Oven-baked chicken wings are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried wings. They’re perfectly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and can be customized with your favorite sauces or seasonings. Whether it’s game day, a party, or just a craving for wings, this recipe is simple, flavorful, and sure to satisfy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy without frying: Achieves a perfectly crisp texture using the oven.
- Customizable: Toss in your favorite sauce or seasoning for endless flavor options.
- Healthier option: Baked instead of fried for a guilt-free treat.
- Perfect for any occasion: Great for parties, appetizers, or a weeknight dinner.
- Easy cleanup: One baking sheet and minimal prep work.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Wings:
- Chicken wings (split into flats and drumettes, tips removed if necessary)
- Baking powder (aluminum-free)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
Optional Sauces/Seasonings:
- Buffalo sauce
- Barbecue sauce
- Honey garlic glaze
- Lemon pepper seasoning
- Garlic Parmesan coating
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Spray the rack lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Wings
- Dry the wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them get crispy in the oven.
- Season and coat: In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
Step 3: Arrange and Bake
- Place on the rack: Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack, making sure they’re not touching for even cooking.
- Bake the wings: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Toss in Sauce (Optional)
- Coat with sauce: If using a sauce, toss the hot wings in your desired sauce in a large bowl.
- Serve immediately: Serve plain or with dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or honey mustard.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe makes about 4 servings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Total Time: 50-60 minutes
Variations
- Buffalo wings: Toss the baked wings in a mixture of melted butter and hot sauce for classic buffalo flavor.
- Garlic Parmesan: Coat the wings with melted butter, grated Parmesan, and minced garlic.
- Lemon pepper: Toss with melted butter and sprinkle with lemon pepper seasoning.
- Honey BBQ: Mix honey and barbecue sauce for a sweet and tangy glaze.
- Asian-inspired: Use a soy-ginger glaze or teriyaki sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may soften the skin.
FAQs
Why use baking powder for crispy wings?
Baking powder helps draw out moisture and creates a crispier skin when baking. Be sure to use aluminum-free baking powder for the best taste.
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before baking to ensure they get crispy.
Do I need a wire rack?
A wire rack allows air to circulate around the wings, making them crispier. If you don’t have one, you can place the wings directly on a parchment-lined baking sheet, but they may not get as crispy.
How do I make extra crispy wings?
Pat the wings very dry, use baking powder, and bake them at a high temperature (425°F). Flipping them halfway ensures even crispiness.
Can I make these wings ahead of time?
You can bake the wings ahead of time and reheat them in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes. Toss them in sauce just before serving.
What dipping sauces go best with wings?
Classic options include ranch, blue cheese dressing, honey mustard, or a sweet chili sauce.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use two baking sheets to avoid overcrowding, which can prevent the wings from getting crispy.
How do I prevent the wings from sticking?
Use a wire rack sprayed with cooking spray or parchment paper for easy release.
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken bites or tenders can be used, but adjust the cooking time to 20-25 minutes.
How do I make these wings spicy?
Toss the wings in hot sauce, sriracha, or a spicy glaze for extra heat.
Conclusion
Oven-baked chicken wings are crispy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you prefer them plain, seasoned, or coated in sauce, they’re a versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Skip the fryer and enjoy this healthier, homemade version of a classic favorite. Serve with your favorite sauces and sides for the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack or meal!
Print
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Oven-Baked Chicken Wings are crispy, flavorful, and easy to make! Coated in a delicious seasoning and baked to golden perfection, they’re the ultimate appetizer or snack for game days, parties, or weeknight dinners. Toss them in your favorite sauce for an irresistible treat
Ingredients
For the Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats
- 1 tbsp baking powder (for extra crispiness, aluminum-free preferred)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Optional Sauces for Tossing or Serving:
- Buffalo sauce
- BBQ sauce
- Honey garlic sauce
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Spray the rack lightly with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Wings:
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture (this helps them crisp up).
- Season the Wings:
- In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder (if using), salt, and black pepper. Ensure the wings are evenly coated.
- Arrange on the Rack:
- Place the seasoned wings in a single layer on the prepared rack. Make sure they’re not touching to allow for even airflow and crispiness.
- Bake the Wings:
- Bake the wings for 20 minutes, then flip them over and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Toss in Sauce (Optional):
- If desired, toss the hot wings in your favorite sauce, such as buffalo, BBQ, or honey garlic. Alternatively, serve the sauces on the side for dipping.
- Serve:
- Transfer the wings to a platter, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired, and serve with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Extra Crispiness: For maximum crispiness, dry the wings thoroughly and use aluminum-free baking powder.
- Reheating: To reheat leftover wings, bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed and crispy.
- Air Fryer Option: Cook the wings in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *