaven.
9. Sesame Soy Elegance:
   • Introduce sesame oil and soy sauce to the mix for an Asian-inspired umami flavor. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for an extra crunch.
10. Cajun Carnival:
    • Give your wings a Cajun twist by adding Cajun seasoning to the lemon-pepper mix. It's a party of flavors that will make your taste buds dance.

Feel free to mix and match these ideas or even come up with your own creative combos. Cooking should be fun, so don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own! Enjoy your culinary adventure.

Equipment used when making Lemon-Pepper Baked Chicken Wings

rimmed baking sheet
parchment paper

Storage for the Lemon-Pepper Baked Chicken Wings

Generally, you can store Lemon-Pepper Baked Chicken Wings in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To maintain their freshness and quality, it's essential to store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.

Related

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Pairing

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