If you’re craving the perfect combination of crispy skin and tender, juicy chicken, look no further! These Crispy Baked Chicken Wings are a healthier alternative to fried wings, yet every bite is bursting with flavor. Quick to prepare and easy to bake, they’re ideal for busy weeknights, game days, or family gatherings. With a few pantry staples and a touch of seasoning magic, you can create wings that everyone will rave about.
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Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings (fresh or thawed if frozen)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free for best results)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
Optional for extra flavor: marinate wings in your favorite sauce before baking.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). A high temperature is essential for golden, crispy wings.
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Step 2: Prepare the Seasoning
In a large bowl, combine baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even coating.
Step 3: Coat the Wings
Add the chicken wings to the seasoning mixture and toss until every wing is evenly coated. For an extra flavor boost, marinate wings prior to this step.
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Step 4: Arrange on a Baking Rack
Place wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate and ensures crispiness. If unavailable, you can use parchment paper on a baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on the wings during the last few minutes for a golden-brown, crunchy finish.
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Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove wings from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. This keeps them juicy and flavorful. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
Pro Tips
- Pat wings dry with paper towels for extra crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; give wings space to bake evenly.
- Try different spices like cayenne, chili powder, or dried herbs for unique flavors.
- Let wings rest after baking to retain juices.
Why This Recipe Works
- Quick Prep: Ready in just 10 minutes.
- Healthy Crunch: Achieves that fried texture without excess oil.
- Versatile Flavor: Perfect for a variety of sauces and spices.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
Substitutions & Variations
- Spicy Buffalo Wings: Toss in buffalo sauce after baking.
- Honey Garlic Wings: Drizzle with honey and garlic for a sweet-savory twist.
- Lemon Pepper Wings: Add lemon zest and extra black pepper.
- Herb-Infused Wings: Use thyme, oregano, or rosemary for a fresh flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Ensure baking powder is gluten-free.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide
- Make-Ahead: Season wings and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Storage: Store cooked wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Serving Ideas
- Pair with celery and carrot sticks for a refreshing crunch.
- Serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.
- Enjoy with a cold beverage, like beer or lemonade.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for extra color.
Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 20 g
- Fat: 15 g (Saturated 4 g, Unsaturated 10 g)
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
- Fiber: 0 g
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen wings?
Yes! Just thaw completely before seasoning to ensure even cooking.
Q: How do I get extra crispy wings?
Dry wings thoroughly and use a wire rack for baking to circulate air.
Q: What sauces pair best?
Blue cheese, ranch, honey mustard, or buffalo sauce are perfect choices.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Season ahead and bake when ready for fresh wings.
Q: Are these wings gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free baking powder.
These Crispy Baked Chicken Wings are more than just a meal—they’re a celebration of flavor, texture, and shared moments. Juicy on the inside, perfectly crunchy on the outside, and incredibly versatile, they’re guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether for a casual dinner or a party snack, these wings deliver on taste every time.
Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings (fresh or thawed if frozen)
- 1 tbsp baking powder (aluminum-free for best results)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)
- ½ tsp black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
- Optional for extra flavor: marinate wings in your favorite sauce before baking.
Instructions
- Preheat Your OvenSet your oven to 425°F (220°C). A high temperature is essential for golden, crispy wings.
- Prepare the SeasoningIn a large bowl, combine baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even coating.
- Coat the WingsAdd the chicken wings to the seasoning mixture and toss until every wing is evenly coated. For an extra flavor boost, marinate wings prior to this step.
- Arrange on a Baking RackPlace wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate and ensures crispiness. If unavailable, you can use parchment paper on a baking sheet.
- Bake to PerfectionBake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on the wings during the last few minutes for a golden-brown, crunchy finish.
- Rest and ServeRemove wings from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. This keeps them juicy and flavorful. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- For maximum crispiness, avoid overcrowding wings.
- Adjust spices to suit your taste preference.
- Pair with your favorite dipping sauces for added flavor.
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