Lemon-Pepper Chicken Wings
These lemon-pepper chicken wings are the perfect party food. They're crispy, flavorful, and easy to make. The key is to marinate the wings in a simple mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper before baking them in a hot oven. This gives the wings a chance to absorb all of the flavors, resulting in a juicy, flavorful interior and a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
Chicken wings have been a popular party food for decades, but it wasn't until the early 1990s that the lemon-pepper variation became a staple. The dish is said to have originated in Buffalo, New York, where it was first served at a local bar called the Anchor Bar. The bar's owner, Teressa Bellissimo, was looking for a way to make her chicken wings stand out from the competition, so she experimented with different flavors until she came up with the perfect combination of lemon, pepper, and garlic. The wings were a hit, and soon other bars and restaurants in Buffalo began to offer their own versions of the dish. Today, lemon-pepper chicken wings are a popular menu item at sports bars and casual dining restaurants across the country.
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 30 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
- chicken wings
- olive oil
- lemon juice
- black pepper
- garlic powder
- salt
- cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper.
- Spread the chicken wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with a wire rack.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken wings are cooked through and golden brown.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Why It Works
- The marinade helps to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
- The hot oven creates a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
- The combination of lemon, pepper, and garlic creates a flavorful, well-balanced dish.