If you love crispy, flavor-packed wings but want to skip the deep-fryer mess, this Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken Wings Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Juicy wings baked to perfection and smothered in garlicky butter and fresh Parmesan—need I say more?
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I gotta admit, I was amazed by how crispy and bursting with flavor these baked wings turned out without a drop of frying oil. They’re super easy, and the garlic parmesan sauce is downright addictive!
- Simple ingredients: No crazy sauces or hard-to-find spices here—just everyday pantry staples.
- Crispy without frying: Baking at 400°F gets these wings perfectly crisp, so you save time and clean-up.
- Garlic Parmesan goodness: That buttery, cheesy sauce with fresh parsley takes these wings to the next level.
- Perfect for any occasion: Great for parties, game day snacks, or just a cozy night in.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Before you start, make sure to grab fresh chicken wings and a good quality Parmesan cheese—it really makes a difference. Each ingredient here plays a key role in creating that crispy, flavorful wing you’ll crave again and again.
- Garlic powder: Adds a deep garlic flavor that complements the fresh garlic in the sauce.
- Onion powder: Brings some subtle sweetness and depth to the seasoning.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps with crisping the skin.
- Pepper: A little bit of heat and complexity for balance.
- Smoked paprika: Gives a mild smoky touch that’s perfect with chicken wings.
- Baking powder (optional): This little trick helps draw out moisture from the skin, boosting crispiness in the oven.
- Chicken wings: Your star ingredient—fresh or thawed wings work great here.
- Olive oil: Helps the dry rub adhere and aids in browning.
- Butter: Melts into a rich, buttery base for the garlic sauce.
- Garlic (fresh): For that punch of fragrant, savory garlic in the sauce.
- Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color.
- Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): The crowning glory—melts beautifully for that signature cheesy finish.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken Wings Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you like them extra spicy, herbaceous, or with a different cheese twist, these wings are a wonderful base to make your own.
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce into the garlic butter sauce for a fiery twist. I love how this gives the wings a nice heat that balances beautifully with the richness of the Parmesan.
- Herb-Infused: Swap out parsley for fresh thyme or rosemary. These herbs add an earthy aroma that complements the garlic and cheese perfectly.
- Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, replace butter with olive oil and skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese alternative. The garlic and seasoning still pack plenty of flavor.
- Extra Crunch: Toss the wings with a bit of panko breadcrumbs before baking for an extra crispy texture. It creates a delightful contrast with the buttery sauce on top.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken Wings Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven and Rack Ready
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place a rack in the middle position. This setup ensures the heat circulates evenly so your wings cook through and crisp up beautifully without flipping.
Step 2: Mix the Perfect Dry Rub
In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and if you like, 1 teaspoon baking powder. Stir well so all those flavors meld together—this mix gives the wings a lovely depth and a touch of smoky warmth.
Step 3: Coat the Wings in Flavor
Place 2 pounds of chicken wings into a baking dish, then sprinkle the dry rub evenly over them. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil on top and toss gently until each wing is coated with the seasoning and oil. This step helps the wings achieve that crave-worthy crispy skin as they bake.
Step 4: Bake and Bring Out the Crisp
Bake the wings in your preheated oven for 45 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the skin is golden and crisp, and the meat is cooked through. The smell will already start to make your mouth water!
Step 5: Whip Up the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
While the wings cook, melt ¼ cup of butter in a small pot over low heat. Add 5 cloves of minced garlic and ¼ cup chopped parsley. Stir occasionally until the garlic releases its fragrant aroma—be careful not to let it brown, as you want that mellow, buttery garlic flavor to shine.
Step 6: Sauce ’Em and Cheese ’Em
Once the wings are out of the oven, pour your aromatic garlic butter sauce over them and sprinkle on ¼ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This cheesy layer will add richness and a deliciously savory finish.
Step 7: Final Bake for Golden Perfection
Return the wings to the oven for an additional 5 minutes. This short bake lets the Parmesan melt and crisp slightly, creating that irresistible golden crust. When they come out, they’re best served hot and fresh to enjoy the full crispy, garlicky, and cheesy delight.
- Use Baking Powder Wisely: Adding baking powder to the dry rub is optional but such a game changer—it helps dry out the skin and makes the wings extra crispy without frying.
- Even Coating Matters: Toss the wings thoroughly with the spice mix and olive oil so every bite is full of that delicious garlic parmesan flavor.
- Watch the Garlic: When making your garlic butter sauce, gently cook the garlic until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness and keep the sauce silky.
- Don’t Skip the Final Bake: That last 5-minute bake after adding the sauce and Parmesan gives the wings a gorgeous golden crust that you don’t want to miss.
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