Lemon Pepper Turkey Wings
There’s something magical about Southern-style cooking the way it brings people together over bold flavors, comfort, and tradition.
These Lemon Pepper Turkey Wings perfectly capture that spirit. Originating from the American South, particularly Georgia and Louisiana, this dish transforms simple turkey wings into something extraordinary.
The tangy lemon zest, cracked black pepper, and buttery richness celebrate the essence of Southern soul food, hearty, flavorful, and made with love. Whether served at Sunday dinners or festive gatherings, these wings embody warmth and community in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here are the key components that come together to create these wonderfully flavorful turkey wings. Using the right ingredients makes all the difference.
- 4 lbs turkey wings – You’ll want about four large wings. You can use them whole or separate them into flats and drumettes.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Essential for bringing out all the other flavors in the dish.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper – Adds a gentle, classic warmth.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder – Provides a savory, aromatic base without the texture of fresh garlic.
- 2 teaspoons onion powder – I find this gives a sweeter, deeper flavor than fresh onion.
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme – Its earthy, minty notes pair beautifully with poultry.
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley – For a touch of color and a mild, herby freshness.
- 4 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning (salt-free) – Using a salt-free blend is my pro-tip; it lets you control the saltiness of the final dish perfectly.
- 6 tablespoons salted butter – The foundation for the rich finishing sauce. I like using a quality brand for the best flavor.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic – Fresh garlic in the butter sauce adds a pungent, delicious kick.
Note: This recipe will provide several servings, typically enough for about 4-6 people depending on appetite.
Variations
While this classic lemon pepper recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also wonderfully adaptable.
For a touch of sweetness, transform them into honey lemon pepper wings by adding a tablespoon or two of honey to the butter sauce. If you enjoy some heat, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper with the dry seasonings. You can also turn this into a one-pan meal by roasting potatoes and carrots on the same sheet pan alongside the turkey wings.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Equipment You Need
You don’t need much to get this recipe done, which is one of the things I love about it.
- Large Baking Sheet: A 9×13 inch pan is perfect for arranging the wings in a single layer for even cooking.
- Aluminum Foil: This makes cleanup a breeze; just line your baking sheet with it before you start.
- Large Mixing Bowl: You’ll need this to toss the wings thoroughly with the seasoning.
- Small Saucepan: For melting the butter and creating that delicious lemon pepper sauce.
- Instant-Read Meat Thermometer: This is the best way to ensure your turkey wings are perfectly cooked and not tough.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Turkey Wings?
The process is straightforward, breaking down into a few simple stages from seasoning to serving. Following these steps will give you crispy, juicy, and flavor-packed wings every time.
Prep and Season the Turkey Wings
First, preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil. If you have whole turkey wings, cut them at the joints and discard the tips. Pat the wings completely dry with paper towels—this is key for crispy skin. Place them in a large bowl and add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, parsley, and two teaspoons of the lemon pepper seasoning. Toss everything together until the wings are evenly coated.
Bake the Wings
Arrange the seasoned turkey wings in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan so they can roast instead of steam. Place the pan in the oven and bake for one hour. About halfway through, at the 30-minute mark, I like to take them out and flip them over to ensure they get crispy on all sides.
Make the Lemon Pepper Butter Sauce
While the wings are baking, you can prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the remaining two teaspoons of lemon pepper seasoning.
Toss and Serve
Once the turkey wings are done baking, an instant-read thermometer should register 165°F in the thickest part. Carefully transfer the hot wings to a large bowl. Pour the lemon pepper butter sauce over them and toss until every wing is coated in that glorious, garlicky sauce. Garnish with some fresh parsley and serve immediately.
🇺🇸 A Taste of the American South: Lemon Pepper Turkey Wings
Traveling through the American South, especially Georgia and Louisiana, you’ll quickly discover that food isn’t just about flavor, it’s about heritage. These Lemon Pepper Turkey Wings reflect the soulful spirit of Southern cooking, where comfort and creativity meet.
The region’s love for bold spices and citrusy zest shines in every bite. Known for their crispy skin and juicy tenderness, these wings represent the warmth, hospitality, and flavorful traditions that make Southern cuisine world-famous.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
Through making this recipe a few times, I’ve gathered some small tips that make a big difference.
- I can’t stress this enough: patting the turkey wings completely dry before seasoning is the secret to getting that perfectly crispy skin everyone loves.
- If I have extra time, I’ll season the wings and let them rest in the fridge, uncovered, for a few hours or even overnight. This acts as a dry brine, making the meat more flavorful and the skin even crispier.
- For an extra crispy finish, I sometimes switch the oven to the broil setting for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Just watch them closely so they don’t burn!
- Don’t be afraid to use your hands to rub the seasoning mix onto the wings. This ensures every nook and cranny is covered for maximum flavor.
How to Serve Lemon Pepper Turkey Wings?
Enjoy these Lemon Pepper Turkey Wings like a true Southern traveler would surrounded by classic sides and soulful charm. Pair them with collard greens, mac and cheese, or cornbread for an authentic taste of the South.
A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens each bite, while a tall glass of sweet tea balances the zesty spice. It’s a dish that tells a story one of comfort, tradition, and the joyful rhythm of Southern kitchens.
Nutritional Information
Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of these turkey wings.
- Calories: 511 kcal
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fat: 36g
Make Ahead and Storage
This recipe is quite flexible, and you can easily prep parts of it in advance.
For make-ahead, you can season the raw turkey wings, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply. When you’re ready to cook, just bring them to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
Leftover cooked wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, I find the best way is in the oven or an air fryer at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through and the skin is re-crisped. I would avoid the microwave, as it can make the skin rubbery.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Here are a few reasons why these lemon pepper turkey wings will quickly become a favorite in your home.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of the dry rub and the rich lemon pepper butter sauce creates multiple layers of savory, zesty flavor that makes these wings truly irresistible.
- Simple and Quick Prep: With only 15 minutes of hands-on prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without a lot of fuss.
- Crispy Skin, Juicy Meat: Following these steps guarantees a perfect texture combination—super crispy skin on the outside with tender, juicy meat on the inside.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making a family dinner, hosting a party, or looking for a holiday main dish, these impressive turkey wings fit the bill.
