There’s something undeniably addictive about generous amounts of garlic and parmesan melting into crispy chicken wings - that’s why this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe is such a game-changer. It’s simple, packed with flavor, and perfect for when you want that fuss-free, irresistible snack or meal that everyone will ask for seconds of.

A close-up view of a white cast iron pan filled with golden brown chicken wings, each wing showing a crispy and slightly charred texture with specks of green parsley scattered on top. The wings are generously sprinkled with fine grated parmesan cheese, adding small white granules contrasting the golden and brown surface. The pan is set on a white marbled textured surface, highlighting the rich colors of the cooked wings. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

From the very first time I made this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe, I was hooked. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy but takes minimal effort, delivering that perfect balance of garlicky punch with cheesy, buttery richness. Let me tell you why this recipe deserves a spot in your regular lineup.

Incredible Flavor Depth: The blend of garlic powder, fresh garlic, and parmesan creates layers of savory goodness that keep your taste buds engaged.
Crispy on the Outside, Tender on the Inside: Thanks to a quick baking powder trick and a hot oven, these wings come out perfectly crispy every time.
Simple Ingredients You Already Have: No hunting down exotic spices or ingredients—everything comes from your pantry and fridge.
Customizable and Versatile: You can tweak the herbs and spice levels or pair these wings with different sides to keep things fresh and exciting.

A round black pan holds a pile of golden-brown chicken wings grilled with a crispy texture. The wings are sprinkled with small bits of white Parmesan cheese and scattered bright green parsley leaves. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with a white cloth with red stripes near the bottom right corner. Some parsley leaves are seen on the left side of the pan, adding a fresh green touch. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one supports the others, creating a well-rounded flavor profile that’s simple yet elevated. Here’s why I stick with these:

Flat lay of raw chicken wings sprinkled with smoked paprika and garlic powder, fresh cloves of garlic, a small pile of grated Parmesan cheese, a few sprigs of bright green parsley, golden melted butter in a small pool, and a drizzle of rich olive oil, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garlic powder: Adds a deep garlic flavor that evenly coats every wing without burning in the oven.
Onion powder: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth to the seasoning blend.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps the skin crisp up nicely.
Pepper: Offers just a little warmth and complexity.
Smoked paprika: Introduces a hint of smokiness and lovely color to the wings.
Baking powder (optional): This secret weapon helps wings get that perfect crispy skin without frying.
Chicken wings: Naturally juicy and meaty, the canvas for all this deliciousness.
Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and contributes to crisping the skin.
Butter: Melts into the sauce, making it rich and silky.
Garlic (fresh): Adds an aromatic punch and freshness beyond the powder.
Parsley: Brings a bright, herbaceous note that balances the richness.
Parmesan cheese: Grants that salty, umami-packed finish that makes this dish unforgettable.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe is. I often adjust it slightly depending on the occasion or what I have on hand. Let me share a couple of ways I like to tweak things — and you should definitely feel free to play around too.

Add Heat: I sometimes toss in a pinch of red chili flakes or cayenne to the spice mix if I’m craving a spicy kick — it complements the garlic and parmesan so well!
Swap Fresh Herbs: If I don’t have parsley, I’m happy to use fresh basil or even a bit of thyme for a different herbal note.
Try Air Frying: For an even crispier texture faster, I occasionally air fry the wings instead of baking.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Wings and Seasonings

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place a rack in the center. This setup helps the hot air circulate around the wings for maximum crispiness. Meanwhile, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and if you're using it, baking powder. Baking powder is a secret weapon—it really helps that skinside get golden and crisp. Toss your chicken wings in this spice blend and drizzle with olive oil to help everything stick.

Step 2: Bake Until Crispy and Golden

Spread the wings out in a single layer on a baking dish or sheet pan. Pop them into the oven and bake for about 45 minutes. I like to flip them halfway through to ensure they brown evenly. Keep an eye on them towards the end so they don’t get too dark. You want that perfect balance—crispy skin with juicy meat inside.

Step 3: Make That Garlic Parmesan Sauce

While the wings roast, melt butter over low heat in a small pot. Add the minced fresh garlic and parsley, stirring gently until the garlic is fragrant but not browned—this usually takes just a minute or two. Taking your time here pays off with a silky, aromatic sauce that clings beautifully to the wings.

Step 4: Finish Baking with Sauce and Cheese

Once the wings are done, take them out of the oven and pour the garlic butter sauce over the top. Shake on a generous handful of freshly grated parmesan cheese and pop the wings back into the oven for another 5 minutes. This last step crisps up the parmesan, forming a luscious, cheesy crust that I just can't resist.

Top Tip

Over the years, these tips have made the biggest difference for me in mastering garlic parmesan wings that are crispy, flavorful, and restaurant-worthy each time.

Use Baking Powder (Not Baking Soda): Baking powder helps dry out the skin to get that irresistible crisp; baking soda can give a weird metallic taste.
Don't Skip the Rack: Placing wings on a wire rack lets air circulate around them, keeping the undersides crispy and preventing sogginess.
Add Fresh Garlic Last: Cooking fresh garlic gently in butter instead of tossing it in raw prevents bitterness and keeps it fragrant.
Grate Your Parmesan Fresh: Pre-grated cheese often has additives; fresh parmesan melts better and gives cleaner flavor.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe

garlic parmesan chicken wings - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always sprinkle on some extra chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions just before serving. It adds a fresh pop of color and brightness that balances the richness. Sometimes a little lemon wedge on the side for squeezing over the top really awakens the flavors too.

Side Dishes

For me, crispy wings call for simple, clean sides like celery and carrot sticks with a cool ranch or blue cheese dip. A light garden salad or roasted veggies also pair perfectly to balance the hearty wings.

Creative Ways to Present

For game day or parties, I like laying the wings out on a large wooden board with piles of Parmesan shavings, fresh herb sprigs, and little bowls of dips. It’s casual but feels special, and guests love grabbing wings straight from the board.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled to room temperature, I store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge. They last beautifully for up to four days, making them perfect for quick snacks or adding to wraps and salads.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover wings a few times by laying them out in a shallow container in a single layer to freeze solid, then transferring them to a sealed freezer bag. They keep for up to six months and thaw well overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To keep wings crispy, I always reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or in an air fryer if I’m short on time. Avoid microwaving as it makes the skin soggy and less delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen wings for this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning to help the skin crisp up better in the oven.

Why do you add baking powder to the wings?

Baking powder helps to dry out the chicken skin and creates a crispier texture when baked. It’s a simple trick that mimics frying without the extra oil.

Can I make these wings gluten-free?

Absolutely! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check your baking powder and parmesan cheese labels for any additives if you have a strict gluten intolerance.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning in the sauce?

Cook the minced garlic gently over low heat in melted butter and remove it from the heat as soon as it becomes fragrant, usually within a minute or two. This avoids bitterness and keeps the flavor fresh and aromatic.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe is one I come back to time and time again because it always delivers on flavor and texture with minimal fuss. Whether it’s for weeknight dinner, game day, or just a cozy binge-watch night, these wings feel like a treat you made just for yourself—and trust me, you’re going to want to share them (or not!). Give it a whirl, and enjoy the magic of crispy, garlicky, parmesan goodness in every bite.