Image Source: @chefalexperez_ via Black Foodie Finder
Where Garlic, Citrus, and Crispy Wings Collide
There’s crispy. Then there’s crispy and coated in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce with the perfect kick of lemon pepper heat. These Garlic Parmesan Lemon Pepper Wings by @chefalexperez_ bring the whole flavor trifecta—zesty, savory, and buttery—all wrapped up in every crunchy, juicy bite.
What sets these wings apart? It’s the homemade lemon zest powder made from dehydrated lemons, paired with fresh garlic, chopped chilies, and a creamy Parmesan sauce that coats the wings like a dream. Whether you’re serving them for game day, Sunday dinner, or your next cookout, these wings will steal the spotlight.
What You Need
For the Chicken
- 1 package fresh chicken wings
- Water (enough to submerge wings)
- ½ cup white vinegar
- 2 whole lemons (zested and peeled)
For the Aromatics & Flavor
- 2 red chilies, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 handful fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Sauce
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for topping
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Pinch of lemon pepper seasoning
Step by Step Instructions
1. Clean and Prep the Chicken
Wash lemons, peel the zest for later use, and clean chicken wings by soaking them in water, white vinegar, and lemon halves; rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
2. Dehydrate and Process Lemon Peels
Arrange lemon peels on a dehydrator tray, dry until crisp, then grind into a fine powder using a food processor.
3. Mix the Seasoned Flour
In a large bowl, combine flour with garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
4. Coat the Wings
Add olive oil to the wings, then coat them in the seasoned flour mixture until fully covered.
5. Fry Until Crispy
Deep fry the wings in hot oil until golden brown and crispy, then transfer to a wire rack to drain.
6. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In a skillet, melt butter, sauté minced garlic, whisk in heavy cream, then stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
7. Toss, Garnish, and Serve
Place fried wings in a bowl, pour the garlic Parmesan sauce over top, toss to coat, then garnish with fresh cilantro, extra Parmesan, and a sprinkle of lemon pepper.
Pro Tips & Suggestions
- Dry the lemon peels thoroughly—any moisture will prevent a fine powder and can alter the flavor.
- Massage oil into the wings before flouring to help the coating stick and crisp up perfectly.
- Toss wings in the sauce while hot so they absorb all that buttery, cheesy goodness.
- Add more chilies if you want to turn up the heat—or tone it down for a milder flavor.
About the Creator
This recipe is by Chef Alex Perez, the flavor-forward mastermind behind @chefalexperez_. Known for taking comfort food to gourmet levels, Chef Alex blends bold seasonings, precise technique, and cultural flavor to create unforgettable dishes.
Chef Alex Perez | @chefalexperez_