Description
These Lemon-Garlic Chicken Wings are a perfect blend of tangy lemon and fragrant garlic, marinated to infuse flavor and baked to a crispy, juicy perfection. This quick and easy recipe yields tender wings with a zesty, savory crust that’s ideal for a main appetizer or part of a buffet spread.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- ½ cup Olive Oil
- ½ cup Lemon Juice
- Zest of 1 Lemon
- 2 tablespoons diced Garlic Cloves
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 ½ teaspoons Kosher Salt
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 ½ teaspoons freshly ground Black Pepper
Main
- 4 pounds Chicken Wings (thawed if frozen)
Garnish
- Lemon wedges
- Finely diced scallion greens
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, diced garlic, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk everything together thoroughly to ensure the flavors blend well.
- Marinate the Chicken Wings: Add the chicken wings to the bowl and spoon the marinade generously over the wings. Rotate and toss the wings regularly so they all absorb the marinade evenly. This process also helps redistribute the flavors.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two large rimmed baking sheets with foil, dull side up, and place baking or cooling racks on top. The racks allow air circulation for crispier wings.
- Arrange Wings for Baking: Remove the wings from the marinade using tongs, allowing excess to drip back into the bowl. Place the wings skin side up on the prepared racks, spacing them apart so they crisp evenly without steaming.
- Bake the Wings: Bake the wings in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and the juices run clear. This guarantees safe consumption and perfectly cooked meat.
- Serve: Remove the wings from the oven and serve hot. Garnish with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of finely diced scallion greens to enhance flavor and presentation.
Notes
- The wings marinate naturally as the oven preheats, so the prep time is primarily waiting and mixing the marinade.
- This recipe yields crispy and juicy wings with a light, refreshing lemon-garlic flavor perfect for a crowd.
- Using a rack during baking helps keep the wings crispy by allowing air to circulate around them.
- For extra zest, you may add more lemon zest or fresh herbs like parsley if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 532 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 1283 mg
- Fat: 44 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 33 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
