Baked chicken wings are a delicious and easy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With a crispy outside and juicy inside, these wings are healthier than fried ones but still packed with flavor. Whether you’re craving a snack or preparing for a party, this recipe will give you the perfect baked wings every time.
Why We Love This
Baked chicken wings are a go-to favorite for many reasons. Not only do they offer the perfect balance of crispy skin and juicy meat, but they’re also incredibly versatile and easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or preparing a crowd-pleasing snack for a party, this recipe delivers every time.
Here’s why we’re obsessed with these baked chicken wings:
- Healthy & Guilt-Free: Unlike fried wings, baking gives you all the crispiness without the extra grease. It’s a healthier option that still satisfies those savory cravings.
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients. A few key seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, and olive oil are all you need to create a mouthwatering dish.
- Crispy Perfection: The trick to getting that golden, crispy texture is baking the wings at the right temperature and using a wire rack. This method ensures air circulates around the wings, making them crispier on all sides.
- Flavor Packed: With endless seasoning options, you can customize your wings to your taste. From spicy buffalo to tangy lemon pepper, the flavor combinations are endless.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving them for a casual dinner or as an appetizer for guests, baked chicken wings are always a hit. They’re easy to prepare in large batches and are perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Chicken wings – Fresh wings work best for crispy results.
Olive oil – Helps crisp the wings and adds flavor.
Garlic powder – Adds savory flavor.
Paprika – Gives a mild smoky taste and color.
Salt – Enhances the overall flavor.
Black pepper – Adds a little heat and earthiness.
Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to get baking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have perfectly crispy chicken wings in no time.
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Prepare the Wings: Pat the wings dry with paper towels to help them crisp up.
Coat the Wings: Toss the wings in olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Line a sheet with foil and place the wings on a wire rack, spaced apart.
Bake the Wings: Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the wings cool for a few minutes before serving with your favorite dipping sauce!
Pro Tips
To take your baked chicken wings to the next level, here are some tried-and-true tips that’ll ensure they come out crispy, flavorful, and absolutely delicious.
Pat the Wings Dry: This is a key step! Before seasoning your wings, make sure to pat them dry with paper towels. The less moisture on the skin, the crispier they’ll be when baked.
Use a Wire Rack: If you have a wire rack, use it! Elevating the wings allows air to circulate around them, ensuring they cook evenly and get crispy on all sides. If you don’t have a wire rack, no worries—just make sure to flip the wings halfway through baking.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give each wing enough space on the baking sheet. When wings are crowded together, they’ll steam rather than crisp up, so make sure they’re spread out in a single layer.
Adjust the Seasoning: Feel free to experiment with the seasoning to suit your taste. If you like more heat, add cayenne pepper or chili powder. For a milder version, skip the spicy seasonings and focus on herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Broil for Extra Crispiness: For an even crispier finish, broil the wings for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. This will give them a golden, crunchy exterior—just keep a close eye on them so they don’t burn!
Let Them Rest: Once your wings are done, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices settle and keeps the wings tender inside while maintaining that perfect crisp outside.
Variations
One of the best things about baked chicken wings is how easily they can be customized to suit your flavor preferences. Whether you like your wings sweet, spicy, or tangy, there’s a variation for everyone. Here are a few delicious ideas to switch things up:
Buffalo Wings: Toss your baked wings in a homemade buffalo sauce made from melted butter, hot sauce, and a dash of garlic powder. For extra flavor, drizzle some ranch or blue cheese dressing on top for that classic wing experience.
Lemon Pepper Wings: For a zesty twist, sprinkle your wings with lemon zest and freshly cracked black pepper. You can also drizzle a little melted butter over them for richness, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Honey BBQ Wings: Sweet and savory fans will love this variation. After baking your wings, coat them in a rich, homemade or store-bought BBQ sauce mixed with a little honey. Bake for an extra 5 minutes to let the sauce set and caramelize.
Serving Suggestions
Once your baked chicken wings are ready, it’s time to think about how to serve them for maximum flavor and enjoyment. Here are some simple yet delicious ideas to pair with your wings:
Classic Dipping Sauces: Serve your wings with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or a spicy buffalo sauce. These add a creamy or tangy contrast to the crispy texture of the wings.
Fresh Veggies: Pair your wings with some crunchy veggies like celery, carrots, or cucumber sticks. The fresh, cool crunch complements the savory richness of the wings and balances out the heat if you’re going for a spicier flavor.
Side of Fries: Crispy French fries or sweet potato fries are a perfect side for chicken wings. The salty, crunchy texture makes for an unbeatable pairing.
FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about baked chicken wings to help you make the best wings possible!
How do I make my chicken wings extra crispy?
To get crispy wings, it’s all about reducing moisture. Make sure to pat the wings dry with paper towels before seasoning. You can also use a wire rack to elevate the wings while baking, which helps air circulate around them, ensuring even crispiness.
Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings! Just be sure to thaw them completely before baking. If they’re frozen when you start, the cooking time will be longer. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture, as this will help them crisp up nicely.
How long should I bake chicken wings?
Typically, chicken wings bake for 30-40 minutes at 400°F (200°C), depending on their size. If you prefer your wings extra crispy, you can broil them for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
Can I prep these wings ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the wings by seasoning them in advance and storing them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and gives you a head start for busy nights.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to get them crispy again.
baked chicken wings
Ingredients
- Chicken wings about 10-12 pieces
- Olive oil 2 tbsp
- Garlic powder 1 tsp
- Paprika 1 tsp
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper 1/2 tsp
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature ensures the wings become crispy on the outside while staying juicy on the inside.
- Prepare the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step is key to achieving that crispy skin—excess moisture will prevent them from crisping up properly.
- Coat the Wings: In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Make sure every wing is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. For extra crispiness, add a small amount of baking powder to the mix (it’s a game-changer!).
- Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the sheet, if you have one. This allows air to circulate around the wings, ensuring they cook evenly and become crispy on all sides. Lay the wings in a single layer, making sure they aren’t touching.
- Bake the Wings: Bake the wings in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even crisping. You’ll know they’re done when the wings are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once your wings are perfectly baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them as-is!