Lemon Honey Chicken Wings

These Lemon Honey Chicken Wings are coated in a glossy, sticky glaze that perfectly balances bright citrus with gentle sweetness. Baked to golden perfection, the wings turn irresistibly tender on the inside while developing a lightly caramelized, flavorful exterior. This recipe is easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for parties, family gatherings, or game-day spreads.

The marinade combines fresh lemon juice, fragrant zest, honey, garlic, and ginger to infuse the chicken with bold flavor from the inside out. Baking the wings on a wire rack allows hot air to circulate evenly, helping them cook through while achieving a deliciously crisp finish without frying.

Serve these wings as an appetizer, snack, or main course, and watch them disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors
• Baked, not fried, for an easier and cleaner method
• Simple ingredients with big flavor impact
• Great for entertaining or meal prep

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken wings, cleaned and patted dry
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, grated ginger, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper until well combined and smooth.
2. Marinate the Chicken Wings
   Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss thoroughly to ensure each wing is fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For deeper flavor, marinate overnight.
3. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, then place a wire rack on top. This setup helps the wings cook evenly and prevents them from sitting in excess juices.
4. Arrange the Wings
   Remove the wings from the marinade, reserving the remaining liquid. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack, leaving space between them.
5. Bake
   Bake the wings for 25 minutes. Remove them from the oven, brush generously with the reserved marinade, then return them to the oven.
6. Finish Baking
   Continue baking for another 20–25 minutes, or until the wings are golden, sticky, and fully cooked through. The glaze should look slightly caramelized but not burnt.
7. Rest and Serve
   Let the wings rest for a few minutes after baking. Transfer them to a serving platter and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These lemon honey chicken wings pair beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or oven-baked potatoes. They also work well alongside rice or as part of a larger appetizer spread for special occasions.

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) to maintain texture and flavor.