ADVERTISEMENT
How to Make Oven-Baked Chicken Wings
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat will help create the crispy skin that everyone loves.
Step 2: Prepare the Wings
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is key to achieving a crispy texture. Once the wings are dry, place them in a large bowl.
Drizzle the wings with olive oil and toss them to coat evenly. This will help the seasonings stick and ensure the wings crisp up nicely in the oven.
Step 3: Season the Wings
Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and dried thyme (if using) to the wings. Toss everything together until the wings are evenly coated with the seasonings.
Step 4: Bake the Wings
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to make cleanup easier. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet, if you have one—this allows air to circulate around the wings, promoting even cooking and crispiness.
Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack, leaving space between each wing to ensure they cook evenly. If you don’t have a wire rack, you can place the wings directly on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake the wings in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping. You’ll know the wings are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
Step 5: Toss in Sauce (Optional)
If you’re making buffalo wings or a different saucy version, now is the time to toss the wings in your favorite sauce. You can use hot buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, or any sauce of your choice. Place the baked wings in a large bowl, pour the sauce over them, and toss gently to coat.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once your wings are ready, remove them from the oven. Sprinkle them with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or extra hot sauce!
Flavor Variations for Oven-Baked Chicken Wings
- Buffalo Wings: Toss the baked wings in a mixture of melted butter and hot sauce. You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less hot sauce.
- BBQ Wings: Coat the wings in BBQ sauce and bake for the final 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize.
- Honey Garlic Wings: For a sweet and savory option, toss the wings in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
- Lemon Pepper Wings: Coat the wings with lemon zest, black pepper, and a bit of parmesan cheese for a zesty, savory treat.
- Cajun Wings: Add a kick with Cajun seasoning, paprika, and a dash of garlic powder for extra heat and flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Oven-Baked Chicken Wings
- Dry the Wings Well: For extra crispiness, make sure to thoroughly dry the wings before baking. This will help remove excess moisture, which can prevent crisping.
- Use a Wire Rack: Baking the wings on a wire rack allows air to circulate around them, ensuring they get crispy on all sides.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a large batch of wings, cook them in batches or use two baking sheets. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
- Broil for Extra Crispiness: If you want an even crispier finish, place the wings under the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
- Dips: Serve your oven-baked chicken wings with a side of classic dips like ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or creamy garlic dip.
- Vegetable Sides: Pair your wings with some crisp celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a fresh green salad to balance out the richness of the wings.
- Fries or Onion Rings: For a complete meal, serve with crispy fries or onion rings for the ultimate comfort food combination.
Why You’ll Love Oven-Baked Chicken Wings
Oven-baked chicken wings are the perfect way to enjoy crispy, flavorful wings without the hassle of frying. They’re simple to prepare, customizable to your tastes, and can be made in a variety of ways to suit everyone’s preferences. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, cooking for a family dinner, or just want a quick and tasty meal, these wings are sure to become a favorite.
With minimal prep, maximum flavor, and a crispy texture that’s sure to impress, oven-baked chicken wings are the easy and delicious solution to your wing cravings!
ADVERTISEMENT
