Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings Recipe

Chicken wings: The main protein for this dish, providing a juicy and tender base.

Olive oil: Used to coat the wings, helping them to crisp up in the oven.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and other ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a bold, spicy kick to the wings.

Lemon zest: Provides a fresh, citrusy aroma and flavor.

Lemon juice: Adds a tangy brightness that complements the peppery seasoning.

For an extra layer of flavor, marinate the chicken wings in the lemon juice and lemon zest for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the citrus to penetrate the meat, making the wings even more flavorful and tender.

• Chicken wings - Substitute with chicken drumettes: Drumettes have a similar texture and flavor, making them a great alternative for wings.

• Olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties, making it a suitable replacement.

• Salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor along with a bit of umami, enhancing the overall taste.

• Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor profile, though it is slightly milder.

• Lemon zest - Substitute with lime zest: Lime zest offers a similar citrusy brightness, though with a slightly different flavor note.

• Lemon juice - Substitute with vinegar: Vinegar provides the necessary acidity, though it lacks the citrus flavor. Adding a bit of lime juice can help mimic the lemony taste.

• Allow the chicken wings to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the wings soggy.

• Place the cooled wings in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. If using a container, ensure it has a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness.

• For added protection, you can wrap each wing individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap before placing them in the container or bag.

• Store the wings in the refrigerator if you plan to consume them within 3-4 days. This keeps the lemon zest and lemon juice flavors fresh.

• If you want to keep the wings for a longer period, consider freezing them. Lay the wings out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.

• Once frozen, transfer the wings to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of their freshness.

• When ready to reheat, thaw the wings in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor.

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the wings on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This helps retain the crispy texture.

• For a quick reheat, you can also use a microwave. Place the wings on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm, but be cautious as this method may soften the crispy exterior.

• If you prefer, you can also reheat the wings in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the wings for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even heating.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chicken wings on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
  3. Cover the wings with another piece of foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the wings are warmed through and the skin is crispy.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating to crisp up the skin.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Arrange the chicken wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check for crispiness and heat for an additional 2-3 minutes if needed.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Place the chicken wings in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Heat for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even heating.
  5. Remove the lid for the last 2 minutes to allow the skin to crisp up.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the chicken wings on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover the wings with a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through.
  4. If needed, heat for an additional 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
  5. Note: This method may not keep the skin as crispy as other methods.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chicken wings on the toaster oven tray.
  3. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Heat for 10-15 minutes, removing the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the skin.

• Oven: used to bake the chicken wings until they are crispy and golden brown

• Mixing bowl: used to toss the chicken wings with olive oil, salt, and black pepper

• Baking sheet: used to spread the chicken wings out in a single layer for baking

• Tongs: used to turn the chicken wings halfway through baking

• Microplane or zester: used to zest the lemon for the lemon zest

• Juicer: used to extract the lemon juice

• Measuring spoons: used to measure the olive oil, salt, black pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice

• Serving platter: used to serve the hot chicken wings

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven while you prepare the chicken wings to save time.

Use pre-cut wings: Buy pre-cut chicken wings to avoid the hassle of cutting them yourself.

Line the baking sheet: Use parchment paper or aluminum foil to line your baking sheet for easy cleanup.

Mix in a large bowl: Toss the chicken wings in a large bowl to ensure even coating of olive oil, salt, and black pepper.

Prepare lemon zest ahead: Zest the lemon in advance and store it in an airtight container to save time during cooking.