Irresistible Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe for Game Day

Crispy hot honey lemon pepper wings spark memories of backyard barbecues and late-night cravings.

Summer evenings call for finger-licking snacks that make everyone smile.

Zesty spices dance across tender chicken, creating an irresistible flavor explosion.

Balanced heat meets sweet undertones in this crowd-pleasing dish.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike adore these wings for their complex taste profile.

Quick preparation means you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in under an hour.

Bet you can’t stop at just one bite of these mouthwatering wings!

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in the lemon pepper dry rub?

The key ingredients are lemon zest, black pepper, kosher salt, dark brown sugar, garlic powder, and citric acid. These create a flavorful and tangy coating for the chicken wings.

• How do I know when the wings are fully cooked?

The wings are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165F. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and fully cooked through.

• Can I make the wings spicier?

Yes, you can increase the heat by adding more red pepper chili flakes to the hot honey lemon sauce or using a spicier hot sauce. Adjust the amount to your preferred spice level.

Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings Highlights

• Spice Up Your Meal: Unleash a flavor explosion with the zesty lemon pepper dry rub that coats every wing, delivering a tangy and bold taste sensation.
• Versatile Cooking Options: Enjoy the flexibility of grilling or baking these wings, making it easy to prepare regardless of your cooking preference or available equipment.
• Quick and Simple Prep: Whip up this mouthwatering dish with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for cooks of all skill levels who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Easy Meal Prep and Storage: Conveniently store leftovers in the fridge or freezer, with multiple reheating methods that ensure your wings stay crispy and flavorful for days.

Ingredients for Hot Honey Wings

• Chicken Wings: Fresh chicken wings that will become crispy and flavorful with the lemon pepper seasoning.

• Lemon Zest: Bright citrus flavor that adds a zesty punch to the wings.
• Black Pepper: Provides a spicy and sharp taste to the seasoning blend.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps create a caramelized exterior.
• Garlic Powder: Brings a deep, savory flavor to the dry rub.
• Citric Acid: Adds a tangy, sour note to balance the other seasonings.

• Melted Butter, Hot Sauce, Honey: Create a sweet, spicy, and rich coating for the wings.
• Kosher Salt: Balances and intensifies the sauce's flavors.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Provide a bright, citrusy freshness to the sauce.
• Red Pepper Chili Flakes: Add an extra kick of heat to the wing sauce.

• Vegetable Oil, Olive Oil: Help prevent sticking and promote even cooking when grilling or pan-reheating.

How to Make Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Step 1: Craft Zesty Spice Blend

• Lemon zest
• Black pepper
• Kosher salt
• Dark brown sugar
• Garlic powder
• Citric acid

Mix all spices thoroughly in a medium bowl, ensuring even distribution of flavors.

Step 2: Coat Chicken Wings

Place thawed chicken wings in a large mixing bowl.

Generously sprinkle the spice blend over the wings.

Toss and massage the wings until every surface is completely covered with the zesty mixture.

Step 3: Cook Wings to Perfection

Choose your cooking method:

• Brush grill grates with vegetable or olive oil
• Heat grill to high temperature
• Cook wings for 15-20 minutes
• Flip once during cooking

• Preheat oven to 400°F
• Place wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet
• Bake for 30-40 minutes
• Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F

Step 4: Whip Up Hot Honey Lemon Sauce

• Melted butter
• Hot sauce
• Honey
• Kosher salt
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Red pepper chili flakes

Stir until ingredients are well combined.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Toss crispy wings in the prepared hot honey lemon sauce.

Sprinkle additional lemon zest on top for extra brightness.

Pro Tips for Crispy Hot Honey Wings

• Pat chicken wings completely dry before applying the dry rub to ensure maximum seasoning adherence and crispy texture.
• Adjust red pepper chili flakes in the hot honey lemon sauce to control the heat intensity according to personal preference.
• Always let wings rest on a wire rack while baking to allow air circulation and maintain crunchiness around all surfaces.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm wings reach 165F for safe consumption and perfectly cooked meat.
• Add extra lemon zest and fresh cracked black pepper right before serving to enhance the citrusy and peppery notes of the wings.

Variations for Honey Lemon Wings

• Gluten-Free Wing Wonder: Replace kosher salt with sea salt and ensure hot sauce is gluten-free certified. Use cornstarch instead of traditional flour for extra crispiness.
• Vegetarian Wing Alternative: Swap chicken wings with cauliflower florets or plant-based chicken alternatives. Maintain the same lemon pepper seasoning and hot honey sauce for identical flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Keto-Friendly Option: Substitute brown sugar with erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. Use sugar-free hot sauce and reduce honey amount. Serve with side of low-carb ranch or blue cheese dressing.
• Spicy Caribbean Remix: Add Caribbean jerk seasoning to dry rub. Replace hot sauce with scotch bonnet pepper sauce. Incorporate fresh thyme and allspice into the marinade for authentic island flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Hot Wings

• Party Platter Paradise: Arrange wings on a large wooden board with fresh lemon wedges, chopped herbs, and blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.
• Gameday Touchdown Spread: Serve wings alongside crispy celery sticks, carrot batons, and extra hot sauce for sports fans to customize their heat level.
• Casual Dinner Star: Pair wings with a light coleslaw, roasted sweet potato wedges, or a zesty mixed green salad to balance the rich, spicy flavors.
• Beverage Buddy Boost: Complement the wings with cold craft beer, crisp white wine, or a tangy citrus cocktail that cuts through the wing's bold seasoning.

Best Storage for Honey Lemon Wings

• Seal cooled wings in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for maximum 4 days, ensuring they remain fresh and tasty.
• Wrap wings individually in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag, and freeze for up to 4 months to preserve their delicious flavor.
• Warm wings in a skillet with 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to restore crispiness and maintain juiciness.
• Preheat air fryer or oven to 350F, reheat wings for 2-3 minutes in air fryer or 10-15 minutes in oven, ensuring they stay crisp without drying out.

Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Zesty hot honey lemon pepper wings bring Southern comfort and bold flavor to your table. Crispy, tangy, and perfectly balanced, these wings deliver a mouthwatering experience you won’t forget.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 4 pounds (1.81 kilograms) chicken wings (thawed)

Lemon Pepper Dry Rub:

• 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) fresh lemon zest
• 2 teaspoons (10 grams) fresh cracked black pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons (7.5 grams) kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon (4 grams) dark brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 grams) food grade citric acid

Hot Honey Lemon Sauce:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) unsalted butter (melted)
• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) hot sauce (Frank’s Red)
• 1/2 cup (170 grams) honey
• 3/4 teaspoon (3.75 grams) kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) fresh lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) red pepper chili flakes

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Create a zesty lemon pepper seasoning by blending lemon zest, black pepper, kosher salt, dark brown sugar, garlic powder, and citric acid in a mixing bowl.
2. Thoroughly coat thawed chicken wings with the prepared dry rub, ensuring even distribution of the spice mixture.
3. For grilling, brush grates with oil and cook wings at high heat for 15-20 minutes, turning once, until internal temperature reaches 165F. Alternatively, bake wings on a wire rack at 400F for 30-40 minutes, achieving a crispy exterior.
4. Craft a vibrant hot honey lemon sauce by whisking together melted butter, hot sauce, honey, kosher salt, lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper chili flakes.
5. Generously coat the crispy wings in the prepared sauce, garnishing with additional lemon zest for extra brightness.
6. Preserve leftover wings in an airtight container, refrigerating for up to 4 days or freezing for 4 months.
7. Revive refrigerated wings by pan-frying with a touch of oil over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, maintaining optimal flavor and crispiness.
8. For alternative reheating, use an air fryer at 350F for 2-3 minutes or oven-bake at 350F for 10-15 minutes, ensuring wings remain succulent and crisp.

Notes

• Customize the dry rub by adjusting spice levels to suit personal taste preferences.
• Ensure wings are patted dry before applying the dry rub for maximum flavor absorption and crispiness.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165F without overcooking.
• Replace hot sauce with milder options like sriracha or sweet chili sauce for those with lower spice tolerance.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 358 kcal
• Sugar: 11 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg