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Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings Recipe

When it comes to crispy chicken wings, the classic combination of lemon and pepper delivers a refreshing zing that’s hard to resist. Ideal for parties, casual gatherings, or a delightful weeknight dinner, these Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings are simple to prepare yet packed with flavour. Let’s dive into an easy-to-follow recipe that will have your guests clamouring for more.

Ingredients

For the chicken wings:

• 1 kg chicken wings
• 2 tablespoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

For the lemon pepper sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Zest of 2 lemons
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• Salt, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 220°C (428°F). This high temperature will help achieve that coveted crispy skin.

2. Dry the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with kitchen paper. This step is crucial for obtaining crispy wings, as excess moisture can lead to steaming rather than roasting.

3. Season: In a large bowl, combine the baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. The baking powder is the secret to crispy wings. Toss the dried chicken wings in this mixture until they are evenly coated.

Step 2: Bake the Wings

1. Arrange on a Baking Tray: Line a baking tray with foil and place a wire rack on top. This allows air to circulate around the wings, ensuring they cook evenly. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the rack, making sure they are not touching.

2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the wings are golden brown and crispy. Halfway through cooking, turn the wings to ensure they crisp up evenly.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Pepper Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients: While the wings are baking, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, add the lemon zest, lemon juice, freshly cracked black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to combine, allowing the flavours to meld.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

1. Coat the Wings: Once the wings are cooked to perfection, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the lemon pepper sauce over the wings and toss until they are thoroughly coated.

2. Garnish and Serve: For an added touch, you can garnish the wings with additional lemon zest, freshly cracked black pepper, and chopped parsley. Serve hot, accompanied by your favourite dipping sauce or a side of crunchy vegetable sticks.

Tips for Perfect Wings

• Don’t Skip the Drying Step: For the crispiest wings, ensure they’re thoroughly dried. If time allows, you can leave them uncovered in the fridge for an hour or so after drying, which will help further remove moisture.

• Adjust the Heat: If you enjoy a little spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.

• Air Frying Option: For those who prefer using an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) and cook the wings in batches for about 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking.

Conclusion

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings bring a burst of zesty flavour to your table, making them a sure-fire hit among friends and family alike. Easy to prepare and quick to bake, this recipe proves that delicious snacks can be made without fuss. Whether you’re hosting a game day get-together or just fancy a tasty treat, these wings are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy!

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