MSG Free Lemon Pepper Wings
Crispy, tangy, and loaded with bold citrus heat, these oven-baked wings deliver everything you want from a classic game-day favorite — without a single packet of seasoning mix or store-bought sauce in sight. That matters more than you might think, because most commercial lemon pepper blends and wing sauces are quietly loaded with flavor enhancers that have no business being on your plate. Here, every element is made from scratch using real ingredients you can actually read: fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, coarsely ground black pepper, butter, and a handful of pantry staples. The secret to that shatteringly crisp skin is baking powder and a thorough pat-dry before the wings ever hit the oven — no deep fryer needed. A quick homemade butter sauce gets tossed on right at the end, so the wings stay crackling and glossy all the way to the table. Finished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon, they look and taste like something from a serious wing spot, made entirely on your terms.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the wings
- 2 ½ lb chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
For the lemon pepper sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- 1 ½ tsp coarsely ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
For serving
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
- lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Set a wire rack inside a large baking sheet and lightly coat the rack with nonstick spray.
- 2
Pat the chicken wings thoroughly dry with paper towels — the drier the surface, the crisper the skin. In a large mixing bowl, toss the wings with the baking powder, 1 tsp kosher salt, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
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