These Low Calorie Chicken Wings are seasoned with a zesty marinade of honey, lemon juice, and a touch of black pepper. They have a crispy and golden-brown texture.
Jump to:
Check out my Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Wings and my Broiled Chicken Wings for more amazing chicken wing recipes!
These low calorie chicken wings are a combination of sweet and tangy.
Made with a flavorful marinade of honey, lemon juice, olive oil, and a hint of black pepper, these wings are baked to perfection.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The combination of honey, lemon, and black pepper creates a burst of flavors.
- Whether you're hosting a game day party, a family dinner, or a potluck, these wings make a fantastic appetizer or main course.
- The marinade comes together in minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse the wings to in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Chicken Wings: Known for their juicy and tender meat!
- Honey: Helps to caramelize the exterior during baking, resulting in a beautiful glaze.
- Lemon Juice: Balances the richness of the chicken and enhances the overall taste.
- Olive Oil: Serves as the base for the marinade, contributing to the wings' moisture and promoting even baking.
- Lemon Zest: Intensifies the lemon flavor in the marinade.
- Black Pepper: Adds a gentle spiciness that balances the sweetness of the honey.
- Salt: Enhances the taste of the wings and brings out the other flavors.
- Garlic Powder: Adds depth to the marinade, enhancing the overall taste.
- Paprika: Contributes a mild smokiness and complements the other spices.
- Fresh Parsley: This garnish adds a burst of freshness and a hint of herbal flavor.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425 °F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine honey, lemon juice, olive oil, lemon zest, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well to create the marinade.
Step 3: Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss them in the marinade, ensuring they are coated evenly. Let them marinate for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
Step 4: Place the marinated wings onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other.
Step 5: Bake the wings in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
Step 6: Once the wings are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Step 7: Optional step, for an extra sticky glaze, you can brush the wings with a mixture of honey and lemon juice during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Step 8: Garnish the wings with fresh parsley for added freshness and serve them hot.
NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!
Expert Tips
- Before marinating, make sure to pat dry the chicken wings with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the marinade adhere better to the wings.
- For the best flavor, always use freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly grated lemon zest.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of black pepper, garlic powder, and other spices to suit your preference. If you prefer spicier wings, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
Variations
- Spicy: Add a kick of heat by increasing the amount of black pepper or incorporating some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the marinade.
- Orange: Substitute lemon with orange zest and juice for a citrusy twist. Orange adds a sweeter and slightly milder flavor.
- Cajun: Add a touch of Cajun seasoning to the marinade for a flavorful Southern twist.
Storing & Freezing
Storing: Store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator and use them within 3 to 4 days.
Freezing: Allow them to cool completely at room temperature. Place the wings in airtight containers or heavy duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months.
Thawing & Reheating: When you're ready to enjoy the frozen wings, move them to the refrigerator and let them thaw overnight. To reheat the wings, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350 °F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use an air fryer for quicker and equally crispy results.
Recipe FAQ's
Absolutely! Grilling the wings adds a smoky flavor and a charred finish. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the wings for about 15-20 minutes, flipping occasionally until they are cooked through.
It's best to use thawed chicken wings for even marination and cooking. If using frozen wings, thaw them completely in the refrigerator before marinating.
More Chicken Recipes You'll Love
Low Calorie Chicken Wings
Special Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine honey, lemon juice, olive oil, lemon zest, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well to create the marinade.
- Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss them in the marinade, ensuring they are coated evenly. Let them marinate for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Place the marinated wings onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other.
- Bake the wings in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
- Once the wings are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Optional step: For an extra sticky glaze, you can brush the wings with a mixture of honey and lemon juice during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Garnish the wings with fresh parsley for added freshness and serve them hot.
Notes
- Before marinating, make sure to pat dry the chicken wings with paper towels.
- Removing excess moisture helps the marinade adhere better to the wings.
- For the best flavor, always use freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly grated lemon zest.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of black pepper, garlic powder, and other spices to suit your preference. If you prefer spicier wings, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Halfway through baking, flip the wings to be sure they cook evenly on both sides, resulting in a consistent golden-brown color and crispiness.
- Storing: Store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator and use them within 3 to 4 days.
- Freezing: Allow them to cool completely at room temperature. Place the wings in airtight containers or heavy duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months.
- Thawing & Reheating: When you're ready to enjoy the frozen wings, move them to the refrigerator and let them thaw overnight. To reheat the wings, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350 °F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use an air fryer for quicker and equally crispy results.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
Comments
No Comments