Crispy baked chicken wings coated in a golden-brown lemon garlic sauce, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices.

Lemon Garlic Chicken Wings: Crispy, Zesty, and Irresistible

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Introduction

Say goodbye to greasy, boring wings and hello to a batch of crispy, tangy, and impossibly flavorful Lemon Garlic Chicken Wings. This recipe focuses on creating a perfect, golden-brown crust without deep-frying, followed by a simple but powerful lemon-garlic sauce that coats every bite. They are the ideal appetizer for a game day party, a casual dinner, or a delicious snack. With a simple seasoning and a zesty glaze, these wings are guaranteed to be a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love These Lemon Garlic Chicken Wings

  • Perfectly Crispy: Our baking method ensures a crispy skin without the mess and added fat of deep-frying.
  • Bright, Zesty Flavor: The combination of fresh lemon and pungent garlic is a timeless pairing that is refreshing and savory.
  • Simple Ingredients: The recipe uses basic pantry staples, making it easy to prepare.
  • Healthy Alternative: Baking the wings is a much lighter option than traditional frying.
  • Versatile: Great as a main dish, appetizer, or side.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Wings:

  • 2 lbs (about 1kg) chicken wings, cut into drumettes and flats1
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt2
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Lemon Garlic Sauce:

  • ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced3
  • Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped4
  • A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)

Equipment You’ll Need:

  • Baking sheet with a wire rack5
  • Large bowl6
  • Small saucepan
  • Tongs

Instructions

Part 1: Prepare and Bake the Wings

  • Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 425∘F (220∘C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet. This allows air to circulate under the wings, making them extra crispy.
  • Dry the Wings: Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for crispy skin.
  • Coat the Wings: In a large bowl, toss the wings with the baking powder, salt, and black pepper until they are evenly coated. Note: The baking powder is a key ingredient here, as it raises the skin’s pH, which helps it brown and get extra crispy.7
  • Arrange on Rack: Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on the wire rack, making sure none of them are touching.
  • Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes. Flip the wings and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.8

Part 2: Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce

  • Melt Butter: While the wings are in the oven, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  • Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
  • Add Lemon and Herbs: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped fresh parsley. If using, stir in the red pepper flakes.

Part 3: Combine and Serve

  • Toss Wings in Sauce: Once the wings are baked to a beautiful crisp, place them in a large bowl.9 Pour the lemon garlic sauce over the hot wings and toss with tongs until every wing is evenly coated.
  • Garnish and Serve: Transfer the wings to a serving platter. Garnish with a little extra fresh parsley or lemon zest if desired. Serve immediately while they’re hot and crispy!

Storage and Essential Tips for the Best Lemon Garlic Chicken Wings

  • Pat Dry, Pat Dry, Pat Dry! Removing all moisture from the wings is the most important step to get that sought-after crispy skin.
  • Don’t Skip the Baking Powder: It’s a non-negotiable ingredient for achieving a crispy texture without deep-frying. Don’t worry, you won’t taste it!
  • Use a Wire Rack: This allows the wings to cook evenly on all sides and ensures the bottoms don’t get soggy.
  • Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve these wings as soon as they are tossed in the sauce.
  • Make-Ahead: You can pat the wings dry and coat them with the baking powder mixture a few hours in advance. Store them uncovered in the refrigerator to further dry out the skin.

Share Your Sweet Creation!

Did you make a batch of these crispy and delicious Lemon Garlic Chicken Wings? We’d love to see them! Share your photos on Instagram and tag @FoodieIdeas and use the hashtag #LemonGarlicWings. What’s your favorite sauce for wings?

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