Golden, crispy, and drenched in buttery lemon-pepper sauce, these wings are a bold twist on a Southern classic. They pair great with a chilled Vodka Margarita and a refreshing Chicken Salad with Canned Chicken for the ultimate game-day or casual dinner spread.
Inspired by Atlanta’s love for lemon pepper wings, this version leans into a rich, glossy wet sauce—think buffalo wings meet citrusy spice. The secret? A quick toss in a hot pan with melted butter and fresh lemon juice, locking in that signature tangy kick.
Whether you’re hosting a cookout or just craving something bold, these wings are a must-try. Grab a plate, mix up that Vodka Margarita, and let this flavor-packed adventure begin!
Flavor Bomb Alert!
- First Bite Magic: That crispy-saucy contrast hits just right—tangy, buttery, and lip-smackingly good.
- Game-Day Approved: Easy to whip up, mess-free to eat, and pairs perfectly with drinks and casual bites.
- Tweak to Your Taste: Love heat? Add a pinch of cayenne. Want extra zing? More fresh lemon juice does wonders.
- A Southern Staple with a Twist: Classic lemon pepper, but richer and more indulgent, inspired by Atlanta’s best wing spots.
- Unexpected Bonus: The sauce also doubles as a dip—try it with fries or drizzle over roasted veggies!
Wet Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe
These wet lemon pepper wings are crispy, juicy, and coated in a buttery, tangy sauce with a bold citrus kick. Baked to perfection, they’re packed with smoky, garlicky flavors and finished with a luscious lemon pepper glaze, making them an irresistible game-day or party favorite.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or cooling rack
- Mixing bowls
- Paper towels
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Fork
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- ½ tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1½ lbs Chicken Wings
- ½ tsp Black Pepper
- ½ tsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- 1½ tbsp Baking Powder
Sauce
- 1½ tsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
- 3 tbsp butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and pat the chicken wings dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a small bowl, combine sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and baking powder.
- Then sprinkle the mixture over the wings, tossing to coat evenly.
- Arrange the wings on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a cooling rack set over a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 20-25 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, mix all ingredients for the lemon pepper sauce using a fork, then microwave until melted and well combined.
- Toss the hot wings in the sauce until fully coated, serve immediately, and optionally sprinkle with extra lemon pepper seasoning for an added flavor boost.
Notes
- Drying the wings thoroughly before seasoning is key to achieving crispy skin.
- Baking powder helps create a golden, crunchy texture without deep frying.
- Using a cooling rack allows air circulation, making the wings crispier.
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 383kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 4g |
| Fibre | 1g |
| Fat | 31g |
| Protein | 23g |
| Cholesterol | 124g |
Tips To Ease Your Job!
- Prep Ahead – Season the wings a few hours in advance and refrigerate uncovered to enhance crispiness and save time.
- Use a Large Bowl – Tossing wings in a big mixing bowl ensures even coating with minimal mess.
- Line Your Baking Sheet – Parchment paper or foil helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
- Melt the Butter First – If your lemon pepper sauce contains butter, melt it separately before mixing to ensure smooth consistency.
- Broil for Extra Crispiness – For an even crispier texture, broil the wings for 2-3 minutes after baking.
