Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings #1

I have two awesome lemon pepper wing recipes and I'm having trouble deciding which is my favorite.  The recipes are very simple and have similar ingredients.  The thing that makes the recipes unique is the cooking techniques--one recipe is baked and one is lightly fried and finished in the oven--bringing about slightly different flavors and textures.  At the end of the day it comes down to personal preference.  So, I'll share both recipes and you can decide which is best. Today, I'm sharing the baked version. Enjoy!

Lynn's Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings - Recipe #1

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Seasoned & Stirred with love by LBTurner

20 chicken wing pieces (washed, cleaned)

1 1/2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons lemon zest

2 teaspoons seasoned salt

1 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped)

4 tablespoons oil (olive, sesame or canola)

Marinate - In a large mixing bowl, add all of the ingredients (except 1/2 tablespoon of lemon pepper seasoning and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest).  Mix all ingredients until wings are thoroughly coated with the mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in refrigerator overnight (or at least two hours).

Bake - Preheat oven to 400°F.  Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil.  Pour the entire contents of the bowl (chicken, oil and spices) onto the pan. Arrange the wings so that they are all flat on the pan.  Put the wings in the oven and bake at 400°F for approx 20 minutes or until wings are brown on both sides.  The internal temperature of the cooked wings will be safe within 165°F - 180°F. 

Remove the wings from the oven an let rest for 2-3 minutes.  Arrange the wings on a serving platter with tongs or a fork.  Drizzle the flavored oil left on the sheet pan over the wings.  Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of lemon pepper seasoning and remaining tablespoon of lemon zest over the wings.  Garnish with fresh basil and lemon slices if desired.

These delicious wings make a great main dish served with your favorite sides or you can serve them as an appetizer paired with your favorite light beer, chilled white wine or your favorite frozen drink (my favorite is a creamy, frozen fruit Daiquiri--it balances the citrusy/tangy flavor and cools the slight peppery kick of the wings).