There’s nothing like the citrusy and peppery flavor of Baked Lemon Pepper Wings. Whether you’re hosting a casual group for dinner or are serving Chicken Wings for game day, these easy-baked wings are sure to please. Juicy and crispy with a fraction of the fat of fried versions!
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Baked Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe
Lemon pepper wings are often overlooked in favor of classic Baked Chicken Wings, or Buffalo Wings, but they are truly just as good. I find that zesty lemon pepper flavor completely irresistible on the crispy skins. Instead of reinventing the wheel and making your own lemon pepper seasoning, simply grab a shaker of the premade stuff to make prep a no-brainer. Then, you’ll let the oven work its magic and make a perfect crispy wing.
Lemon Pepper Wings Ingredients
- Chicken Wings – For the most even-cooking, opt for chicken wings that have been broken down into drumettes (the ones that look like mini chicken legs) and wingettes (the oblong wing pieces). You can use full chicken wings, but they’ll take a bit longer to cook and you’ll need to trim off the wing tip.
- Avocado Oil or Olive Oil – Either high-quality avocado oil or olive oil are neutral enough and great for high-heat cooking. Avoid using canola or vegetable oil, as they don’t have the best flavor for baking and are more common for deep-frying.
- Unsalted Butter – Opt for unsalted butter since you’ll be using a salty, lemon pepper seasoning. Feel free to adjust the salt levels to taste as you wish though!
- Lemon-Pepper Seasoning – Our favorites are Lawry’s Lemon Pepper Seasoning or McCormick Lemon Pepper Seasoning if you need a solid recommendation. This is the seasoning I use for my Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast recipe. Lemon Pepper typically has salt in it. If you use a salt-free version, make sure to add salt to taste.
Natasha’s Seasoning Tip:
There’s no need to season the wings before you toss them in the oven. The lemon pepper coating at the end is flavorful enough on its own!
How to Make Lemon Pepper Wings
- Prepare the Chicken Wings – Preheat the oven to 425°F. Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel, place them into a large bowl, and drizzle them with oil.
- Assemble the Chicken Wings – Place on a baking sheet with a bit of space in between each one. Don’t overcrowd the chicken wings, or else they won’t have enough space to get crispy!
- Bake the Chicken Wings – bake for 40 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Make the Lemon Pepper Butter Sauce – Melt the butter in a medium size bowl and stir in lemon pepper seasoning. Pour the sauce over the wings and toss until well-coated then serve.
Pro Tip:
If you like the extra smokey flavor, feel free to grill the wings instead! To do so, preheat the grill to 425°F and place the chicken wings onto the grill grates. Cook the wings on each side for about 7-10 minutes or until golden and crispy.
Can I make lemon pepper wings in the air fryer?
Yes! Place the wings in the air frying basket, spacing them evenly. Air fry at 400˚F for 8 minutes per side, or a total of 16 minutes, or until chicken wings are crisp and golden brown on the outside. Check out our Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe.
Why do some people use baking powder on their baked chicken wings?
Some people use baking powder on their baked chicken wings as a secret ingredient to make them even more crispy. Baking powder dries the skin out a bit and brings them closer to the crispiness of deep-fried wings. I use this trick for my Baked Chicken Wings Recipe.
Ways to Serve
Whether you want to eat a healthy low-carb meal or are in the mood for something more decadent and comforting, try these tasty sides with your ultra-crispy chicken wings:
- Potato Dishes – Pair the wings with Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Baked Potato Wedges, or Roasted Potatoes if you want some classic comfort food.
- Salads – If you want to keep things light, serve the wings alongside a Caesar Salad or a Classic Wedge Salad.
- Appetizer with Dips – If you want to whip up a crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day or a potluck, pair them with Jalapeño Ranch or some blue cheese dressing.
These Baked Lemon Pepper Wings are always a hit at parties and gatherings. I also think it’s super fun to have a variety of wings on the menu for game day, and this is probably my easiest of all and is packed with flavor. Let me know your favorite way to serve chicken wings in the comments below.
Baked Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 lb chicken wings, separated into wingettes and drumettes
- 3 tbsp extra light olive oil, or avocado oil
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp lemon-pepper seasoning, *
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the chicken wings into a large bowl and drizzle them with oil.
- Place wings on a baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Bake the chicken wings for 40 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Melt the butter in a medium size bowl and stir in lemon pepper seasoning. Add the wings to the butter mixture and toss until the wings are evenly coated in the seasoning. Serve while the wings are still warm. Enjoy!
Notes
- Refrigerate: To keep your lemon pepper chicken wings for up to 4 days, store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
- To Reheat: Pop them back in the oven on a baking sheet covered with aluminum foil until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the basket of an air fryer if you have one. Avoid microwaving the wings, as they will lose their crispy texture.
Nutrition Per Serving
Filed Under
More Tasty Baked Chicken Recipes
- Baked Chicken Breast
- Baked Chicken Legs
- Baked Chicken Nuggets
- Juicy Roast Chicken
- Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs
- Baked Chicken Tacos
- Two Whole Roasted Chickens
- Spatchcock Chicken
Hi! I’m Natasha Kravchuk, a New York Times bestselling cookbook author, recipe developer, food photographer, and writer. Here you’ll find delicious, reliable recipes made with simple ingredients, plus easy step-by-step photos and videos to help you cook confidently at home. 
These wings were a HUGE hit with my very picky eating boys. They request them all the time now! We tried several of your chicken recipes so a huge thank you to you for teaching this boy momma some new tips and tricks for yummy dinners! I appreciate you! My oldest son wants to know your favorite pasta salad recipe.
Great to hear that this is one of your favorites at homs! You can try my Italian Pasta Salad or Chicken Pasta Salad.
Hi,
Well can’t find lemon-pepper seasoning in stores here in France… any idea how I could make it ? Thanks !
Mat
Hi Mat! It’s typically made with black pepper, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, celery root powder, and lemon oil. You should be able to find a recipe online for a homemade version.
So crispy and delicious. I added fresh lemon juice to the butter and seasoning for brightness and acid. Can’t wait to make these wings again.
I’m so happy you enjoyed these wings, Melissa!
So easy and delicious! Is it safe to use the leftover butter/lemon pepper sauce on potatoes, rice, or other vegetables? Thsnks!
Hi Lycy! I haven’t a tried that’s, but I don’t see why not.
Just finished serving this pre Super Bowl and what can I say? Easy, delicious and devoured. Wow. Natasha never disappoints! Thanks!!!
Came out so Gud
Thx a lot dear
Keep up the gr8 work ❤️
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Will the wings lose their crispiness if i put them in a crock pot to keep them warm after cooking?
Thanks
Hi Kimberly. I’ve never tested it but likely they can, because of moisture.
Hi Natasha I have tried your lemon pepper chicken wings so many times it’s really yummy can I make this same recipe with the chicken legs.
Hi there, glad you liked it! I think that will be fine too.
What a great idea!!! I will try this! Thanks for giving me a new idea
This recipe was easy and tasty BUT my wings got all stuck to foil. I suggest an edit to the recipe: turn the wings at 20 minutes for even browning. That also helps with the sticking. Big thumbs up from the family. I’ll make this again!
Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Dora! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Oh my goodness! These are unbelievably simple to do! They were delicious! Totally keeping this recipe
Thank you for your great feedback, Andrea!
Why are there two different baking temps. Is it 400 or 425 F to bake the wings
Hi Shanell, 425˚F is correct. Sorry about that typo in the post above. I hope you love the lemon pepper wings recipe!
Why does it mention separating into wingettes and drumettes? It is not addressed later in the recipe. Do they have separate cooking times? Or, are they supposed to be separated on the baking sheet for some reason?
Hi Kerrie, yes- I put in the notes: For the most even cooking, opt for chicken wings that have been broken down into drumettes (the ones that look like mini chicken legs) and wingettes (the oblong wing pieces). You can use full chicken wings, but they’ll take a bit longer to cook and you’ll need to trim off the wing tip.
This is a whole lotta “Yum’s”!!!! Only served this with a salad as it was the star of our meal! Thanks Natasha for posting a real winner!
That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite, Connie! I’m so glad it was a hit!
This chicken wing recipe is a big hit! I think I need to double the recipe next time.
I’m so happy to hear that and thank you for sharing!
So glad you posted this as I was looking for football appetizers. These were the best lemon pepper wings that we ever had! My boys agree!
That’s wonderful, Diana! I’m so glad your family enjoyed this recipe. 🙂
Hi Natasha,
You mentioned that some people add baking powder to make them extra crispy. Would that work for these wings? If so, how much do you recommend I use?
Thank you.
Yes, it should work. I suggest trying it out first by using just the right amount and then just add if you think you need more.
YUM! These are so good! I’ll definitely be making them a lot during football season.
Glad you enjoyed this recipe, Erin!
The lemon pepper coating makes these! Love how crispy they are! Perfect game day food!
Thank you, Jamie! So glad you enjoyed this recipe.