Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken Wings

Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken Wings are crispy, zesty, and full of flavor, making them a perfect choice for game day, parties, or a casual dinner. With a tangy lemon and aromatic garlic marinade, these wings are baked—not fried—resulting in a lighter yet equally satisfying snack or main dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier than fried wings
• Bursting with bold lemon-garlic flavor
• Easy, fuss-free prep and cleanup
• Bakes to crispy perfection
• Great as an appetizer or main course

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken wings
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Melted butter or ghee
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

this recipe

1. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
2. Dry the wings thoroughly with paper towels—this helps them get crispy.
3. Season the wings in a large bowl with baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and lemon zest. Toss to coat evenly.
4. Arrange wings in a single layer on the rack.
5. Bake for 30 minutes, then flip the wings and bake for another 20–25 minutes until golden and crispy.
6. Make the sauce by whisking together lemon juice, melted butter, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
7. Toss wings in the lemon garlic sauce once they are done baking.
8. Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped parsley or extra lemon zest.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 50 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour

Variations

• Spicy kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne to the sauce
• Herbed twist: Mix in chopped rosemary or thyme with the seasoning
• Dipping sauce: Serve with ranch, blue cheese, or a creamy garlic dip
• Grilled option: Grill wings instead of baking for a smoky flavor

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheat in a 375°F oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed and crispy
• Freezing is possible, but texture may change slightly; reheat from frozen at 400°F for 20–25 minutes

FAQs

Can I make these wings ahead of time?

Yes. Bake the wings ahead and store in the fridge. Reheat in the oven before serving for crispy results.

Why use baking powder?

Baking powder helps the wings crisp up in the oven by drawing out moisture.

Can I air fry these wings?

Absolutely. Air fry at 400°F for about 25 minutes, shaking halfway through.

What if I don’t have a wire rack?

You can place the wings directly on a foil-lined baking sheet, but they may not be as crispy on the bottom.

Can I use frozen wings?

Yes, but thaw and pat them dry before seasoning to ensure crispiness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your baking powder and any dipping sauces are gluten-free.

Can I use other parts of the chicken?

You can try this with drumsticks or thighs, but adjust baking time for larger pieces.

How do I get the most flavor from the lemon?

Use both lemon zest and juice. Zest adds brightness, while juice gives tang.

Can I use olive oil instead of butter?

Yes, olive oil works fine, though butter gives a richer flavor.

Do I need to marinate the wings?

Not necessary, but you can marinate them in lemon juice and garlic for an hour before baking for deeper flavor.

Conclusion

Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken Wings are a flavor-packed, healthier alternative to fried wings. With simple ingredients and a vibrant taste, this recipe is easy enough for weeknights and impressive enough for entertaining. Once you try them, they’re bound to become a regular on your menu.

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