Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Wings with Lemon and Thyme
Discover the ultimate recipe for crispy and flavorful oven-baked chicken wings that are perfect for game day, parties, or just a delightful dinner at home. This recipe combines the zesty brightness of fresh lemon juice with aromatic dried thyme and a hint of spice from cayenne pepper, yielding wings that are both juicy and satisfying. With a simple cooking method that achieves a perfect crispness, these wings are sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy them alone or with your favorite dipping sauce for an unforgettable experience!
20
Servings
70
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken wings
20 (whole, cleaned)
fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons (juiced)
fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (freshly ground)
garlic salt
1 teaspoon (ready-to-use)
kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon (ready-to-use)
dried thyme
1 teaspoon (dried)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (ready-to-use)
butter
4 tablespoons (melted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) and prepare a large, rimmed baking sheet by lining it with Release aluminum foil and spraying it generously with non-stick spray.
2
In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken wings and pour in the fresh lemon juice. Toss the wings until they are thoroughly coated.
3
In a separate bowl, mix together the fresh ground black pepper, garlic salt, kosher salt, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper. Sprinkle this spice mixture evenly over the wings and toss again to coat completely.
4
Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or over the stove, then mix in the cayenne pepper. Drizzle this flavored butter over the seasoned wings and mix everything thoroughly until the wings are well-coated.
5
Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
6
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the wings for 10 minutes.
7
Carefully drain any excess juices from the pan and return the wings to the oven for an additional 10 minutes.
8
After 10 minutes, flip the wings over and roast for another 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
9
Once cooked to your desired crispiness, remove the wings from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
10
Serve the wings warm as they are, or with your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
0g
Carbs
5.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of these chicken wings?
These wings feature a combination of zesty fresh lemon juice, aromatic dried thyme, and a hint of spice from cayenne pepper.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to a high temperature of 500°F (260°C) to ensure the wings become crispy.
How long do the wings need to roast in total?
The wings are roasted for a total of approximately 30 minutes, divided into three 10-minute intervals.
How do I prevent the chicken wings from sticking to the pan?
Line a large rimmed baking sheet with Release aluminum foil and spray it generously with non-stick spray.
What is the first step in preparing the wings?
The first step is to toss the cleaned chicken wings in a large bowl with fresh lemon juice until they are thoroughly coated.
What spices are used in the dry rub?
The dry rub consists of fresh ground black pepper, garlic salt, kosher salt, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper.
How is the butter prepared for the wings?
Melt 4 tablespoons of butter and mix it with cayenne pepper before drizzling it over the seasoned wings.
Why should I drain the juices from the pan during cooking?
Draining excess juices after the first 10 minutes of roasting helps the wings achieve a perfect, golden-brown crispness.
When should I flip the chicken wings?
The wings should be flipped after they have been in the oven for a total of 20 minutes (two 10-minute sessions).
How many wings does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to provide 20 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of these wings?
Each serving contains approximately 70 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There is 5.3g of protein in each serving of these chicken wings.
Are these chicken wings suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?
Yes, these wings contain 0g of carbohydrates and 0g of sugar, making them keto-friendly.
How much fat is in each serving?
Each serving contains 5g of fat.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried thyme?
Yes, though dried thyme is called for, you can substitute fresh thyme; generally, you would use three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.
What kind of lemon juice should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for fresh lemon juice for the best zesty brightness.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick due to the 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper in the rub and additional cayenne in the butter mixture.
What should the wings look like when they are finished?
The wings should be golden brown and crispy once they are fully cooked.
Do I need to let the wings cool before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to let the wings cool slightly after removing them from the oven before serving.
What are some recommended dipping sauces for these wings?
While they are flavorful on their own, you can serve them with ranch, blue cheese, or a lemon-garlic aioli.
Can I use frozen chicken wings?
It is best to use thawed, cleaned wings to ensure the lemon juice and spices adhere properly and the wings crisp up correctly.
What type of salt is best for this recipe?
The recipe uses a combination of garlic salt for flavor and kosher salt for seasoning.
Can I cook these wings without foil?
While possible, foil (especially Release foil) helps with cleanup and prevents the wings from sticking at such high temperatures.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
No, this recipe contains 0g of fiber.
What category of food does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Chicken and is ideal as an appetizer or party food.
What tags are associated with this recipe for searching?
Keywords include oven roasted wings, crispy wings, easy appetizers, party food, and lemon thyme wings.
Can I substitute the butter?
You could use olive oil or a butter substitute, though butter provides a specific richness that complements the lemon and thyme.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients: chicken wings, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic salt, kosher salt, dried thyme, cayenne, and butter.
Is the garlic salt essential?
Garlic salt adds both the necessary saltiness and a savory garlic undertone that defines the wing's flavor profile.
How should I arrange the wings on the baking sheet?
Arrange them in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow the hot air to circulate and crisp the skin.