Fresh Lemons – Provide bright, natural citrus flavor that defines the dish. You’ll need 2-3 fresh lemons for both zest and juice. Fresh is essential—bottled lemon juice can’t replicate the aromatic oils in fresh zest. The zest provides intense lemon flavor without added moisture that would make wings soggy.

Black Pepper – Adds aromatic heat and the “pepper” in lemon pepper. Use freshly cracked or coarsely ground black pepper (about 1-2 tablespoons) for best flavor. Pre-ground pepper works but fresh-cracked has more aromatic punch. The pepper should be visible on the wings—don’t be shy!

Salt – Essential for seasoning and drawing out moisture for crispier skin. Use about 1-2 teaspoons salt, adjusting to taste. Kosher salt or sea salt work best. Salt applied before baking helps dry the skin for maximum crispiness.

Garlic Powder – Adds savory depth that complements lemon and pepper. Use about 1 teaspoon garlic powder (not garlic salt). Garlic powder provides flavor without the moisture fresh garlic would add.

Butter – Creates richness and helps seasonings stick to wings after baking. Use about 3-4 tablespoons melted butter. The butter tossed with hot wings creates a glossy, flavorful coating. Olive oil can substitute for dairy-free version.

Optional Additions – Some recipes include onion powder, paprika, or cayenne for additional flavor complexity. Fresh parsley or chives make pretty garnishes.

Equipment Needed

You’ll need these simple tools to make perfect lemon pepper chicken wings:

• Large Baking Sheet – For baking the wings (rimmed sheet pan works best)
• Wire Cooling Rack – Elevates wings for air circulation and maximum crispiness
• Parchment Paper or Foil – Lines pan for easier cleanup
• Large Mixing Bowl – For tossing wings with seasonings
• Microplane or Zester – For zesting lemons
• Small Saucepan – For melting butter
• Paper Towels – For patting wings dry (critical step!)
• Measuring Spoons – For accurate seasoning measurements
• Tongs – For turning wings and tossing with sauce
• Small Bowl – For mixing final lemon pepper butter

📋 Recipe Card

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 3 pounds wings (serves 4-6)
Category: Appetizer / Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten-Free, Keto-Friendly, Low-Carb

Description

Lemon pepper chicken wings feature crispy baked wings tossed in bright lemon zest, cracked black pepper, and butter. This easy restaurant-style recipe requires no deep fryer!

Ingredients

For the Wings:

• 3 lbs chicken wings (drumettes and flats separated, tips removed)
• 1 tablespoon aluminum-free baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For the Lemon Pepper Coating:

• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• Zest of 2-3 lemons (about 2 tablespoons)
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
• 2 tablespoons freshly cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Prep Wings: Pat chicken wings completely dry with paper towels—this is crucial for crispy skin. Remove any excess moisture. Let wings sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes while preparing other ingredients.
2. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and place a wire cooling rack on top. Spray rack with cooking spray.
3. Season Wings: In a large bowl, combine wings with baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss thoroughly to coat every wing evenly. The baking powder should be distributed across all wings.
4. Arrange on Rack: Place wings on the wire rack in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch each other. Space them out for maximum air circulation and crispiness.
5. Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, flipping wings halfway through (at about 22-25 minutes), until skin is golden brown and crispy. Wings should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and skin should be visibly crispy.
6. Make Lemon Pepper Butter: While wings bake, melt butter in a small saucepan. Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, salt, and garlic powder. Mix well.
7. Toss Wings: Transfer hot, crispy wings to a large clean bowl. Pour lemon pepper butter over wings and toss thoroughly to coat evenly. The hot wings will absorb the flavors beautifully.
8. Garnish and Serve: Transfer to serving platter, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately while hot and crispy.