Wet Lemon Pepper Sauce is a condiment that makes your mouth water when you smell it. This sauce is a little tangy, a little buttery, and slightly spicy. This sauce is perfect for sticky, flavorful wings.
It is also perfect for fried or grilled chicken, doesn’t matter if you are having a BBQ or just want to add flavor. The best part of this wet lemon pepper sauce recipe is that it only takes 25–30 minutes to prepare.
So, let’s dig in.

What Makes A Lemon Pepper Sauce “Wet”?
A lemon pepper wing sauce is called “wet” when it is made into a smooth, buttery sauce instead of just dry seasoning on the wings. In this process, the lemon-pepper mixture is stirred with melted butter, a bit of oil, and some honey and garlic. This turns it into a sticky coating that covers the wings nicely.
It makes the wings juicy, shiny, and full of bold, tangy flavor. The melted butter helps to spread the taste all over the wings.
Ingredients You Need To Make the Wet Lemon Pepper Sauce Recipe?
Well, to make the perfect homemade wet lemon pepper sauce, you don’t need anything fancy or expensive. Below is the ingredient list you need to make this sauce.
- Unsalted Butter – 1/2 Cup (1 Stick)
This is the base of your sauce. Butter gives it a rich, smooth texture and helps it to stick to the dish perfectly. It also tones down the sharpness of the lemon and pepper.
- Lemon Juice – 2 Tablespoons
This adds that bright, citrusy kick. Fresh lemon juice really brings out the spice in the pepper and keeps the sauce tasting fresh, not too heavy.
- Lemon Zest – 1 Tablespoon
This will add an extra layer of lemon flavor without adding too much liquid. This ingredient will spread a beautiful aroma from your sauce.
- Black Pepper – 1 To 1.5 Teaspoons
Black pepper is a very important ingredient for this sauce. After adding this, lemon pepper will come from it.
- Garlic Powder – 1 Teaspoon
It will add a warm, savory depth to the sauce. This one pairs really well with the lemon and pepper combo.
- Onion Powder – 1 Teaspoon
This one will round out the flavors and add a subtle sweetness, which will balance the tang.
- Honey – 1 Tablespoon
If you want a touch of sweetness, then you can add a sticky citrus pepper glaze, or honey does the job. It also helps the sauce stick better to the wings.
- Olive Oil – 1 Tablespoon
Just a bit of oil will combine all the ingredients to a smooth finish.
- Salt – To Taste
Of course, salt brings out all the flavors. But some of the other ingredients may have salt. So, check it carefully.
- Red Pepper Flakes – A Pinch (Optional)
If you like a little heat, then add a pinch of red pepper flakes to make the sauce more flavorful.
How To Make Lemon Pepper Wing Sauce?
Alright, so we hope you got all the ingredients. Now, read the steps at first and then follow all the step-by-step guides to make the wing sauce with lemon pepper.
Step 1: Melt The Butter
Take a small saucepan and put it on low heat. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt slowly. Don’t heat it too much; otherwise, it will burn.
Step 2: Add The Olive Oil
Once the butter is fully melted, add olive oil and stir it. This will create a smoother texture and prevent all the butter from solidifying too fast.
Step 3: Toss In The Lemon Juice And Spice
Add the fresh lemon juice and the spice. Now stir it until the citrus smell hits you right away.
Step 4: Season It Up
Now, add the black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt together. If you are using red pepper flakes for heat, then add this too. Stir everything together until the flavor comes out.
Step 5: Add Honey
Add one tablespoon of honey to make the sauce a little bit sticky and sweet. Honey will balance the tartness of the lemon and the spiciness of the pepper.
Step 6: Cook Gently
Let the sauce cook on low heat for about 5–7 minutes. Stir randomly so nothing will stick to the bottom. The longer you cook, the flavors will blend together into a smooth sauce.
Step 7: Taste And Adjust
Give it a taste. Do you feel something needs to be added? Then do it because this is your sauce, so make it just right for your taste.
Can You Use This Sauce On Grilled Or Fried Wings?
Yes, of course, this wet lemon pepper sauce recipe tastes amazing on both grilled and fried wings. If you like smoky flavors, then go for grilled wings and brush this sauce over them right before serving. It will taste like Buffalo Wild Wings’ lemon pepper style twist.
Moreover, for fried wings, coat the hot wings in the sauce immediately just after they come out of the fryer. In this way, the wings will stay crispy and flavorful in every bite.
How To Keep Wet Lemon Pepper Wings Crispy?
Well, this is a bit challenging, but you can keep the Wet Lemon Pepper Wings Crispy by following the tips below.
- With a light Cornstarch or Baking Powder layer, coat the wings before frying or baking.
- Whether you fry them in an air fryer or bake them, using higher temperatures will keep the wings crispy.
- Add the Sauce at the End, just after taking the wings out of the fryer.
- Don’t add too much sauce, it will make them sloppy.
- These wings are best served hot, so right after saucing, serve them as soon as you can.

Lemon Pepper Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Ketchup Sugar-Free
- 1/4 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar Substitute Packed
- 2 Tbsp Molasses
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Yellow Mustard
- 1 Tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 Tsp Onion Powder
- 1 Tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 Tsp Black Pepper
- Salt To Taste
- 1/4 Cup Water
- A Few Drops Hot Sauce optional
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Add olive oil and stir until combined.
- Pour in lemon juice and lemon zest, and mix gently.
- Add black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Stir well and simmer on low heat for 5–7 minutes.
- Add honey if you want a sweet and sticky touch.
- Taste and adjust flavors if needed.
- Remove from heat and toss over freshly cooked wings or store in a jar for later use.
- Enjoy your homemade wet lemon pepper marinade or dip.
Nutrition
Conclusion
So, now your Wet Lemon Pepper Sauce Recipe is complete. From the buttery smooth texture to the citrusy punch, this sauce will turn ordinary wings into something unforgettable. Whether you are preparing for a party or just want to have a special dinner at home, this lemon garlic butter sauce is always a hit.