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
- Meticulously cleanse chicken wings, eliminating excess moisture with paper towels to guarantee a crisp exterior.
- Segment whole wings into flats and drumettes, discarding wing tips or reserving for future stock preparation.
- 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.
- Thoroughly coat chicken wings in the marinade, ensuring each piece is generously embraced by the flavorful mixture.
- 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.
- Activate the oven to 400°F, creating an optimal environment for achieving golden, crispy wings.
- Strategically line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat to facilitate effortless cleanup.
- Position a wire rack atop the baking sheet to enhance air circulation and promote uniform crispness.
- Carefully arrange marinated wings in a single layer, preventing any overlap that could impede even cooking.
- Roast wings for 25-30 minutes, rotating midway to ensure comprehensive browning and consistent doneness.
- Verify internal temperature reaches 165°F, confirming complete cooking while maintaining juicy tenderness.
- For ultimate crispiness, execute a brief broiling session lasting 1-2 minutes, monitoring closely to prevent charring.
- Elevate presentation by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and accompanying with bright lemon wedges.
- 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