Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Recipe
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These baked chicken wings are loaded with the savory goodness of parmesan, butter, and fresh parsley. Quick and easy to make, they’re the perfect addition to game nights, casual gatherings, family dinners, or even snack time.
Chicken wings are a popular favorite for a reason, and this recipe makes them even better. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a laid-back family dinner, these baked chicken wings deliver every time – it’s definitely a dish that’s always a hit and deserves a spot in your recipe rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Customizable: Keep it classic or mix it up! Add garlic powder for a parmesan-garlic twist or adjust the herbs and spices to match your taste.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a snack, appetizer, or main dish, these wings pair well with your favorite sides and dipping sauces for a meal everyone will love.
- No-fuss prep: With minimal ingredients and quick prep time, these wings are perfect for busy days, last-minute gatherings, or easy entertaining.
- Crispy: Baked instead of fried, they deliver all the crunch you crave without the extra oil or greasiness.
- Less cleanup: No splattering oil or fryer mess. Baking keeps things simple, so you can enjoy your meal without extra dishes to clean.
How to Make Baked Chicken Wings
Skip the fryer and make these crispy baked chicken wings with almost no effort. A simple mix of parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper gives them bold flavor, while the oven does all the work. With just five minutes of prep, you’ll have golden, crunchy wings ready to serve in no time.
For the full ingredient list, measurements, and step-by-step instructions, check out the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post!
Ingredients You Need
- Chicken wings: Fresh or frozen wings both work, but starting with high-quality wings makes all the difference. I love using fresh wings when possible for the best texture and flavor, but frozen ones crisp up beautifully too!
- Butter: This is what helps the parmesan stick and gives the wings that golden crust.
- Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a deep, savory flavor and turns into a crispy, cheesy coating that makes these wings irresistible. I always go for freshly grated parmesan because it melts better and sticks more evenly.
- Parsley: A handful of fresh parsley makes the wings pop with color and balances out all the rich, cheesy goodness.
- Salt and ground black pepper
Step-By-Step Instructions
These baked chicken wings come together in no time without the mess and hassle. Pop them in the oven, let them bake to golden perfection, and enjoy a flavorful batch straight from the oven in less than an hour. Follow these no-fail steps, and you’ll have a batch of perfectly baked wings that are crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with parmesan goodness.
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps cleanup easy and ensures the wings don’t stick.
Step 2: Make the parmesan Coating
While the oven heats up, melt the butter in an oven-safe dish or a small saucepan over low heat. In a separate bowl, mix together parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Coat the wings
Dip and coat each wing into the melted butter then roll it in the parmesan mixture. Place the wings on your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them for even crisping.
Step 4: Bake
Pop the wings in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, letting them crisp up to a perfect golden brown. Once they’re done, let them cool slightly before serving them warm.
Substitutions
- Switch up the protein: Stick with classic chicken wings, or swap them for drumettes or boneless chicken tenders if you prefer.
- Pick your fat: Butter adds rich flavor, but you can swap it for olive oil to keep things lighter. Ghee brings a subtle nuttiness, while avocado oil or vegan butter are great dairy-free alternatives.
- Try a different cheese: Parmesan is the go-to, but if you want a similar salty, bold flavor, Pecorino Romano is a great substitute.
- Herb alternatives: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and flavor, but dried parsley works too. For a slight twist, chives bring a mild oniony kick that blends well with the other flavors.
Expert Tips
- Get creative with herbs: Fresh basil, thyme, oregano, rosemary, cilantro, dill, or even a simple Italian herb blend can add extra flavor. Don’t hesitate to use what you have. This recipe is super flexible!
- Blend your own seasoning: Try homemade spice mixes like ranch seasoning or garlic herb rubs to give your wings a unique twist.
- Double up on parmesan: For the best cheesy flavor, sprinkle some parmesan before baking and add another layer right after they come out of the oven.
- Taste before you season: Parmesan is naturally salty, so do a quick taste test before adding extra salt.
- Pat the wings dry: For extra crispy wings, use paper towels to remove any excess moisture before baking.
- Give them room: Don’t crowd the baking sheet! Arrange the wings in a single layer with space between them so they crisp up evenly instead of steaming.
How to Store This Recipe
Keep your baked chicken wings fresh by storing them in an airtight container. They will last up to four days in the fridge or two weeks in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven or air fryer. The microwave is not the best choice since it can make them soft instead of crunchy.
What to Serve with Baked Chicken Wings
Baked chicken wings are great on their own, but why stop there? Pair them with cheddar and bacon dip or French onion dip, or serve them alongside comforting dishes like garlic mashed potatoes or broccoli cheddar soup.
If you’re in the mood for a heartier meal, cheesy broccoli casserole or rice pilaf all make perfect pairings. However you serve them, these wings are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
More Appetizer Recipes To Try
- Spinach and artichoke dip
- Homemade salsa
- Cream cheese stuffed mushrooms
- Cheese and bacon cob loaf
- Sausage rolls
If you make these baked chicken wings, I’d love to hear what you think! Your reviews and 5-star ratings mean so much and help others find this recipe.
Perfectly Baked Chicken Wings Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 pounds chicken wings cut in half crosswise into pieces
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tablespoon parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 °F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps cleanup easy and ensures the wings don’t stick.
- While the oven heats up, melt the butter in an oven-safe dish or a small saucepan over low heat. In a separate bowl, mix together parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Dip and coat each wing into the melted butter then roll it in the parmesan mixture. Place the wings on your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them for even crisping.
- Pop the wings in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, letting them crisp up to a perfect golden brown. Once they’re done, let them cool slightly before serving them warm.
Notes
- Fresh basil, thyme, oregano, rosemary, cilantro, dill, or even a simple Italian herb blend can add extra flavor. Don’t hesitate to use what you have.
- Try homemade spice mixes like ranch seasoning or garlic herb rubs to give your wings a unique twist.
- For the best cheesy flavor, sprinkle some parmesan before baking and add another layer right after they come out of the oven.
- Parmesan is naturally salty, so do a quick taste test before adding extra salt.
- For extra crispy wings, use paper towels to remove any excess moisture before baking.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer with space between them so they crisp up evenly instead of steaming.
