Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe

Easy Homemade Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe

Succulent chicken wings dancing with zesty lemon garlic flavors promise to tantalize every taste bud.

These golden-brown wings packed with baked lemon garlic magic will steal the spotlight at any gathering.

Crispy on the outside and incredibly tender within, each wing delivers a burst of bright, aromatic goodness.

The marinade infuses deep, mouthwatering notes that elevate simple chicken into something extraordinary.

Herbs and citrus merge seamlessly to create a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

Weeknight dinners or game day parties will never be the same once you serve these irresistible wings.

Prepare to surprise and delight everyone around the table with this flavor-packed recipe.

What Makes Lemon Garlic Wings So Good

  • Flavor Explosion Guaranteed: Packed with zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and bold spices, these wings deliver a mouthwatering taste that'll make taste buds dance with joy.
  • Versatile Party Pleaser: Ideal for game nights, potlucks, or casual gatherings, these wings are a crowd-pleasing option that suits any social event and keeps everyone coming back for more.
  • Healthy Twist on Classic Comfort: Baked instead of deep-fried, these wings offer a lighter alternative that doesn't compromise on crispiness or flavor, making them a guilt-free indulgence for health-conscious food lovers.

What You’ll Need for Baked Chicken Wings

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Wings: Juicy and flavorful base for this delicious recipe.
Marinade Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil, Lemon Juice: Zesty liquid that adds moisture and bright flavor.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that brings depth to the dish.
  • Lemon Zest: Citrusy essence that enhances the overall taste.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Paprika, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Spice blend that creates a perfect flavor profile.
  • Parsley: Fresh herb for garnishing and added color.
Baking Accessories:
  • Parchment Paper, Silicone Mat, Wire Rack: Kitchen tools that help achieve crispy wings.
  • Lemon Wedges: Optional garnish for extra citrus kick.

How to Bake Zesty Lemon Garlic Wings

Step 1: Prep Those Tasty Wings

Clean and dry the chicken wings thoroughly using paper towels.

If the wings are whole, separate them into flat and drumette sections.

You can save the wing tips for making homemade stock or discard them.

Step 2: Create Flavor Magic

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together:
  • Olive oil
  • Minced garlic
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Lemon zest
  • Paprika
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Toss the chicken wings in this zesty marinade, making sure every wing gets fully coated.

Cover the bowl and let the wings soak up all those delicious flavors in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Pro tip: Overnight marinating will make the wings even more mouthwatering!

Step 3: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 400°F.

This temperature ensures super crispy wings with perfect golden edges.

Step 4: Set the Stage

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

For maximum crispiness, place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet.

This lets hot air circulate around the wings, creating that irresistible crunch.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Spread the marinated wings on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.

No wing should touch another!

Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

You’re looking for a gorgeous golden brown color and a crispy exterior.

Step 6: Crisp It Up

Want extra crunch?

Broil the wings for 1-2 minutes at the end.

Watch carefully to prevent burning – you want crispy, not charred!

Step 7: Serve and Celebrate

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the wings.

Add some lemon wedges on the side for a bright, citrusy punch.

Serve immediately and watch them disappear!

Tips for Crispy Skin and Juicy Flavor

  • Pat chicken wings completely dry before marinating to guarantee maximum crispiness and prevent soggy results.
  • Let wings soak in the lemon-garlic mixture for at least 30 minutes, but overnight marination will intensify flavor and tenderness.
  • Use a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow hot air circulation, ensuring wings become golden and crisp on all sides.
  • Always verify internal wing temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer to guarantee safe and perfectly cooked chicken.
  • Add a quick 1-2 minute broil at the end for extra crunch, but watch carefully to prevent burning the delicious marinade.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Wings

  • Store leftover chicken wings in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. They'll stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap wings tightly in freezer-safe bags or containers. Frozen wings maintain quality for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Restore crispiness by preheating oven to 375°F. Spread wings on a baking sheet and warm for 10-15 minutes, turning once halfway through.
  • Quickly revive wings in air fryer at 375°F for 4-6 minutes. This method helps maintain original crunchiness and prevents drying out.

Perfect Pairings for Chicken Wing Nights

  • Pair Fresh Citrus Cocktails: Create zesty cocktails like lemon drop martinis or limoncello spritzers that complement the tangy garlic wing flavors.
  • Serve Crisp Green Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the wings' richness and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
  • Match Mediterranean Dips: Offer tzatziki or hummus as cool, creamy accompaniments that echo the dish's Mediterranean-inspired seasoning profile.
  • Select Bright White Wines: Choose crisp white wines like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, whose acidity matches the lemon garlic wing's vibrant taste.

Tasty Twists for Baked Garlic Wings

  • Spicy Sriracha Swap: Replace lemon juice with sriracha sauce and add red pepper flakes for a fiery kick. Use rice vinegar to maintain moisture and complement the heat.
  • Herb Garden Chicken: Substitute Italian seasoning with fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage. Add Greek yogurt to the marinade for extra tenderness and a creamy texture.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Use coconut aminos instead of traditional seasonings. Ensure all spices are certified gluten-free. Add almond flour to create a light coating for extra crispiness.
  • Keto-Low Carb Option: Remove paprika, use avocado oil instead of olive oil. Add extra garlic and herbs. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese before baking to enhance flavor and maintain low-carb requirements.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen chicken wings?

Yes, thaw them completely before marinating. Pat dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture and ensure crispy results.

  • How can I make these wings spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust according to your heat preference.

  • Are these wings gluten-free?

The recipe as written is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure all your seasonings and ingredients are certified gluten-free if you have sensitivities.

  • What if I don't have a wire rack?

You can still bake wings directly on a lined baking sheet. Just flip them more frequently and leave space between each wing to help them crisp up evenly.

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Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe

Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe


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4.7 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Zesty Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken Wings bring Mediterranean sunshine to weeknight dinners with bold, tangy flavors. Crispy wings marinated in garlic, lemon, and herbs promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) chicken wings

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 5 cloves garlic, minced (or 2 teaspoons garlic powder)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Liquid and Oil:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed

Garnish (Optional):

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Meticulously cleanse chicken wings, eliminating excess moisture with paper towels to guarantee a crisp exterior.
  2. Segment whole wings into flats and drumettes, discarding wing tips or reserving for future stock preparation.
  3. Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking olive oil, crushed garlic, zesty lemon juice, fragrant lemon zest, smoky paprika, aromatic Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper in a spacious mixing vessel.
  4. Thoroughly coat chicken wings in the marinade, ensuring each piece is generously embraced by the flavorful mixture.
  5. Seal the bowl with plastic wrap and allow wings to marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, or ideally overnight for intensified flavor profiles.
  6. Activate the oven to 400°F, creating an optimal environment for achieving golden, crispy wings.
  7. Strategically line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat to facilitate effortless cleanup.
  8. Position a wire rack atop the baking sheet to enhance air circulation and promote uniform crispness.
  9. Carefully arrange marinated wings in a single layer, preventing any overlap that could impede even cooking.
  10. Roast wings for 25-30 minutes, rotating midway to ensure comprehensive browning and consistent doneness.
  11. Verify internal temperature reaches 165°F, confirming complete cooking while maintaining juicy tenderness.
  12. For ultimate crispiness, execute a brief broiling session lasting 1-2 minutes, monitoring closely to prevent charring.
  13. Elevate presentation by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and accompanying with bright lemon wedges.
  14. Serve immediately, celebrating the harmonious blend of zesty, garlicky flavors and irresistible crispy texture.

Notes

  • Pat chicken wings thoroughly to achieve maximum crispiness, removing all surface moisture helps create a perfect golden exterior.
  • Use fresh lemon zest and juice for vibrant, bright flavors that elevate the entire dish’s taste profile.
  • Experiment with wire rack placement to ensure air circulation creates uniformly crispy wings without excess oil pooling.
  • Customize seasoning by swapping Italian herbs with smoked paprika or adding red pepper flakes for subtle heat variations.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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