These Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are crispy, sticky, and bursting with sweet and tangy flavor! Perfectly baked to golden perfection, then tossed in a buttery honey-lemon-pepper glaze, they’re a total crowd-pleaser for game day, parties, or an easy dinner. The combination of zesty lemon, sweet honey, and bold black pepper makes these wings absolutely irresistible—no frying needed!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Wings:

2 pounds chicken wings (drumettes, wingettes, or both)
2 tablespoons potato starch (or cornstarch)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
Cooking spray or oil mist

For the Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce:

½ cup honey
¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (or more to taste)
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1–2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
Pinch of salt

Directions

Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
In a large bowl, toss the wings with potato starch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and lightly spray with oil. Arrange wings in a single layer and spray the tops with additional oil.
Reduce oven temperature to 425°F (218°C). Bake for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through and reapplying oil spray for extra crispiness.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, butter, pepper, and salt. Stir and simmer for 3–5 minutes until well combined.
Once the wings are baked, transfer them to a large bowl and toss with the honey lemon pepper sauce until evenly coated.
Serve hot with extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Nutrients (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 461 kcal
Protein: 23g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 102mg
Sodium: 446mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 35g
Potassium: 322mg
Vitamin A: 333 IU
Vitamin C: 8mg
Calcium: 208mg
Iron: 2mg

The Ultimate Game Day Wing

Wings are a game day essential, and these honey lemon pepper wings are no exception. What sets them apart is their irresistible glaze and crispy texture—achieved without deep frying. The high-heat baking method gives you that satisfying crunch, while the glaze delivers a bold, flavorful finish. These wings are ideal for serving a crowd, easy to make in batches, and perfect for dipping, sharing, and devouring with friends and family. They’re the kind of finger food that disappears fast, so make plenty—you’ve been warned.

No Frying, All the Crisp

Thanks to a clever combination of baking powder and starch, these wings achieve restaurant-quality crispiness straight from your oven. The baking process draws out moisture from the skin, allowing it to get golden and crunchy without the need for oil-heavy frying. This method not only makes them healthier but also keeps your kitchen cleaner and safer. The result is a wing that’s crisp on the outside while staying tender and juicy on the inside, offering the best of both texture worlds.

A Glaze That Steals the Show

What truly sets these wings apart is the honey lemon pepper glaze—a perfect trio of sweetness, acidity, and bold spice. Honey gives the sauce a thick, glossy finish that clings beautifully to each wing, while lemon juice and zest add brightness and tang. The freshly ground black pepper ties it all together with a punch of heat and complexity. A touch of garlic and butter adds depth, creating a sauce that’s addictive, aromatic, and full of character. It’s bold enough to stand out but balanced enough to keep you coming back for more.

Versatile for Any Occasion

While these wings are perfect for parties and gatherings, they’re just as fitting for a simple weeknight dinner. Serve them with a side of roasted vegetables, coleslaw, or a light salad for a complete meal. You can also pair them with mashed potatoes, rice, or even warm flatbread for a comfort-food-style dinner that’s both satisfying and exciting. Whether served on a platter or straight from the pan, they feel special without requiring a complicated recipe.

Customizable Heat and Sweetness

One of the best features of this recipe is how customizable it is to your taste. Prefer your wings on the spicier side? Add more black pepper or a pinch of cayenne to the glaze. Want them sweeter? Drizzle in a little extra honey or even a touch of maple syrup. You can also play with the lemon level by increasing the zest or juice to create a more citrus-forward flavor. This versatility makes the recipe ideal for anyone who likes to experiment or adjust based on their cravings.

Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing

These wings are a hit with all ages, thanks to their sticky, tangy flavor and satisfying crunch. They’re not overly spicy, making them a great option for family dinners, while still delivering enough punch to keep flavor lovers happy. The sweet and savory combination appeals to both picky eaters and adventurous foodies. Serve them up with dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or extra honey lemon glaze on the side for a meal that satisfies everyone at the table.

Great for Make-Ahead and Meal Prep

While wings are best fresh out of the oven, these honey lemon pepper wings also store well and can be reheated for quick meals or packed lunches. You can even bake the wings in advance and reheat them just before tossing in the glaze. This makes them a smart choice for meal prepping—especially when you want to enjoy something indulgent yet homemade during the week. They reheat well in the oven or air fryer, keeping their texture and flavor intact without getting soggy.

Perfectly Balanced Flavors in Every Bite

The flavor profile of these wings is truly well-rounded. The honey adds a mellow sweetness that caramelizes slightly on the wings, while the lemon brings in a bright, zesty note that cuts through the richness. The pepper adds that much-needed spice kick that elevates the dish from simple to sensational. The result is a layered flavor experience that excites the palate with every bite—crunchy, juicy, tangy, and spicy all at once. Each wing is coated in glaze, so you get consistent flavor without needing extra seasoning or dips.

Better Than Takeout

If you’re used to ordering wings from your favorite restaurant or takeout spot, this recipe might just change your routine. Homemade wings allow you to control every element—from the crispiness and flavor intensity to the level of salt and sweetness. There are no preservatives or additives—just real, whole ingredients with bold flavor and a healthier preparation method. You get that same crave-worthy taste without the greasy fingers or the price tag of ordering out.

Easy Enough for Weeknight Cooking

Despite their complex flavor, these wings are surprisingly simple to make. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, and the hands-on time is minimal. Once the wings are in the oven, you have time to prepare the glaze and set the table. The whole dish comes together in under an hour, making it a feasible option for weeknight meals or last-minute entertaining. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a group, these wings are a low-effort, high-reward recipe that delivers every time.

Conclusion

Honey Lemon Pepper Wings are a delicious, crave-worthy twist on classic baked wings. With their crispy exterior, juicy interior, and irresistible glaze, they bring together sweet, tangy, and spicy in the best possible way. Whether you’re serving them for game day, dinner, or your next party, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. The fact that they’re oven-baked, easy to prepare, and customizable makes them a standout choice for any home cook. Make them once, and they’ll quickly earn a spot in your regular recipe rotation. These wings aren’t just good—they’re next-level delicious.