Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings Recipe | Zesty & Crispy
I made these lemon pepper chicken wings on a sunny weekend and they instantly became a favorite. I wanted wings that were bright, peppery, and had that irresistible grilled char without any fuss.
After tossing the wings with lemon-pepper seasoning and a little oil, then finishing them in a buttery lemon glaze, the result was juicy meat with crisp edges and zingy citrus notes.
I found the method simple, fast, and perfect for backyard cookouts or a cozy weeknight treat. If you’re into bold flavors, you can also enjoy this grilled Mexican chicken recipe for another delicious twist on chicken.
Ingredients
A short list of straightforward ingredients that let the lemon-pepper shine.
- 2½ lbs party wings (flats and drumettes), trimmed if needed — party wings give a good balance of meat and skin.
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil — helps the seasoning adhere and promotes browning on the grill.
- 1½ tbsp lemon pepper seasoning — choose a blend with real lemon zest for a bright, authentic flavor.
- 4 tbsp butter, melted — makes the glossy lemon-pepper butter to toss the wings in after cooking.
- 1 lemon, sliced for serving (and extra for zest if you like) — fresh lemon adds aroma and a finishing tang.
Note: several serving
Variations
Short ideas to change the flavor or adapt to diets.
- For a dairy-free option, replace butter with a high-smoke point oil (like avocado oil) and stir in extra lemon zest for flavor.
- Want extra heat? Mix a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes into the lemon-pepper seasoning before tossing.
- For a saucy version, double the butter, add 1 tbsp honey and 1 tsp garlic powder, then toss the wings for sticky, sweet-savory coating.
- Prefer oven or air fryer? Use the same seasoning; bake at high heat or air-fry until skin crisps (method changes but flavor remains).
- For different marinade ideas, you might like trying a Mexican chicken marinade recipe that adds smoky depth with spices.
Cooking Time
Quick glance at how long everything takes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes (grilling: 20 minutes, then 15–20 more minutes turning to finish)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Equipment you need
Each tool and why I use it.
- Grill (gas or charcoal) — gives the wings that smoky char and crisp skin.
- Tongs — safe, easy handling of hot wings on the grill.
- Small saucepan — to melt butter and whisk in extra lemon-pepper for finishing.
- Large mixing bowl — for tossing wings with oil and seasoning.
- Meat thermometer (optional) — for reliably checking that wings are cooked through.
How to Make Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings Recipe?
A clean, three-step method that keeps things simple and delicious.
Marinate and Season
I pat the wings dry, place them in a large bowl, add the vegetable oil, and toss with the lemon-pepper seasoning until evenly coated. This quick coating helps the seasoning cling and prevents flare-ups from excessive oil on the grill.
Grill the Wings
I preheat the grill to about 375°F and place the wings directly over medium heat, cooking for about 20 minutes first. After the initial sear I turn them and continue grilling for another 15–20 minutes, checking for golden, slightly charred skin and an internal temperature near 165°F.
Make the Butter Glaze & Toss
While the wings finish, I gently melt butter and whisk in an extra pinch of lemon-pepper seasoning. Once the wings are done, I drizzle the butter over them and toss to coat—this adds shine and boosts the citrus-pepper flavor without making the skin soggy.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
These are from my experience making the recipe multiple times.
- I always dry the wings thoroughly before seasoning — less surface moisture means much better crisping.
- I keep the grill lid down most of the time for even cooking and only open to turn the wings.
- I let wings rest a few minutes after grilling so juices redistribute and the butter glaze sets slightly.
- I taste the lemon-pepper seasoning first: if it’s low on lemon, I add a little extra lemon zest for brightness.
- If I’m feeding a crowd, I double the glaze so every piece gets a glossy finish.
How to Serve Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings Recipe?
Serving ideas and presentation tips to make the dish pop.
- Arrange wings on a platter in a casual stack, then sprinkle a little extra lemon pepper and fresh lemon zest on top for visual appeal.
- Garnish with thin lemon slices, and scatter chopped parsley for color contrast.
- Offer dipping sauces such as ranch or blue cheese on the side, plus crisp celery and carrot sticks for crunch and balance.
- Serve with simple sides like coleslaw, grilled corn, or roasted potatoes to round out the meal. For another flavor-packed option, you could also try pairing with a sweet chili chicken marinade recipe for a balance of tangy-sweet heat.
Nutritional Information
Here are the key nutrition metrics per serving (approximate):
- Calories: 753 kcal
- Protein: ~40 g
- Carbohydrates: ~2–6 g
- Fat: ~60 g
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing
I refrigerate cooled leftovers in an airtight container; they keep well for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to return some crispness.
Freezing
If I freeze for longer storage, I flash-freeze cooked wings on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to freezer bags—wings will keep up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating
I reheat wings in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or pop them in the air fryer for 6–8 minutes. This restores crispness much better than the microwave.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
A few short reasons why this version stands out.
I think this grilled lemon pepper wing recipe checks boxes that matter for a great home-cooked wing.
- Bright, bold flavor — real lemon-pepper seasoning plus a buttery finish creates a lively, layered taste.
- Simple and fast — only a few ingredients and minimal hands-on time (about 45 minutes total).
- Textural contrast — charred, slightly crisp exterior with juicy meat inside—grilling nails this balance.
- Easily adaptable — switch up heat, sweetness, or cooking method without losing the core flavor.
- Party-friendly — wings are inherently shareable and look great on a platter, perfect for gatherings.
Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- I pat the wings dry, place them in a large bowl, add the vegetable oil, and toss with the lemon-pepper seasoning until evenly coated. This quick coating helps the seasoning cling and prevents flare-ups from excessive oil on the grill.
- I preheat the grill to about 375°F and place the wings directly over medium heat, cooking for about 20 minutes first. After the initial sear I turn them and continue grilling for another 15–20 minutes, checking for golden, slightly charred skin and an internal temperature near 165°F.
- While the wings finish, I gently melt butter and whisk in an extra pinch of lemon-pepper seasoning. Once the wings are done, I drizzle the butter over them and toss to coat—this adds shine and boosts the citrus-pepper flavor without making the skin soggy.
Notes
- I always dry the wings thoroughly before seasoning — less surface moisture means much better crisping.
- I keep the grill lid down most of the time for even cooking and only open to turn the wings.
- I let wings rest a few minutes after grilling so juices redistribute and the butter glaze sets slightly.
- I taste the lemon-pepper seasoning first: if it’s low on lemon, I add a little extra lemon zest for brightness.
- If I’m feeding a crowd, I double the glaze so every piece gets a glossy finish.
