These baked chicken wings are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. They’re a healthier alternative to fried wings and are perfect for game day, parties, or a casual dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2.5 pounds chicken wings (about 12-15 wings)
- 2 tablespoons baking powder (aluminum-free for best results)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Cooking spray or olive oil
Optional Sauce (Choose one or create your own):
- Classic Buffalo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
Instructions:
- Prepare the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This helps them get crispy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Coat the Wings: Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss them thoroughly with the dry mixture, ensuring each wing is evenly coated.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the wings, making them crispier.
- Arrange the Wings: Arrange the chicken wings in a single layer on the wire rack, making sure they are not touching. Spray or drizzle lightly with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 40-50 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare the Sauce (Optional): While the wings are baking, prepare your chosen sauce.
- Buffalo Sauce: Whisk together hot sauce, melted butter, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl.
- Honey Garlic Sauce: Whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and rice vinegar in a saucepan. Simmer over low heat until slightly thickened.
- BBQ Sauce: Simply warm your favorite BBQ sauce in a saucepan.
- Toss with Sauce (Optional): Once the wings are cooked, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the sauce over the wings and toss until they are evenly coated.
- Serve: Serve the crispy baked chicken wings immediately with your favorite dipping sauce and sides.
Tips and Variations:
- Crispier Skin: For extra crispy skin, you can broil the wings for the last few minutes of baking.
- Marinating: For more flavor, you can marinate the wings for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight before baking.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level.
- Dry Rub Variations: Experiment with different dry rub combinations, such as lemon pepper, Cajun, or Italian seasoning.
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Enjoy your crispy and flavorful Baked Chicken Wings!