Are you craving a delicious and easy weeknight dinner? Look no further! These crispy, zesty lemon pepper chicken wings are the perfect solution for a quick and satisfying meal. This recipe delivers incredible flavor without complicated techniques, making it ideal for both seasoned cooks and kitchen newbies. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this simple yet unbelievably tasty dish! Get ready to discover one of the best recipes for juicy, flavorful chicken wings.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This is a simple but crucial step for achieving perfectly crispy wings.
Prepare the Wings:
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. This helps them brown beautifully and crisps up the skin.
Season to Perfection:
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In a separate bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt. Mix well to create a fragrant and flavorful spice blend.
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Add the seasoned chicken wings to the spice mixture, making sure each wing is generously coated. Don't be shy with the seasoning!
Bake to Golden Perfection:
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Arrange the chicken wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding, as this can lead to steaming instead of crisping.
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Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in extra tender and flavorful chicken. Serve them hot and enjoy!
Cooking Tips for Extra Crispy Wings:
- Pat the wings dry: Before seasoning, pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This helps achieve extra crispy skin.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure the wings are in a single layer to promote even cooking and crisping. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
- Broil for extra crispiness: For extra crispy wings, broil them for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Variations:
- Spicy Lemon Pepper Wings: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Honey Lemon Pepper Wings: Drizzle the cooked wings with a mixture of honey and lemon juice for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Garlic Parmesan Lemon Pepper Wings: Add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the spice mixture for a cheesy flavor boost.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
These easy lemon pepper chicken wings are a perfect addition to your healthy meals repertoire. They're quick to make, incredibly flavorful, and sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're looking for quick dinner ideas or delicious dishes for a game day gathering, this recipe delivers! Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade cooking with this crowd-pleasing recipe.