Crispy Chicken Wings are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack. These wings are baked to golden perfection, delivering all the crunch and flavor of fried wings without the extra oil and mess. Coated in a savory blend of spices and baking powder, the wings crisp up beautifully in the oven, making them a healthier yet equally delicious alternative to deep-fried versions.
To elevate the flavor, pair the wings with a tangy, buttery hot sauce or serve them plain with a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, a casual get-together, or simply indulging in a wing craving, this recipe is guaranteed to impress with its irresistible crunch and bold flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Healthier Option: Baked instead of fried, yet perfectly crispy.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level and sauce to your liking.
• Easy to Make: Simple preparation with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Wings:
• 2 pounds chicken wings (split into drumettes and flats)
• 2 tablespoons baking powder (not baking soda)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For the Sauce (Optional):
• ½ cup butter (1 stick), melted
• ½ cup hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
• 2 tablespoons honey (for a sweeter sauce)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Wings
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly spray the rack with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Dry the Wings:
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps achieve a crispy texture.
3. Season the Wings:
In a large bowl, mix the baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Toss the chicken wings in the mixture until evenly coated.
Bake the Wings
1. Arrange on Rack:
Place the seasoned wings in a single layer on the wire rack, ensuring they don’t touch for even cooking.
2. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Flip the wings and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the wings are golden brown and crispy.
Prepare the Sauce (Optional)
1. Mix Ingredients:
In a small saucepan, combine the melted butter, hot sauce, honey, and garlic powder. Stir over medium heat until well combined and heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.
Toss the Wings in Sauce
1. Cool Slightly:
Once the wings are done baking, let them cool slightly.
2. Coat in Sauce:
For sauced wings, place the wings in a large bowl, pour the prepared sauce over them, and toss until evenly coated.
Serve
1. Arrange the wings on a serving platter. Serve with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.
2. Enjoy the crispy, flavorful wings hot from the oven.
Tips
• Crispier Wings: Make sure the wings are completely dry before tossing in the seasoning mix.
• Flavor Boost: Marinate the wings in your favorite spices for a few hours before baking.
• Make It Spicy: Add more cayenne or use a hotter sauce for extra heat.
Storage Options
• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) to retain crispiness.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked wings in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Crispy Chicken Wings are a classic favorite that never disappoints. Perfectly crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor, they’re a must-try for wing enthusiasts and food lovers alike!
