Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings Recipe

Chicken wings: The main protein for this dish, providing a juicy and tender base for the seasoning.

Lemon pepper seasoning: A zesty blend of lemon zest and cracked black pepper, essential for the signature flavor.

Olive oil: Helps to coat the wings and allows the seasoning to stick while adding a subtle richness.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the wings.

Black pepper: Adds an extra layer of spiciness to complement the lemon pepper seasoning.

When preparing chicken wings, make sure to pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps the olive oil and lemon pepper seasoning adhere better to the wings, resulting in a crispier texture. Additionally, using a wire rack on top of the baking sheet can elevate the wings, allowing air to circulate around them and ensuring even cooking.

• Chicken wings - Substitute with chicken drumettes: Drumettes have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a suitable alternative for wings.

• Lemon pepper seasoning - Substitute with lemon zest and black pepper: Combining fresh lemon zest with black pepper can mimic the citrusy and peppery flavor of lemon pepper seasoning.

• Olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties, making it a good substitute for olive oil.

• Salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, providing a different but complementary taste to the dish.

• Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a milder peppery flavor and can be used as an alternative to black pepper.

• Allow the chicken wings to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the wings soggy.
• Place the cooled wings in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. If using a container, ensure it has a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness.
• Store the wings in the refrigerator if you plan to consume them within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer.
• To freeze, arrange the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about 1-2 hours. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Once the wings are frozen solid, transfer them to a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. Label the container with the date to keep track of their freshness.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the wings in the refrigerator overnight if they were frozen.
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the wings on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy.
• For a quicker option, reheat the wings in a microwave-safe dish, covered with a damp paper towel, for 2-3 minutes. However, this method may not retain the crispiness as well as the oven method.
• If you prefer, you can also reheat the wings in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken wings on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Cover the wings with another piece of foil to prevent them from drying out. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the chicken wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating.

• Microwave Method: Place the chicken wings on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are evenly heated.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Place the chicken wings in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are heated through and crispy.

• Grill Method: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the chicken wings on the grill and cook for 5-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are heated through and have a nice char.

• Oven: Used to bake the chicken wings at a consistent temperature of 400°F (200°C).

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the chicken wings with the lemon pepper seasoning, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.

• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface to spread the wings out in a single layer for even cooking.

• Tongs: Handy for tossing the chicken wings in the seasoning mixture and for turning them over if needed during baking.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the lemon pepper seasoning, olive oil, salt, and black pepper accurately.

• Parchment paper: Optional, but can be used to line the baking sheet for easier cleanup and to prevent the wings from sticking.

• Wire rack: Optional, but placing the wings on a wire rack on top of the baking sheet can help them cook more evenly and get crispier.

Pre-mix seasoning: Combine lemon pepper seasoning, salt, and black pepper in advance to save time when preparing the chicken wings.

Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Preheat oven early: Start preheating your oven before you begin prepping the wings to ensure it’s ready when you are.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and cook extra wings to have leftovers for the next day, saving future meal prep time.

Quick marination: Let the chicken wings sit in the seasoning mix for just 10 minutes while the oven preheats to enhance flavor without a long wait.