Baked Chicken Wings

Who says you can’t have crispy, lick-your-fingers-clean chicken wings without frying? These baked chicken wings are the ultimate crave-worthy snack or meal addition. Seasoned just right and baked to perfection, they’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and oh-so-flavorful. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or looking for a quick and satisfying dinner option, this recipe has your back. Keep reading, and we’ll walk you through making baked wings so good, they’ll disappear before you know it!

Table of content

About The Baked Chicken Wings Recipe

Alright, let’s talk about chicken wings—the kind of food that’s equally at home on your Super Bowl snack table as it is during a weeknight dinner. But let me guess—you usually think of them as a deep-fried indulgence, right? What if I told you that you could get that same crispy goodness straight from your oven, without all the messy frying? That’s what makes this baked chicken wings recipe amazing. Not only is it way easier and healthier, it also captures that golden, perfectly seasoned bite you know and love. I’m talking about a recipe that gives you wings you’ll be proud to serve to friends, family, or just yourself. Plus, baked wings mean less oil splatters to clean up—win-win, right? Stick with me, and I’ll guide you through making these wings foolproof and mouthwatering. Whether you’re a die-hard wing enthusiast or trying them for the first time, this recipe brings the restaurant-level results right into your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfectly crispy without frying—healthier but just as good!
  • Simple ingredients that you probably already have
  • Customizable with your favorite sauces or spices
  • No fancy equipment needed—just your oven!
  • Kid-approved and great for family meals or parties
  • Bakes in under an hour for fast satisfaction

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

  • Chicken Wings: Aim for fresh wings that are the right size—they cook more evenly than frozen ones. If you’re in a pinch, defrost frozen wings completely before baking!
  • Salt and Pepper: Simple but essential. You can swap in garlic salt if you want a boost of flavor.
  • Baking Powder: Do not skip this secret ingredient—it helps create that crispy exterior. But don’t confuse it with baking soda! Baking soda will change the taste entirely.
  • Optional Spices: Paprika, cayenne, or a favorite seasoning blend for extra flavor. Add according to your spice level preference!

How to Make the Recipe (Step-by-Step)

  • Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment for easy cleanup, and set a wire rack on top. This keeps the wings elevated for even crisping!
  • Step 2: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. The drier, the better—this helps them crisp up in the oven.
  • Step 3: In a large bowl, toss wings with baking powder, salt, and pepper. Add any optional spices here for extra flavor.
  • Step 4: Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack. Make sure they’re not touching, so the heat can circulate evenly.
  • Step 5: Bake the wings for about 20 minutes. Flip them over, and bake for another 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
  • Step 6: Remove from oven and toss with your favorite sauce or serve the wings plain with your favorite dips. Enjoy while hot!

Expert Tips for Success

Use fresh chicken wings for the crispiest results
Pat the wings dry thoroughly to remove moisture
Elevate wings on a rack for even heat distribution
Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet—space ensures crispiness
If you want jumbo wings, adjust baking time slightly

Variations and Customizations

Bored of plain wings? Try tossing them in buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, honey garlic glaze, or even a mix of melted butter and garlic powder. Love heat? Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes before baking. For a tangy twist, squeeze fresh lime juice and sprinkle some cilantro over them once baked. If you’ve got a favorite dry rub or seasoning mix, swap that in to make it truly yours.

Nutritional Information

A single serving of baked chicken wings (about 5 wings) comes in at roughly 260 calories. You’ll be getting about 15 grams of protein to fuel you up, plus around 8 grams of fat—not bad for something so delicious! While that creates a lower-fat option compared to fried wings, they’re still packed with flavor, especially if you opt for lighter sauces or dips. Oh, and they’re naturally carb-free, so they work for low-carb or keto diets, too!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Store your baked chicken wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat them again, reheat them in a 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes to bring back that crispy texture. Prefer quicker reheating? The air fryer works perfectly and takes only about 5 minutes at 375°F. Avoid microwaving them—nobody likes soggy wings.

Recipe Card of Baked Chicken Wings

5 from 1 vote
Alicia Smith
These oven-crisped chicken wings are a breeze to prepare with their spicy coating, resulting in a mouthwatering delight that brings the classic chicken wing experience straight from your oven.
Baked Chicken Wings
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 2
Calories 532 kcal

Ingredients list
  

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic pressed
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 10 pieces chicken wings
Baked Chicken Wings recipe ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions
 

  • Ready all your ingredients and start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Mix olive oil, garlic, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large resealable bag. Seal and shake well to combine all. Add chicken wings, reseal, and shake again to coat thoroughly. Place wings on a baking tray.
  • Bake the wings in the oven until they're crisp and the meat is cooked through, approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
  • Dish out the hot wings and savor the flavors!

Nutrition

Calories: 532kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 32gFat: 43gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 97mgSodium: 123mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g
Keyword baked chicken wings, chicken, wings
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

All Your Questions About This Recipe

Can I use frozen chicken wings?

Yes, but they need to be completely thawed and patted dry before baking for best results.

What does baking powder do for chicken wings?

Baking powder helps draw out moisture and creates an extra crispy skin. Just don’t accidentally use baking soda, as it’ll ruin the flavor.

How do I know when the wings are done?

The best way is to check with a thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F. The skin should also be golden and crispy.

What sauces pair best with these wings?

Buffalo, BBQ, honey mustard, garlic parmesan—you name it! These baked wings are basically a blank canvas for all your favorite sauces.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Bake them ahead and re-crisp them in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes before serving.

1 thought on “Baked Chicken Wings”

  1. 5 stars
    Wow, these Baked Chicken Wings sound absolutely delicious! I love how simple and quick the recipe is, but still packs so much flavor with the garlic and chili powder. I’m thinking of adding a little honey for a sweet and spicy twist! Can’t wait to try it! 😋🍗

    Reply
5 from 1 vote

Leave a Recipe Comment

Recipe Rating