Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Recipe

When you’re craving game-day fare or just a crowd-pleasing appetizer, nothing hits the spot quite like Crispy Baked Chicken Wings. These are golden and perfectly crunchy from edge to edge—no deep-frying or splattering oil required! Get ready for a platter of wings that rival your favorite restaurant wings, right from your own oven.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of pantry staples and fresh chicken wings turn into crowd-stopping Crispy Baked Chicken Wings. Each ingredient adds its signature touch to texture and flavor—simple, but so essential!

• 3 pounds chicken wings, split, tips removed: Opt for pre-split wings to save prep time, and removing the tips ensures even cooking and better crunch.
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted: Butter not only adds rich flavor but also helps the seasonings adhere and creates an ultra-crisp skin.
• 2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or 1 teaspoon of another salt): This guarantees a perfect savory bite, so adjust the amount if substituting with a different brand.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: For a pop of mild heat and aromatic spice.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives every wing that crave-worthy garlicky kick without burning in the hot oven.
• 1 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika: Adds subtle sweetness, color, and a hint of smokiness—smoked paprika makes it even better!

Variations

One of my favorite things about Crispy Baked Chicken Wings is how easy it is to turn them into your signature dish! Try these ideas to switch things up based on your pantry, dietary needs, or flavor cravings.

• Buffalo-Style: Toss the baked wings with melted butter and hot sauce for classic, fiery Buffalo flavor.
• Low-Sodium: Dial back the salt or try a salt substitute if you’re watching your sodium intake.
• Sweet & Spicy: Mix a dash of honey and cayenne with the melted butter for sticky-sweet heat.
• Dry Rub Twist: Swap the paprika for your favorite store-bought or homemade barbecue rub for a smoky, southern spin.
• Dairy-Free: Use olive oil spray instead of butter to keep your wings crisp and dairy-free.

How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Wings

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Trays

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F—high heat is key for crisping the wings. Line two rimmed baking sheets with foil for easy cleanup, and fit them with wire racks if you have them. The racks lift the wings for air circulation, but if you don’t have racks, parchment paper-lined sheets work perfectly too—just space the wings apart for best results.

Step 2: Coat the Wings

Transfer your split wings to a roomy bowl and drizzle them with melted butter. Toss thoroughly to coat every single nook and cranny—this step is the secret for seasoning that clings and incredible crunch later on.

Step 3: Season

Arrange the buttered wings in a single, evenly spaced layer on your prepared sheets. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika—don’t be shy, you want a layer of flavor on every wing. If you’re making a big batch, rotate trays between the oven racks halfway through for even browning.

Step 4: Bake and Crisp

Bake until the wings are sizzling, cooked through, and deep golden-crisp (about 40 minutes). For ultra-crispy perfection, lower your oven to 170°F and let the wings hang out for another 30–60 minutes. This optional step reduces any extra moisture and keeps the skin extra crunchy, just like restaurant wings.

Step 5: Serve Hot and Fresh

Once the wings are gloriously crispy, serve them piping hot, ideally straight from the rack to your platter. Pair with bold blue cheese or ranch dressing for the full experience—these Crispy Baked Chicken Wings are at their best when freshly made!

How to Serve Crispy Baked Chicken Wings

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives instantly brightens a platter of Crispy Baked Chicken Wings. For extra zing, add a final dusting of smoked paprika or a light squeeze of lemon over the hot wings—so simple, but it explodes with flavor and color!

Side Dishes

Keep it classic with crisp celery and carrot sticks for a cool, crunchy counterpoint. These wings also love company—try potato wedges, coleslaw, or a big bowl of salad for a satisfying meal that has something for everyone gathered around the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful game-day spread, arrange wings on a wooden board with ramekins of dipping sauces, pickled veggies, and sliced jalapeños. Or pile them in a paper-lined basket for a nostalgic, diner-style feel—don’t forget lots of napkins, because these are wonderfully messy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crispy Baked Chicken Wings can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. To keep them from getting soggy, let them cool completely before sealing them up—we want to preserve that glorious crunch as much as possible!

Freezing

If you want to plan ahead or stash some wings for a rainy day, freeze them in a single layer on a tray before transferring to freezer bags. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three months—just don’t forget to label and date your batch!

Reheating

To restore that crisp, reheat wings uncovered on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven until hot and sizzling—about 10–15 minutes. The oven is gentle enough to avoid drying them out, and you’ll be amazed at how the skin crackles right back to life.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you love comfort food or hosting friends, these Crispy Baked Chicken Wings absolutely deliver on both crunch and flavor. Give them a try next time you want a treat—just be ready for them to vanish from the platter in record time! Happy wing night!

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