Oven-Baked Chicken Wings Recipe

Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Wings Recipe: Game Day Magic!

These crispy oven-baked chicken wings tap into a world of flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Perfectly seasoned and golden-brown, they promise a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried options.

Forget greasy takeout – this recipe delivers restaurant-quality crunch right from your kitchen.

Every bite promises a delightful blend of spices and tender meat that melts in your mouth.

Minimal ingredients and simple techniques mean you can whip up these wings faster than ordering delivery.

Friends and dinner companions will marvel at how something so delicious could be so easy to prepare.

Grab a napkin and get ready to become the wing champion of your social circle!

Smart Tips for Oven-Baked Chicken Wings

  • Maximize Crispiness: Pat wings completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crunchy exterior that locks in delicious flavors.
  • Prevent Sticking: Use parchment paper or lightly grease the baking sheet to avoid wings clinging and tearing when removing from the pan.
  • Customize Seasoning: Experiment with different spice blends like cajun, lemon-pepper, or herb mix to create unique wing variations that suit your taste preferences.
  • Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm wings reach 165F internally, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked chicken every time.
  • Space Matters: Spread wings in a single layer without touching to allow hot air circulation, which creates evenly crispy wings instead of steamed, soggy results.

Reheat Chicken Wings Without Drying Out

  • Store leftover chicken wings in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Restore crispiness by reheating wings in a preheated 350F oven for 10-15 minutes. Spread wings on a baking sheet in a single layer to ensure even heating and maintain their crisp texture.
  • Skip microwave reheating as it makes wings soggy and tough. Microwaves can destroy the crispy exterior that makes these wings delicious.
  • Wrap wings tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Oven-Baked Chicken Wings That Always Satisfy

  • Achieve restaurant-quality chicken wings without deep-frying, making this recipe a game-changer for home cooks.
  • Prepare these wings in under an hour, perfect for busy families seeking a delicious and hassle-free dinner option.
  • Easily adjust seasonings to match your taste preferences, from mild to spicy, creating a versatile dish that pleases everyone.
  • Oven-baking reduces excess oil while maintaining maximum crispiness, offering a healthier alternative to traditional fried wings.

Ingredients Needed for Chicken Wings

Main Proteins:
  • Chicken Wings: A classic party and game day favorite, perfect for crispy, flavorful bites. Preferably fresh and not frozen for best texture.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the wings. Choose high-quality, fresh spices for maximum taste.
  • Smoked Paprika: Provides a rich, smoky undertone to the seasoning. Adds complexity to the overall flavor profile.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing the natural chicken flavor. Use freshly ground black pepper for more intense taste.
  • Cayenne Pepper: Optional ingredient for those who enjoy a spicy kick. Adjust amount based on heat preference.
Cooking Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Helps create a crispy exterior and helps seasonings stick to the wings. Use extra virgin olive oil for best flavor.
  • Parchment Paper or Cooking Spray: Prevents wings from sticking to the baking sheet. Ensures easy cleanup and even cooking.

Bake Chicken Wings with Perfect Texture

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Turn the oven to a sizzling 425F (220C). This high heat is the secret weapon for creating wing perfection without drowning them in oil.

Step 2: Wing Prep Magic

Break down whole wings into flats and drumettes if needed. Grab paper towels and blot those wings until they’re bone-dry. Water is the enemy of crispiness! Transfer the dried wings to a spacious mixing bowl.

Step 3: Flavor Explosion

Drizzle wings with olive oil. Sprinkle on your flavor heroes:
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Cayenne pepper (optional heat booster)

Massage the seasonings into every nook and cranny of the wings.

Step 4: Baking Sheet Setup

Grab a baking sheet and either:
  • Line with parchment paper
  • Spray lightly with cooking spray

Spread wings in a single layer, giving each wing some breathing room. Crowded wings steam instead of crisp- and we want crunch!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the sheet into the hot oven. Bake for 35-45 minutes, flipping wings halfway through. You’re looking for a golden-brown exterior and an internal temperature of 165F (75C). Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.

Step 6: Serve and Devour

Pull those beauties out of the oven. Plate them up with your favorite dipping companions:
  • Ranch
  • Blue cheese
  • Buffalo sauce

Get ready for wing night glory!

Snacks That Match with Chicken Wings

  • Counterbalance the heat of the chicken wings with a crisp, cold beer like a pilsner or wheat ale that cuts through the spiciness and cleanses the palate.
  • Serve blue cheese or ranch dressing alongside the wings, which neutralizes the cayenne pepper's kick while providing a smooth, cooling contrast to the crispy, spicy chicken.
  • Complement the smoky paprika and garlic powder with a bright Greek-style salad that introduces fresh cucumber, tomatoes, and a light olive oil dressing to balance the wings' rich, intense profile.
  • Opt for a fresh lemonade or orange-infused sparkling water that adds a zesty, tangy element to cut through the wing's richness and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the spicy seasonings.

Flavor Variants for Oven-Baked Chicken Wings

  • Gluten-Free Herb Wings: Replace regular seasonings with gluten-free herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Low-Sodium Spice Blend: Use salt-free seasoning mixes and substitute salt with fresh herbs and lemon zest to reduce sodium intake.
  • Keto-Friendly Buffalo Wings: Skip traditional flour coatings and use almond flour or pork rind crumbs for a low-carb crispy exterior.
  • Vegetarian Cauliflower Alternative: Swap chicken wings with cauliflower florets, maintaining the same seasoning and baking technique for a plant-based version.
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Oven-Baked Chicken Wings Recipe

Oven-Baked Chicken Wings Recipe


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4.9 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 to 6 1x

Description

Crispy golden “Oven-Baked Chicken Wings” deliver restaurant-quality flavor without deep-frying hassle. Perfectly seasoned wings promise a delightful crunch that brings comfort and excitement to your dinner table.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 lbs (900 g) chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons baking powder (aluminum-free)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Serving Accompaniments:

  • Your favorite wing sauce (e.g., buffalo, BBQ, garlic Parmesan)
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing
  • Fresh celery and carrot sticks

Instructions

  1. Fire up the oven to a scorching 425F (220C), creating the perfect environment for transforming chicken wings into crispy delights.
  2. Deconstruct whole wings into separate flats and drumettes, meticulously dabbing each piece with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture, which is crucial for achieving a crackling exterior.
  3. Massage olive oil across the wing pieces, creating a glistening surface. Sprinkle a symphony of seasonings – garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and a whisper of cayenne for those craving heat – thoroughly coating each wing with the aromatic blend.
  4. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light cooking spray mist. Strategically position wings in a single, spacious layer, ensuring each piece has room to crisp without steaming.
  5. Slide the baking sheet into the heated oven, allowing the wings to roast for 35-45 minutes. Midway through cooking, perform a careful flip to guarantee even browning and consistent crispness.
  6. Verify doneness by checking the internal temperature reaches 165F (75C) using a meat thermometer. The wings should boast a golden-brown exterior with an enticing crunch.
  7. Transfer the wings to a serving platter, accompanied by an array of dipping sauces – classic ranch, tangy blue cheese, or fiery buffalo sauce – inviting guests to customize their culinary experience.

Notes

  • For extra crispy wings, let them sit uncovered in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before baking to remove excess moisture.
  • Use a wire rack on the baking sheet to elevate wings, allowing hot air to circulate and create an even crispier exterior.
  • Experiment with different spice blends like Cajun, lemon-pepper, or Mediterranean herbs to keep the recipe exciting and versatile.
  • To make wings healthier, opt for skinless chicken or remove excess skin before seasoning, reducing overall fat content while maintaining great flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 to 6
  • Calories: 130
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 11 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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