Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings are a delicious twist on a classic favorite, combining crispy, oven-baked wings with a buttery garlic sauce and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. These wings are perfect for game days, casual dinners, or whenever you’re craving something crispy, flavorful, and easy to make. The subtle herbs and spices in the dry rub give the wings a mouthwatering savory depth, while the garlic butter and Parmesan add a rich, indulgent finish that takes them to the next level.

What makes this recipe stand out is its simple but effective cooking technique. Baking at a low temperature initially helps render the fat and ensures juicy meat, while a final high-temperature blast crisps up the skin perfectly without frying. The result? Wings that are crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with bold garlic and Parmesan flavor. This recipe also skips the mess and extra calories of frying but delivers all the satisfaction. Whether you’re a wing fanatic or just love a good garlic cheese combo, these wings are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Crispy, Oven-Baked Wings: Achieves that perfect crunch without frying.
2. Bold Garlic Parmesan Flavor: A delicious buttery garlic sauce topped with Parmesan cheese.
3. Easy Prep and Cooking: Minimal hands-on time and simple ingredients.
4. Perfect for Entertaining: Great appetizer or main dish for gatherings.
5. Versatile Serving: Serve as a snack, party food, or part of a hearty meal.

Ingredients

• Chicken wings or drumsticks
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Onion powder
• Dried basil
• Aluminum-free baking powder
• Unsalted butter
• Minced garlic
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Parsley (optional, for garnish)

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the spice mix for heat.
• Herb Boost: Include rosemary or thyme for an herby aroma.
• Lemon Garlic: Add lemon zest to the garlic butter for a fresh citrus note.
• Smoky Flavor: Use smoked paprika in the seasoning blend.
• Dipping Sauces: Serve with ranch, blue cheese, or a spicy aioli on the side.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Rack

Preheat your oven to 250°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Lightly spray the rack with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Season the Wings

In a bowl, mix garlic powder, salt, black pepper, onion powder, dried basil, and baking powder. Pat chicken wings dry and toss them in the spice mixture until evenly coated.

Step 3: Bake Low and Slow

Arrange the wings on the wire rack in a single layer. Bake for 25 minutes at 250°F to render the fat and begin cooking.

Step 4: Crisp the Wings

Increase the oven temperature to 450°F. Bake for an additional 30–40 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through, until crispy and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).

Step 5: Make Garlic Butter

While wings bake, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until melted and bubbling.

Step 6: Toss Wings in Garlic Butter

Remove wings from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Brush or toss wings with garlic butter, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and parsley.

Step 7: Serve

Serve the wings immediately while hot and crispy.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Dry wings thoroughly before seasoning to ensure crispiness.
• Use aluminum-free baking powder to avoid metallic taste.
• Flip wings halfway through high-heat baking for even crisping.
• Don’t skip the resting time; it helps juices redistribute.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.

How to Serve

These wings are perfect as a snack or appetizer with your favorite dipping sauces. They also pair well with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a fresh green salad. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or garlic mashed potatoes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze wings in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat wings in a 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep skin crisp.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken drumsticks instead of wings?
   Yes, drumsticks work well with this recipe and require similar cooking times.
2. Why use baking powder?
   Baking powder helps crisp the skin by drawing out moisture and promoting browning.
3. Can I fry the wings instead?
   Yes, but this recipe is designed for oven baking for less mess and fat.
4. How do I know when wings are done?
   They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and be crispy on the outside.
5. Can I make the garlic butter sauce ahead?
   It’s best made fresh, but you can prepare garlic butter ahead and warm it gently before tossing.
6. Is this recipe spicy?
   No, it’s mild but you can add cayenne or hot sauce if you want heat.
7. What if I don’t have a wire rack?
   Place wings directly on parchment-lined baking sheet but flip more frequently to avoid sogginess.
8. Can I double this recipe?
   Yes, just ensure wings are in a single layer on baking racks or sheets.
9. How to store leftover wings for best texture?
   Keep in a single layer in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for crispiness.
10. Can I use salted butter?
    Unsalted butter is preferred to control saltiness, but salted butter can be used—reduce additional salt accordingly.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings are a crispy, flavorful, and easy-to-make treat that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this recipe delivers maximum taste and irresistible garlic-cheese goodness. Whether for game day, dinner, or a casual get-together, these wings hit all the right notes—crispy skin, juicy meat, and a buttery, cheesy finish. Give them a try, and enjoy a crowd-pleasing dish that’s as delicious as it is satisfying.

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