Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Step 1

Position oven rack to center position and preheat oven to warm (lowest setting).

Step 2

Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 3

To prepare the lemon-pepper seasoning, wash the lemons and pat dry. Remove zest from each lemon with a microplane. While doing so, collect as much of the flavorful yellow outer layer as possible, while avoiding the more bitter white layer below.

Step 4

Spread the zest in a thin layer on the parchment paper and place in the oven. After 20 minutes, remove pan from oven and shake to make sure zest is drying evenly. Return to oven until thoroughly dried, approximately 25-30 minutes.

Step 5

Remove dried lemon zest from the oven and increase oven temperature to 425°F.

Step 6

Add dried lemon zest to spice grinder or food processor along with salt and black peppercorns. Grind ingredients until desired consistency is reached. Taste and adjust ratio of salt and pepper as desired.

Step 7

In a large bowl, combine chicken wings with olive oil and 1 – 2 tablespoons of lemon-pepper seasoning and toss until evenly coated.

Step 8

Arrange seasoned chicken wings in a single layer on rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Do not overcrowd. Place baking sheet on center rack of preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Step 9

Remove baking sheet from oven and turn each wing to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. Return to oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until wings are browned and crispy.

Step 10

Remove from oven and serve immediately with sliced celery and blue cheese or ranch dressing, if desired.