Crispy Lemon Pepper Wings
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Crispy Lemon Pepper Wings—crispy chicken wings tossed in a delicious butter made with lemon pepper spice blend.
These Lemon Pepper Wings are the perfect party appetizer. The wings are flavored through with a lemony wet brine and fried crisp before being tossed in an amazing lemon pepper butter sauce. Serve them up with crudités and Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing as a dip.
What you need to make Lemon Pepper Wings
Chicken wing sections
Butter
Lemon pepper seasoning– You can use store-bought or make your own.
Sugar
Lemons
Salt and pepper
Oil for frying
Dutch oven
Thermometers
Baking sheet
Paper towels
Ziplock bag
Cooking tongs
Mixing bowls
Kitchen shears
I start by cutting 12 whole chicken wings. You may certainly purchase wings that are pre-cut but I’ve found that they cost more. To save on cost you can cut them easily yourself.
How to cut buffalo style chicken wings
You will need a pair of kitchen shears or a very sharp knife to cut the wings. Start by cutting the joint between the drum and flat. Then do the same to cut off the tip at the opposite joint of the flat.
How to season chicken wings with a wet brine
A wet brine is a seasoned liquid used to flavor and tenderize the meat. Using a wet brine to season the chicken wings before cooking makes them tastier. When making a liquid brine is to use the ratio of 1 1/2 tablespoons of kosher salt per cup of water. This recipe calls for 2 pounds of cut chicken wings which is about 18-24 pieces; for which 2 cups of brine is plenty.
How to make Lemon Pepper Wings
First, add the wing sections to a ziplock back. Add the lemon and onion wedges and sprinkle with the salt and pepper. Pour 2 cups of water over the chicken. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 4-6 hours. Heat canola oil in a dutch oven to 375 degrees. Remove the chicken from the brine and pat dry. Fry the wings in batches for 10-12 minutes until golden. Temp should read 165 degrees.
Make the lemon pepper butter by tossing the lemon pepper seasoning, sugar, and lemon zest if using it in a bowl. Whisk in the melted butter. Toss the hot wings in the sauce. Serve with dip and celery.
Baked lemon pepper wings
Make this recipe a little lighter by baking the wings instead. Follow the brine steps then preheat the oven to 475 degrees. Place the wings evenly on a baking sheet with a wire rack. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Check for doneness at 165 degrees. Continue with the lemon pepper butter steps. Enjoy with yummy HomemadeButtermilk Ranch Dip!
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Lemon Pepper Wings
Ingredients
- 2 lb chicken wings
- 2 c water
- 3 tbsp salt
- 1/2 tsp crack black pepper
- 1/2 yellow onion quartered
- 1 lemon quartered
- 8 tbsp salted butter melted
- 2 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
- 2 tsp sugar
- lemon zest optional
Instructions
- First, add the wing sections to a ziplock back. Add the lemon and onion wedges and sprinkle with the salt and pepper. Pour 2 cups of water over the chicken. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 4-6 hours.
- Heat canola oil in a dutch oven to 375 degrees. Remove the chicken from the brine and pat dry. Fry the wings in batches for 10-12 minutes until golden. Temp should read 165 degrees.
- Make the lemon pepper butter by tossing the lemon pepper seasoning, sugar, and lemon zest if using it in a bowl. Whisk in the melted butter.