The Only Honey Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe You Need (Crispy, Sticky, Oven-Baked)
Shatteringly crisp oven-baked wings tossed in a glossy browned butter honey lemon pepper glaze and finished with flaky salt. No deep fryer needed.
Equipment
- Wire rack that fits a rimmed baking sheet
- Rimmed baking sheet (half-sheet pan)
- Small saucepan
- Microplane or fine zester
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into flats and drums
- 1 tbsp aluminum-free baking powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more for finishing
- 2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper, plus 1 tsp for glaze
Glaze
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup honey (orange blossom or clover)
- 2 lemons (1 juiced, 1 zested)
- Flaky salt for finishing (e.g., Maldon)
Instructions
- Pat the wings completely dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, whisk together baking powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp cracked black pepper. Add wings and toss until evenly coated.
- Arrange wings in a single layer on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet, not touching. Refrigerate uncovered for 45 minutes to dry the skin.
- Preheat oven to 250°F. Bake wings for 30 minutes. Increase oven temperature to 425°F and bake for another 40-45 minutes until deep golden and crispy.
- While wings bake, make the glaze: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Cook until golden brown and nutty, about 3-4 minutes. Reduce heat to low and whisk in honey, juice of 1 lemon, and 1 tsp cracked black pepper. Simmer 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Transfer hot wings to a large bowl. Pour glaze over and toss to coat. Return glazed wings to the wire rack. Broil on high for 2-3 minutes, watching closely until caramelized.
- Transfer to a platter. Zest remaining lemon directly over the wings. Sprinkle with flaky salt and extra cracked black pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
The resting time in the fridge is essential for crispy skin – don't skip it. Use aluminum-free baking powder only (Bob's Red Mill or Rumford). Watch the broil carefully; honey burns fast. For extra glaze, make 1.5x the amount and serve on the side. Leftovers reheat best in an air fryer at 375°F for 4-5 minutes or oven at 400°F for 5-7 minutes.