A new proposal has been introduced in the Georgia General Assembly that could soon make lemon pepper the official state chicken wing flavor. State Representative Eric Bell (D-Jonesboro) recently introduced House Bill 1013, a bipartisan bill that would designate lemon pepper as Georgia’s official chicken wing flavor.
If passed by the legislature and signed by the governor, lemon pepper seasoning would join other official Georgia symbols like the state fruit (the peach), state bread, and state stew.
The bill says lemon pepper wings have become more than just a menu item; they are a cultural staple ingrained in Georgia’s food scene and social life. Bell’s proposal points to the seasoning’s history in Atlanta, where wings became a culinary canvas and lemon pepper evolved into a state favorite.
Georgia’s connection to lemon pepper wings goes back to spots like J.R. Crickets, which helped popularize wings in the region, and the way locals and visitors alike have embraced the flavor over decades. Variations such as “lemon pepper wet,” all flats, or hot honey lemon pepper are even cited in the legislation as evidence of the dish’s adaptability and cultural reach.
Bell, describing the bill as “lighthearted,” says it recognizes a shared experience across communities in Georgia. Lawmakers argue that lemon pepper wings bring people together, whether at family gatherings, sporting events, or neighborhood cookouts.
Georgia’s rich cultural influence is also referenced in the bill’s language, which mentions lemon pepper wings in music by artists like Gucci Mane, Rick Ross, and others, as well as associations with Atlanta sports culture through figures such as NBA star Lou Williams (nicknamed “Lemon Pepper Lou”).
The bill will now go through the committee process in the Georgia House and, if approved, move to the Senate. After that, it would head to Governor Brian Kemp for final approval or veto.
