Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings & Carrot-Celery Sticks

There’s something undeniably satisfying about perfectly seasoned, crispy chicken wings paired with fresh, crunchy vegetables. This Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings & Carrot-Celery Sticks recipe combines bold, zesty flavors with a refreshing side that balances every bite. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, craving a flavorful snack, or simply want a quick and delicious dinner, these wings deliver. The bright notes of lemon pepper seasoning elevate the juicy chicken wings, while crisp carrot and celery sticks add a cool, healthy crunch that complements the bold flavors perfectly.

Top Reasons to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings & Carrot-Celery Sticks

• Simple Ingredients: With everyday pantry staples like olive oil, garlic powder, and lemon pepper seasoning, this recipe is easy to put together without fuss.
• Quick Preparation: Ready in under an hour, it’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
• Flavorful and Balanced: The tangy, peppery wings are perfectly paired with fresh carrot and celery sticks, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
• Perfect for Sharing: Wings are inherently a social food, and the addition of veggie sticks makes this a crowd-pleaser everyone can enjoy.
• Customizable: Easily tweak the seasoning or swap out the veggies to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

Ingredient Breakdown

• 2 pounds chicken wings: The star of the dish. Chicken wings provide the perfect canvas for the lemon pepper seasoning to shine. Choose fresh, high-quality wings for the best texture and flavor.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps coat the wings evenly and aids in crisping them up in the oven or air fryer.
• 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning: A zesty blend of lemon zest and cracked black pepper that infuses the wings with bright, citrusy notes and a mild spice kick.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory depth that complements the lemon pepper perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor complexity with subtle sweetness and earthiness.
• Salt to taste: Balances the flavors and amplifies the seasoning.
• Fresh lemon wedges for serving: A final squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish and adds a refreshing acidity.
• Carrot sticks: Crisp and naturally sweet, carrots provide a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with the savory wings.
• Celery sticks: The classic wing companion, celery offers a cool, refreshing contrast to the bold flavors.

Setup & Equipment

• Large mixing bowl: For tossing the wings with seasoning and oil evenly.
• Baking sheet or air fryer basket: Depending on your cooking method, use a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment or foil for easy cleanup, or an air fryer basket for faster results and crispier wings.
• Wire rack (optional): Placing wings on a wire rack over the baking sheet helps air circulate around the wings for extra crispiness.
• Tongs: For turning the wings halfway through cooking.
• Sharp knife and cutting board: To prepare the carrot and celery sticks fresh.

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings & Carrot-Celery Sticks, Made Easy

Step 1: Prep the Wings

Start by patting the 2 pounds of chicken wings dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture ensures the olive oil and seasonings stick well and helps the wings crisp up during cooking.

Step 2: Season Generously

In a large mixing bowl, toss the wings with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and salt to taste. Make sure each wing is evenly coated with the flavorful blend.

Step 3: Arrange for Cooking

For oven-baked wings, arrange them in a single layer on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet. This setup allows hot air to circulate and crisps the skin beautifully. Alternatively, you can cook these in an air fryer for a quicker, crispier finish—ideal if you’re short on time or want to try Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings next time.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the wings for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning. If using an air fryer, cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket every 5-7 minutes. The wings should be golden brown and crispy with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Prepare the Veggie Sticks

While the wings cook, wash and peel your carrots if desired. Cut carrot and celery sticks into bite-sized pieces, perfect for dipping and munching alongside the wings.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the hot wings to a large platter, garnish with fresh lemon wedges, and serve immediately with the crunchy carrot and celery sticks. A squeeze of lemon on top adds a bright finishing touch that enhances every bite.

Adaptations for Special Diets

• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your lemon pepper seasoning to ensure it contains no gluten additives.
• Low-Carb/Keto: Perfectly suited for low-carb diets as-is, with no added sugars or breading.
• Dairy-Free: No dairy ingredients are used, making it safe for dairy-free lifestyles.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of lemon pepper seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicier wing.

Author’s Commentary

I love how effortlessly this Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings & Carrot-Celery Sticks recipe comes together. It’s one of those dishes that feels special but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. The seasoning blend is simple yet packed with flavor, and the fresh veggies add a refreshing crunch that makes it feel balanced and satisfying.

Over the years, I’ve tried countless wing recipes, and this one stands out because it’s clean, bright, and never too heavy. It’s also a fantastic way to sneak in some vegetables alongside the indulgence of crispy wings. For a lighter side, consider pairing it with a vibrant Kale Salad With Lemon Vinaigrette for a meal that’s both nourishing and delicious.

Shelf Life & Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the carrot and celery sticks separate in another container to maintain their crispness.
• Reheating: Reheat wings in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in an air fryer for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
• Freezing: You can freeze cooked wings in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before seasoning and cooking to ensure even cooking and crispy skin. Alternatively, try the method for Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings if you want to cook from frozen.

Is it necessary to use a wire rack when baking wings?

While a wire rack helps the wings cook evenly and become crispier by allowing air circulation, you can bake them directly on a lined baking sheet if you don’t have one. Just flip the wings more frequently to avoid soggy bottoms.

Can I make the lemon pepper seasoning from scratch?

Yes! A simple homemade lemon pepper seasoning can be made by combining lemon zest, cracked black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Adjust ratios to taste for a fresh, customizable seasoning blend.

What dipping sauces pair well with these wings?

These wings are flavorful enough to enjoy on their own, but if you prefer a dip, ranch, blue cheese dressing, or a simple yogurt-based dip with herbs work beautifully.

Reader Favorites

• Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings – A quick and crispy method for wing lovers pressed for time.
• Kale Salad With Lemon Vinaigrette – A vibrant, tangy salad that pairs perfectly with wings for a balanced meal.

In Closing

This Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings & Carrot-Celery Sticks recipe is a winning combination of flavors and textures that’s easy to prepare, satisfying to eat, and perfect for virtually any occasion. The bright, zesty seasoning on the wings keeps things exciting, while the crisp carrot and celery sticks add a refreshing element that rounds out the plate beautifully. Whether you bake them in the oven or crisp them up in the air fryer, these wings will quickly become a household favorite. Next time you’re craving a delicious, shareable snack or a flavorful meal, this recipe is sure to deliver exactly what you want. Enjoy every bite!

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