These baked chicken wings are crispy on the outside, tender 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), separated into drumettes and flats
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free, for crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for heat)
- Optional: Cooking spray or olive oil (for coating)
For Sauce (Optional – Choose one):
- Buffalo Sauce: 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot), 1/4 cup melted butter, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- BBQ Sauce: 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
- Honey Garlic Sauce: 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- Lemon Pepper Sauce: 1/4 cup melted butter, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 1 tablespoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Prepare the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This helps them get crispy.
- Season the Wings: In a large bowl, combine baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add the chicken wings and toss to coat evenly.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. If desired, lightly coat the wings with cooking spray or olive oil for extra crispiness. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the wings are golden brown and crispy. Flip the wings halfway through baking.
- Prepare the Sauce (Optional): While the wings are baking, prepare your chosen sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. If using a pre-made sauce like BBQ, simply warm it up.
- 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 to coat evenly.
- Serve: Serve the crispy baked chicken wings immediately.
Tips and Variations:
- Baking Powder: Use aluminum-free baking powder for the best results.
- Crispiness: Patting the wings dry and using baking powder are crucial for crispy wings.
- Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature for even cooking.
- Sauce Variations: Experiment with different sauces and flavor combinations.
- Garnish: Garnish the wings with chopped parsley, green onions, or sesame seeds before serving.
- Air Fryer: You can also cook these wings in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Enjoy your crispy and delicious Baked Chicken Wings!