Legendary Atlanta-Style Lemon Pepper Wings

Ingredients

• 3 lb chicken wings (separated into flats and drums)
• lemon pepper seasoning (divided for wings and sauce; use a high-quality blend)
• frying oil (enough for deep frying; neutral oil like canola or peanut)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted on low heat)
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• 2 tbsp honey (to balance the acidity)
• 0.5 cup blue cheese crumbles (for homemade chunky blue cheese dip)
• 0.5 cup mayonnaise (base for the blue cheese dip)
• 0.25 cup sour cream (for the blue cheese dip)

Steps

1. 1

   Prepare the chicken wings by ensuring they are dry. Season them lightly with lemon pepper seasoning, being careful not to over-season as the sauce will provide additional flavor.

2. 2

   Heat frying oil in a deep pot or fryer to 365°F (185°C).

3. 3

   Carefully add the wings to the hot oil and fry for 10 to 12 minutes until they are 'fried hard' (crispy and golden).

4. 4

   While the wings are frying, prepare the sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over low heat.

5. 5

   Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and honey to the melted butter.

6. 6

   Stir in additional lemon pepper seasoning to the butter mixture.

7. 7

   Whisk the sauce and let it simmer on low heat for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

8. 8

   Prepare the homemade chunky blue cheese dip by combining blue cheese crumbles, mayonnaise, and sour cream in a bowl (mix until desired consistency is reached).

9. 9

   Once the wings are finished frying, drain them briefly and place them in a large bowl.

10. 10

    Pour the lemon pepper honey sauce over the hot wings and toss until every wing is thoroughly coated.

Notes

The author emphasizes 'frying the wings hard' to avoid a rubbery texture. The blue cheese dip is presented as a superior alternative to ranch dressing. For the full proprietary seasoning blend, the author references his ebook.

Nutrition per serving

• chicken wings
• lemon pepper
• atlanta style
• main dish
• appetizer
• fried chicken
• game day