Zesty Crispy Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe: A Flavor Explosion!

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and these delightful lemon pepper wings pack a serious flavor punch.

Zesty citrus notes dance perfectly with bold pepper seasoning, creating an irresistible coating that clings to every crispy wing.

The secret lies in balancing tangy lemon with sharp black pepper for maximum taste sensation.

Crisp exterior meets tender meat in this crowd-pleasing recipe that elevates game night or casual gathering.

Each bite promises a burst of bright, peppery goodness that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-quality dish with just a few simple ingredients and basic cooking techniques.

Prepare to transform your wing game with this mouthwatering recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Flavor-Packed Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings

• Chicken Wings: Fresh, plump wings ensure juicy and flavorful results; look for wings with smooth, unblemished skin.
• Olive Oil: Helps seasonings stick and promotes even, crispy browning on the grill.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps draw out moisture for crispy skin.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Adds aromatic depth and complexity to the wing's flavor profile.
• Paprika: Provides subtle warmth and beautiful reddish color to the wings.
• Black Pepper: Delivers sharp, spicy kick that complements the lemon zest.
• Lemon Zest: Brings bright, citrusy notes and adds fresh, zesty dimension.

• Butter: Creates rich, smooth base for the sauce and helps coating adhere to wings.
• Lemon Juice: Adds tangy brightness and balances the richness of butter.
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Delivers signature bold, citrusy-peppery flavor that makes these wings irresistible.

Gear That Helps Grill Lemon Pepper Wings with Crisp Skin

• Grill: Essential for achieving that perfect char and smoky flavor on the wings.
• Large bowl: Needed for mixing wings with oil and seasonings.
• Small bowl: Used for whisking together butter sauce ingredients.
• Paper towels: Crucial for drying chicken wings before seasoning.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Tongs: Helpful for safely turning wings on the grill without piercing the meat.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning amounts.

Making Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings from Start to Finish

• Fire Up the Grill

Crank the grill to a sizzling medium-high temperature around 375-400F, creating the perfect cooking zone for crispy wings.

• Prep Wing Magic

Grab your chicken wings and give them a thorough towel pat to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve that irresistible crunch.

• Flavor Explosion

Drizzle olive oil over the wings and sprinkle a mix of zesty seasonings – salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and bright lemon zest. Toss until every wing is beautifully coated.

• Grill to Perfection

Arrange wings in a single layer on the grill. Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping every 5-7 minutes to ensure even cooking and a gorgeous golden-brown exterior.

• Create Lemon Pepper Sauce

Whisk melted butter with fresh lemon juice and lemon pepper seasoning in a small bowl, creating a mouthwatering coating.

• Final Toss and Serve

Transfer grilled wings to a large bowl, pour the zesty sauce over them, and gently toss until each wing is generously glazed. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!

Tips for Adjusting Heat and Tang on Lemon Pepper Wings

• Pat wings completely dry to ensure maximum crispiness and better seasoning adherence.
• Use indirect heat zones on the grill to prevent burning and achieve even cooking, rotating wings carefully to maintain consistent browning.
• Let wings marinate in the seasoning mix for 30 minutes before grilling to intensify the lemon pepper flavor profile.
• Swap butter for olive oil or coconut oil to create a dairy-free version; use gluten-free lemon pepper seasoning for celiac-friendly preparation.
• For indoor cooking, bake wings at 425F on a wire rack for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, to achieve similar crispy texture when grilling isn't possible.

Serving Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings at Game Day or BBQs

• Zesty Party Platter: Arrange wings on a large wooden board with fresh lemon wedges, sprigs of parsley, and colorful dipping sauces for a stunning presentation that screams summer gathering.
• Crowd-Pleasing Accompaniments: Pair wings with crisp coleslaw, ranch potato salad, or grilled corn on the cob to create a complete meal that balances the tangy wing flavors.
• Game Day Delight: Serve wings on a big platter surrounded by blue cheese or ranch dressing, celery sticks, and carrot sticks for the ultimate sports-watching snack that keeps everyone happy.
• Cool Beverage Pairing: Complement the zesty wings with ice-cold beer, citrusy craft cocktails, or refreshing lemonade to enhance the bright, peppery flavor profile of the dish.

How to Store Leftover Lemon Pepper Wings Without Drying Out

• Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent soggy skin and maintain crispy texture.
• Restore crispy goodness by reheating wings in an air fryer at 375°F for 5-6 minutes. Oven method works too – spread on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F for 10 minutes until heated through.
• Freeze uncoated wings in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Pro tip: Separate wings with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Prepare wings in advance and store seasoned (but uncooked) wings in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This allows flavors to develop and makes grilling day super easy and stress-free.

Crispy Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Sizzling “grilled lemon pepper wings” elevate backyard barbecue experience with zesty Mediterranean charm. Crisp seasoned chicken delivers tangy flavor and irresistible crunch you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds (907 g) chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Ignite the grill to a robust medium-high temperature (375-400°F), ensuring an even heat distribution for optimal wing cooking.
2. Wing Conditioning: Meticulously dry chicken wings using paper towels, eliminating excess moisture to guarantee a crisp exterior. Transfer to a spacious mixing vessel.
3. Flavor Infusion: Cascade olive oil over wings, then vigorously sprinkle salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, freshly ground black pepper, and vibrant lemon zest. Thoroughly massage seasonings to create a uniform coating that penetrates every crevice of the wings.
4. Grilling Technique: Arrange wings strategically across grill grates in a single, uncrowded layer. Rotate wings every 5-7 minutes to ensure uniform caramelization and prevent burning. Continue grilling for 20-25 minutes until wings achieve a golden-brown crisp exterior and are completely cooked through.
5. Zesty Butter Emulsion: In a compact mixing bowl, whisk melted butter with tangy lemon juice and potent lemon pepper seasoning, creating a harmonious flavor-packed sauce that will elevate the wings’ taste profile.
6. Final Touch: Transfer perfectly grilled wings to a large mixing bowl, then lavishly drench with the prepared lemon pepper butter sauce. Gently toss to ensure every wing is generously coated. Serve immediately alongside complementary dipping sauces or preferred side dishes.

Notes

• Pat wings thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispy skin; excess moisture prevents proper browning and crispiness.
• Maintain consistent grill temperature between 375-400F for even cooking and perfect golden-brown exterior without burning.
• Drizzle olive oil before adding spices to help seasonings adhere better and create a more flavorful coating.
• Rotate wings every 5-7 minutes to prevent sticking and achieve uniform charring, ensuring wings cook evenly on all sides.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg