If you’re craving big flavor with a delicious crunch, it’s impossible not to fall in love with these Baked Chicken Wings. This recipe delivers wings that rival your favorite sports bar — golden, crispy, and packed with mouthwatering seasoning. Whether you drizzle them with a classic spicy sauce or serve them straight from the oven, these wings become an instant centerpiece for everything from weeknight dinners to game day gatherings. No deep fryer or fancy equipment required, just pure home-cooked comfort and a crowd-pleasing result.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at the small handful of ingredients needed for these wings! Each one plays its own unique role, combining for a balance of crunchy exterior, juicy meat, and irresistible flavor. Here’s what you need, plus a few tips for each:
- Chicken Wings (2 pounds, separated into flats and drumettes): Use fresh or thawed wings for the best texture and easiest seasoning coverage.
- Baking Powder (1 tablespoon, aluminum-free): The secret to achieving that perfectly crackly skin in the oven—don’t skip it!
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances and enhances all the other flavors; sea salt or kosher salt both work well.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a savory, aromatic depth without overwhelming the other spices.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings a warm color and subtle smokiness, making the wings extra inviting.
- Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): A touch of classic heat—freshly cracked if possible for best flavor.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the seasoning stick and crisps up the skin beautifully in the oven.
- Optional Sauce (½ cup hot sauce, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1 tablespoon honey): Perfect for those who love their Baked Chicken Wings tossed in something tangy, spicy, and a little sweet.
How to Make Baked Chicken Wings
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, then set a wire rack on top. The rack helps air circulate all around the wings, ensuring maximum crispiness without frying. This is your foundation for Baked Chicken Wings glory!
Step 2: Dry the Wings Thoroughly
Patting your chicken wings dry with paper towels might seem simple, but it’s crucial. Removing surface moisture helps the baking powder work its magic, letting the skin crisp up in the heat. Don’t rush this step—the drier the better for extra crunch.
Step 3: Toss with Seasonings
Combine the wings in a large bowl and sprinkle with baking powder, salt, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and olive oil. Toss everything together so every wing is evenly coated. The baking powder and oil create a delightfully crisp exterior, while the spice blend seeps deliciously into every bite.
Step 4: Arrange and Bake
Lay out the wings in a single layer on your wire rack with a little space between each piece. This lets the heat circulate well, ensuring every Baked Chicken Wing emerges beautifully crispy. Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping them halfway through to brown both sides evenly. You’ll know they’re ready when the skin is golden and crackly.
Step 5: Add Sauce (Optional)
For that classic sauced wing experience, whisk together hot sauce, melted butter, and honey in a big mixing bowl while the wings finish baking. As soon as those magnificent Baked Chicken Wings come out of the oven, toss them in the sauce until they’re shiny and coated. Serve immediately for the ultimate bite!
How to Serve Baked Chicken Wings
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle your wings with freshly chopped parsley, thin-sliced green onions, or extra black pepper right before serving. A few cracks of flaky sea salt add extra pop, while a side of celery sticks or carrot sticks offers a classic crunch and cool contrast.
Side Dishes
Baked Chicken Wings shine alongside easy, crowd-friendly sides! Try creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, a simple coleslaw, crispy sweet potato fries, or loaded nachos. For a lighter touch, pair with a fresh green salad or grilled veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn serving into an adventure by arranging the wings on a wooden platter with ramekins of different sauces: classic Buffalo, BBQ, teriyaki, or garlic parmesan. For parties, stack wings pyramid-style and let guests garnish their own. These wings are versatile enough for casual snacking or the centerpiece of a fun, interactive meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Baked Chicken Wings, simply let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. They’re great for quick lunches and snacks straight from the fridge or reheated.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the cooled wings on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. Frozen Baked Chicken Wings will keep beautifully for up to 3 months—just be sure to label them for easy grab-and-go meals later.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your wings in a hot oven (about 400°F) for 10–12 minutes to restore crispiness. A few minutes under the broiler at the end give them extra sizzle. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the wings soggy. If reheating sauced wings, a quick toss in extra sauce can refresh their flavor nicely.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, just make sure to fully thaw and pat the wings completely dry before seasoning and baking. Extra moisture can interfere with crisping, so don’t skip this prep step for optimal results.
Do I really need baking powder?
Absolutely! Baking powder (not baking soda) is the secret weapon for getting super-crispy skin in the oven. It raises the pH, helping the fat to render and the skin to blister beautifully—an essential trick in this recipe.
What if I don’t have a wire rack?
You can still make delicious Baked Chicken Wings by placing them directly on a foil-lined baking sheet. To help prevent sticking, lightly coat the foil with nonstick spray. Flip the wings a couple of extra times for even cooking.
Can I swap in other seasonings or sauces?
Definitely! This recipe is a perfect blank canvas for your favorite flavors—try Cajun spice, lemon pepper, jerk seasoning, or even a dusting of Parmesan at the end. For sauces, anything from classic Buffalo to honey garlic or teriyaki is fair game.
Are Baked Chicken Wings gluten-free?
Yes, as written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free—no flour or breading needed. Just double-check the labels if you use store-bought sauces to ensure there are no hidden gluten ingredients.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to bring these Baked Chicken Wings into your kitchen. With their irresistible crunch, bold flavor, and easy prep, they’re sure to become a repeat request in your house—no deep fryer needed. So grab your favorite sauces and dive in; you’ll impress your friends and satisfy those wing cravings any night of the week!
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Baked Chicken Wings Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These baked chicken wings are a crispy and flavorful appetizer perfect for game day or any gathering. The wings are seasoned with a delicious blend of spices and baked to perfection, then tossed in a tangy sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Sauce:
- ½ cup hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Prepare the wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss wings with baking powder, salt, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and olive oil until coated.
- Bake the wings: Arrange wings on the wire rack in a single layer. Bake for 40–45 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Optional sauce: Whisk hot sauce, melted butter, and honey. Toss baked wings in the sauce until coated. Serve.
Notes
- Dry wings thoroughly for crispiness.
- Baking powder helps achieve a crispy texture without frying.
- Customize with BBQ, teriyaki, or garlic parmesan sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5–6 wings
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
