Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings with Ranch Dip

• 2 pounds chicken wings, split at the joints
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon buttermilk ranch seasoning mix
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Steps

1. 1 Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels and season with lemon zest, lemon pepper, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. 2 In a bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Dip wings in buttermilk, then coat with flour mixture, shaking off excess.
3. 3 Heat oil in a large skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry wings in batches until golden and crispy, about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
4. 4 Drain wings on paper towels.
5. 5 For the ranch dip, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning mix, and parsley in a bowl until smooth.
6. 6 Serve wings immediately with ranch dip on the side.

Equipment

• Large skillet or pot
• Deep-fry thermometer
• Wire rack or paper towels

Variations

• For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
• Experiment with different seasonings like garlic parmesan for a unique twist.

Substitutions

• If buttermilk is unavailable, use plain yogurt thinned with a bit of milk.
• Substitute ranch seasoning with a mix of dried herbs like dill, chives, and parsley.

Pairings

• Blue cheese dressing
• Potato wedges

Nutrition

Tips

• For extra crispy wings, chill them in the fridge for 30 minutes before frying.
• Use gloves when handling raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination.

Storage

Store wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

Freezing: These wings freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a preheated 350°F oven until crispy.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with celery sticks and carrot sticks for a classic wing experience.
• Pair with your favorite beer or a refreshing lemonade.

FAQ