Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb chicken wings
• 0.5 tbsp grape seed oil (or other neutral oil)
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp lemon pepper
• 0.25 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• canola oil (for frying)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 0.5 lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 0.25 cup hot sauce
• 0.33 cup honey
• 1 lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (for sauce)
• 0.5 tsp lemon pepper (for sauce; use more if desired)
• 0.5 cup mayonnaise
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 1 ranch seasoning packet
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (for ranch)
• 1 tsp dill
• 1 tsp garlic powder (for ranch)
• 0.5 tsp pepper (for ranch)
• 0.5 tsp salt (for ranch)

Steps

1. 1

   Pat the 1.5 pounds of chicken wings completely dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin.

2. 2

   Drizzle the wings with 1/2 tablespoon of grape seed oil (or another neutral oil) and toss to coat lightly.

3. 3

   Sprinkle 1 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons lemon pepper, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons onion powder, and 1 teaspoon paprika over the wings.

4. 4

   Toss the wings again until they are evenly seasoned with the spice mixture.

5. 5

   Add 1/4 cup of cornstarch to the wings and toss again until they are evenly coated. Set the wings aside.

6. 6

   Prepare the ranch dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, and 1 cup buttermilk until the mixture is smooth.

7. 7

   Stir in 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dill, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix until well combined.

8. 8

   Taste the ranch and adjust the seasoning or thickness by adding more salt, pepper, or buttermilk as needed.

9. 9

   Cover the ranch dressing and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

10. 10

    Heat canola oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).

11. 11

    Fry the wings in batches for 8–10 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.

12. 12

    Drain the fried wings on paper towels or a wire rack to remove excess oil.

13. 13

    Prepare the sauce: In a small saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over low heat.

14. 14

    Stir in 1/3 cup honey, 1/4 cup hot sauce, the juice from 1/2 lemon, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 lemon's worth of zest, and 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning.

15. 15

    Simmer the sauce for 1–2 minutes until the ingredients are well combined.

16. 16

    Toss the fried wings in the hot honey lemon pepper sauce until they are thoroughly coated.

17. 17

    Garnish with extra lemon pepper seasoning or lemon zest if desired and serve with the chilled ranch.

Notes

For the best results, ensure the wings are very dry before seasoning and coating with cornstarch. The ranch dressing benefits from at least 30 minutes of chilling time to develop flavor.

Nutrition per serving

• appetizer
• main
• chicken wings
• fried
• spicy
• game day
• lemon pepper
• hot honey