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Crispy Oven-Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken Wings

Crispy Parmesan garlic chicken wings - featured image

These oven-baked chicken wings are incredibly crispy, coated in a savory Parmesan garlic mixture that sticks perfectly. They’re a game-day favorite that rivals any fried wing, with a shatter-crisp texture and bold flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs chicken wings (about 1215 whole wings, separated into drumettes and flats)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder (aluminum-free)
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
  • Extra Parmesan (for serving, optional)
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Wings: Rinse the chicken wings under cold water and pat them extremely dry with paper towels. Separate the drumettes from the flats if not already cut; discard wing tips or save for stock. Place wings in a large bowl and add baking powder, salt, and garlic powder. Toss until evenly coated.
  2. Rest the Wings: Arrange seasoned wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, making sure they aren’t touching. Refrigerate uncovered for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for best crispiness.
  3. Bake the Wings: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) with rack in upper third. Let wings sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Bake for 25 minutes, flip with tongs, then bake another 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
  4. Make the Coating: While wings bake, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan, dried parsley, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  5. Coat and Serve: Transfer hot wings to a large bowl. Pour Parmesan garlic mixture over wings and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately with lemon wedges, extra Parmesan, and ranch or blue cheese dressing if desired.

Notes

For maximum crispiness, dry the wings thoroughly and refrigerate them uncovered overnight. Use aluminum-free baking powder to avoid a metallic taste. Coat the wings with the Parmesan mixture immediately after baking while they’re still hot. If reheating, use the oven at 400°F for 5-7 minutes on a wire rack; avoid the microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken wings, oven-baked wings, Parmesan garlic wings, game day appetizer, baked chicken wings