Oven Baked Chicken Wings Recipe

Quick & Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Wings Recipe for Game Day

Crispy, golden oven baked chicken wings beckon with irresistible promise of flavor explosion.

The kitchen fills with mouthwatering aromas that make stomachs rumble with anticipation.

Tender meat beneath perfectly crisped skin awaits your culinary adventure.

Weeknight dinners and game day gatherings deserve something special that doesn’t demand complicated techniques.

Each bite promises a delightful crunch that transforms an ordinary meal into something memorable.

Simple ingredients and minimal prep time mean you can whip up these wings faster than ordering takeout.

Grab some napkins and get ready to savor every delectable morsel that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

What Pairs Well With Oven Baked Chicken Wings

  • Craft the Perfect Beer Buddy: Grab an ice-cold amber ale or hoppy IPA that cuts through the wings' richness and complements their smoky paprika undertones, enhancing every crispy bite.
  • Create Zesty Dipping Adventures: Whip up a tangy homemade blue cheese or sriracha-honey sauce that adds unexpected flavor complexity and balances the chicken's savory crunch.
  • Refresh with Citrus Spritzers: Mix a light lemon-infused sparkling water or classic margarita to cleanse your palate between wing bites, bringing a bright, refreshing counterpoint to the spicy seasonings.
  • Design Crunchy Sidekick Platters: Arrange crisp celery, cool cucumber sticks, and pickled jalapeños to provide textural contrast and cooling relief against the wings' bold, spicy profile.

Oven Baked Chicken Wings Variations To Spice Things Up

  • Spicy Buffalo Blast: Toss crispy wings in a homemade buffalo sauce made with hot sauce, melted butter, and a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
  • Asian Fusion Crunch: Coat wings with a mixture of soy sauce, honey, ginger, and sesame oil before baking. Garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
  • Mediterranean Herb Style: Marinate wings in olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and garlic. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese after baking for a tangy Mediterranean flavor.
  • BBQ Smokehouse Edition: Brush wings with a thick, smoky barbecue sauce during the last 10 minutes of baking. Create a sticky, caramelized exterior that adds rich, savory notes to the crispy chicken.

FAQs On Oven Baked Chicken Wings You Should Know

  • Why use baking powder for chicken wings?

Baking powder helps draw out moisture from the chicken skin, creating a super crispy exterior that’s way more delicious than regular wings. It’s the secret to getting that restaurant-style crunch at home.

  • Can I use different spices in this recipe?

Absolutely! While garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder create a great flavor base, you can customize the spice blend to match your taste. Try adding cayenne for heat or dried herbs like thyme for extra depth.

  • Do I really need a wire rack for baking wings?

The wire rack is crucial because it allows hot air to circulate around the wings, helping them cook evenly and get crispy on all sides. If you don’t have a rack, you can still bake the wings, but they might not be as crisp.

  • How do I know when the wings are fully cooked?

The wings are done when they’re golden brown, crispy, and reach an internal temperature of 165F (74C). The skin should look golden and slightly crisp, and the meat should be tender and easily pull away from the bone.

Why Oven Baked Chicken Wings Are A Game Day Staple

  • Effortless Crispy Perfection: These oven-baked chicken wings deliver restaurant-quality crispiness without deep-frying, making them a healthier and easier alternative for home cooks who want delicious results with minimal effort.
  • Quick Weeknight Meal Champion: With only 45-50 minutes total cooking and prep time, this recipe becomes a lifesaver for busy families needing a fast, crowd-pleasing dinner that requires minimal kitchen skills and cleanup.
  • Customizable Flavor Adventure: The simple seasoning base allows endless sauce and spice variations, letting you transform these wings from classic buffalo to exotic global flavors like Korean, Caribbean, or honey-sriracha without changing the core cooking method.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Party Powerhouse: Perfect for game days, movie nights, or casual gatherings, these wings offer a communal eating experience that brings people together with their irresistible crunch and versatile taste profile.

What Goes Into Oven Baked Chicken Wings

Poultry Base:
  • Chicken Wings: Classic protein source for game day snacks, skin-on for maximum crispiness, fresh or frozen wings work well.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Baking Powder: Secret to crispy exterior without deep frying, helps break down protein for extra crunch.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides depth of savory flavor, enhances overall taste profile.
  • Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky complexity and rich color to wings.
  • Black Pepper, Salt: Essential seasoning for balanced flavor, enhances natural chicken taste.
Preparation Essentials:
  • Aluminum Foil: Helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
  • Cooking Spray: Ensures non-stick surface and helps with even browning.
  • Wire Rack: Allows air circulation for crispy all-around wing texture.
Optional Serving Accompaniments:
  • Ranch Dressing, Blue Cheese Dressing: Classic dipping sauces for wings.
  • Celery Sticks, Carrot Sticks: Fresh vegetable sides that complement spicy wings.
  • Favorite Wing Sauce: Optional finishing touch for additional flavor variation.

How To Make Oven Baked Chicken Wings At Home

Step 1: Preheat The Oven

Get your oven ready for some crispy magic! Crank up the temperature to 425°F (220°C). Grab a baking sheet and cover it with aluminum foil. Place a wire rack on top and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken Wings

Time to dry those wings! Use paper towels to pat each wing until theyre completely dry. Pro tip: The drier the wings, the crunchier they’ll become during baking.

Step 3: Create Flavor Coating

Mix your wing seasonings in a spacious mixing bowl. Grab these flavor boosters:
  • Baking powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Onion powder
  • Black pepper
  • Salt

Toss the wings in this magical mixture, making sure every inch gets covered with the seasoning blend.

Step 4: Arrange On Baking Rack

Carefully place wings on the prepared wire rack. Keep them spread out in a single layer – no wing should be touching another. This ensures maximum crispiness from all angles.

Step 5: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the rack into the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then flip each wing. Continue baking for another 20-25 minutes until theyre beautifully golden and extra crispy.

Step 6: Add Optional Sauce

Want some extra flavor? Toss the wings in your favorite sauce just before serving. Or keep the sauce on the side for dipping – your call!

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Transfer those gorgeous wings to a serving platter. Grab some ranch or blue cheese dressing, and slice up some fresh celery and carrot sticks on the side. Time to dig in and enjoy your crispy creation!

Tips To Get Oven Baked Chicken Wings Extra Crispy

  • Maximize Crispiness: Pat chicken wings thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a perfectly crispy exterior when baked.
  • Elevate Flavor Profile: Create a delicious spice blend using garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and black pepper to transform ordinary wings into a mouthwatering dish.
  • Rack Technique: Use a wire rack on a foil-lined baking sheet to allow hot air circulation, preventing soggy bottoms and promoting even cooking.
  • Sauce Flexibility: Customize wings by tossing in your favorite sauce after baking or serving sauce on the side, catering to different taste preferences.
  • Dietary Adaptation: Swap regular spices with low-sodium alternatives or use gluten-free seasonings to make the recipe suitable for various dietary needs.

How To Store Oven Baked Chicken Wings The Right Way

  • Cool leftover chicken wings completely before storing.
  • Transfer wings to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
  • Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, keeping them fresh and safe to eat.
  • Reheat wings in the oven at 350F (175C) for 10-15 minutes to restore their crispy texture.
  • Avoid microwaving, which can make the wings soggy and tough.
  • Freeze baked wings in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
  • When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.
  • Pro tip: Separate wings into single layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking when storing or freezing.
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Oven Baked Chicken Wings Recipe

Oven Baked Chicken Wings Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Crispy golden oven baked chicken wings deliver irresistible flavor straight from your kitchen. Zesty spices and perfect crunch make these wings an ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day or casual gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 lbs (900 g) chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes

Seasoning Mix:

  • 2 tablespoons baking powder (aluminum-free)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Serving Accompaniments:

  • 1 favorite wing sauce (e.g., buffalo, BBQ, garlic Parmesan)
  • 1 ranch or blue cheese dressing
  • Fresh celery and carrot sticks

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to a sizzling 425F (220C). Create a strategic setup with aluminum foil-lined baking sheet and a wire rack, then lightly mist with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Meticulously dry each chicken wing using paper towels, removing excess moisture to guarantee a perfectly crisp exterior during baking.
  3. Craft a flavor-packed coating by combining baking powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl. Thoroughly tumble the wings in this seasoning blend, ensuring comprehensive and even coverage.
  4. Strategically arrange the seasoned wings on the prepared wire rack, positioning them with precision to avoid contact between pieces, which allows hot air to circulate and create uniform crispness.
  5. Slide the rack into the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Carefully flip each wing to promote even browning, then continue roasting for an additional 20-25 minutes until the skin transforms into a golden, crunchy exterior.
  6. For those craving extra flavor, momentarily toss the wings in preferred sauce just before serving, or present the sauce separately for personalized dipping experiences.
  7. Transfer the expertly prepared wings to a serving platter. Complement the dish with classic ranch or tangy blue cheese dressing, accompanied by crisp celery and carrot sticks for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

  • Prep Perfectly: Pat chicken wings thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, guaranteeing ultra-crispy exterior during baking.
  • Rack Technique: Using a wire rack allows hot air circulation, ensuring wings cook evenly and develop a crisp, golden-brown skin without excess grease.
  • Seasoning Hack: Baking powder is the secret weapon for achieving restaurant-style crispy wings by breaking down protein and creating a beautifully textured surface.
  • Dietary Adaptations: For gluten-free option, verify baking powder ingredients and use certified gluten-free spices; for low-sodium version, reduce salt and use salt-free spice blends.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

  • Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
  • Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.

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