This homemade lemon pepper sauce for wings makes irresistibly savory, tangy, and flavorful chicken. It’s made with just 6 ingredients, including fresh lemon, butter, and honey. This recipe is so simple and delicious that you’ll wonder why you ever considered store-bought alternatives!
With its quick preparation and minimal ingredients, this lemon pepper sauce for wings is my go-to when I want to up my chicken game. Pair it with my air fryer whole chicken wings for the ultimate flavor combination that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering or meal.
Why I Love This Recipe
This lemon pepper sauce for wings will have you licking your fingers clean! Fresh lemon juice and zest, honey, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, melted butter, and lemon pepper work together to create a tangy, sticky, savory, and slightly sweet sauce.
It’s incredibly budget-friendly, with one recipe being enough to coat about two pounds of wings. Plus, it requires only a few minutes to prepare. It’s the perfect sauce to liven up your chicken wings for a game-day snack, quick dinner, or backyard barbecue.
Ingredient Notes
Here is a breakdown of everything you’ll need for this lemon pepper sauce for wings:
- Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps blend the flavors. Regular butter works well here, but you can use unsalted butter for better control over the sodium.
- Lemon: I use both lemon zest and juice to provide a tangy, zesty foundation for this sauce. Plus, it prevents food waste!
- Lemon Pepper: Provides a spicy, citrusy depth. You can use store-bought or homemade lemon pepper seasoning.
- Honey: Offers sweetness to balance the acidity of the lemon.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a savory complexity and a slight umami flavor.
- Garlic: Infuses the sauce with a punch of aromatic flavor. For the best results, use fresh garlic cloves.
Substitutions
- Melted Butter: Olive oil makes a healthier alternative but will change the flavor.
- Lemon: Bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch, but fresh lemon is best.
- Lemon Pepper: You can use a mix of freshly cracked black pepper and extra lemon zest if needed.
- For honey: Use an equal amount of maple syrup or agave for similar sweetness.
- For Worcestershire sauce: Soy sauce offers a similar depth of flavor but will slightly alter the taste.
- For garlic: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, using 1/4 teaspoon to replace one clove of minced garlic.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Wing Sauce
Making this zesty lemon pepper sauce for chicken wings couldn’t be easier! Make sure to follow all my tips and tricks for the best results.
Preparation
First, melt the butter in a small saucepan or the microwave and zest your lemon. When zesting, ensure you only get the yellow skin, not the bitter white pith beneath.
Assembly
Step 1
Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a small mixing bowl. Rolling the lemon on your countertop before cutting and juicing helps maximize the juice you get, so don’t skip this step!
Step 2
Add the lemon zest, melted butter, lemon pepper, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and finely minced garlic to the same bowl, sitting thoroughly. Ensure the butter is melted but not too hot to prevent cooking the lemon juice and affecting its fresh flavor.
Step 3
Take freshly cooked chicken wings and place them in a large mixing bowl. Pour the lemon pepper sauce over the wings, tossing gently to ensure they’re well-coated. Serve the wings immediately after tossing them in the sauce.
Expert Tip
Fresh, high-quality ingredients make this lemon pepper sauce for wings stand out from store-bought options. For the perfect tang, use a freshly zested and squeezed lemon instead of pre-packaged juice. The zest brings in oils and flavors that bottled juice just can’t match.
Similarly, freshly ground pepper or high-quality lemon pepper seasoning will provide a much more aromatic and potent flavor than something that’s been sitting on a shelf.
Cooking Tips
Consistency is Key: Stir the sauce thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are well incorporated, preventing any separation when you’re coating the wings.
Toss While Hot: Tossing the wings while they’re hot helps them absorb the sauce better, locking in moisture and flavor.
Use Leftover Sauce: If you have leftover lemon pepper sauce, save it and serve it as a dip on the side of the wings.
Variations
- Spicy: If you’re craving a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of red chili flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture.
- Herb-Infused: Incorporate a teaspoon of dried rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist.
- Honey: Increase the honey to two tablespoons for a sweeter, stickier sauce.
- Vegan: Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative for a dairy-free option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do if my sauce is too thick?
If your sauce is too thick, you can thin it with a little bit of warm water or additional lemon juice. Add it slowly and stir until you reach your desired consistency.
Can this sauce be used with other types of meat?
Absolutely! This lemon pepper sauce is also delicious on grilled chicken and fish or even tossed with roasted vegetables.
Why did my sauce separate?
Separation can occur if the sauce cools too much before tossing with the wings. Ensure the sauce is at room temperature or gently warmed before use, and whisk it well.
Storing & Reheating
Lemon pepper sauce for wings is best when fresh, but leftovers can be stored for future use. Let the sauce cool before transferring it to a container.
Fridge
If you’ll be using it again soon, store the sauce in an airtight container or mason jar. It should last up to a week in the fridge.
Freezer
You can also freeze this sauce for longer storage. To preserve its quality, freeze it in a tightly sealed container or a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and stir it well before serving to recombine any ingredients.
Reheating
For the best results, gently reheat the sauce over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent separation. If you’re reheating wings already tossed in sauce, the air fryer is the best method to preserve the wings’ crispiness. Set it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and heat for a few minutes until warmed through.
More Sauce and Seasoning Recipes
- Lemon Pepper Sauce for Wings
- Crab Leg Seasoning
- Pesto Without Pine Nuts
- Horseradish Sauce For Prime Rib
- Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms
- Garlic Butter Sauce for Seafood
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Easy Lemon Pepper Sauce for Wings
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 lemon plus zest and juice from one half
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 clove garlic minced
Instructions
- Zest and juice the lemon. Add to a bowl.
- Combine remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Add hot, cooked wings to the bowl and toss. Serve immediately.
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