These spicy baked chicken wings are tender and juicy on the inside, with a crispy exterior that’s bursting with flavor. Coated in a savory spice rub, they are baked to perfection for a healthier alternative to fried wings. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a family meal, appetizer, or party snack. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauces for the ultimate crispy chicken wings experience!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chicken Wings

• 2 lb. (900g) split chicken wings

• 1/2 cup oil

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1 1/2 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon oregano

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• 1 teaspoon instant chicken stock (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Spice Mix: In a small bowl or shallow plate, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, and instant chicken stock.

2. Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, drizzle oil over the chicken wings and sprinkle the spice mixture on top. Mix well to ensure the wings are evenly coated. Allow the wings to rest for 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for more flavor.

3. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450ºF (230ºC) and set the rack to the middle position.

4. Bake the Wings: Arrange the chicken wings in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet (you can line the sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup). Lower the oven temperature to 340ºF (170ºC) and bake the wings for 50-60 minutes. Flip the wings halfway through for even crispiness.

5. Finish and Serve: Once baked, remove the wings from the oven and place them on a cooling rack for 5 minutes to help retain their crispiness. Optionally, garnish with lemon slices and cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrients (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 309 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 49g

• Protein: 7g

• Fat: 9g

• Saturated Fat: 5g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 2g

• Trans Fat: 1g

• Cholesterol: 57mg

• Sodium: 152mg

• Potassium: 81mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 16g

• Vitamin A: 289 IU

• Vitamin C: 1mg

• Calcium: 32mg

• Iron: 1mg

The Secret to Crispy Baked Chicken Wings

Achieving the perfect crispiness without frying can be tricky, but this recipe ensures that the baked chicken wings come out golden, crunchy, and perfectly cooked. The key to achieving that crisp, golden skin lies in the use of oil and the correct baking technique.

The oil helps the wings to crisp up in the oven, while the spice rub infuses the meat with flavor, so every bite is packed with heat and depth. By using high heat at the beginning of the baking process, the skin starts to brown and crisp quickly. Lowering the temperature midway through ensures that the chicken cooks all the way through without burning the exterior. This method of baking produces wings that are crispy on the outside, but tender and juicy on the inside.

Another helpful tip is to arrange the chicken wings in a single layer on the baking sheet. This ensures that each wing gets adequate air circulation, allowing the skin to crisp evenly. For an even better result, placing the wings on a cooling rack after baking helps to retain their crispiness, as it allows the air to circulate around the wings, preventing them from becoming soggy.

Spice Mix: A Flavor Explosion

The spice mix used in this recipe is what gives the wings their signature flavor. It combines a blend of savory, smoky, and spicy ingredients that add layers of flavor to every bite. The garlic powder and onion powder provide a deep, savory base, while the paprika adds a subtle smokiness. For those who like heat, the cayenne pepper delivers a punch of spice, and the cumin adds an earthy depth. Oregano rounds out the flavor with a hint of herbaceousness, and the black pepper gives the rub a slight sharpness.

The addition of instant chicken stock is optional but highly recommended. It adds another layer of umami, enhancing the overall richness of the wings and making them extra savory. This spice rub is not only great for chicken wings, but it can also be used on chicken drumsticks, breasts, or even vegetables to add a flavorful kick.

Marinating for Maximum Flavor

While you can bake the wings immediately after coating them with the spice rub, allowing them to marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour (or even overnight in the refrigerator) will enhance the flavor. The spices will have more time to penetrate the meat, making the wings even more flavorful. Marinating also helps the oil and spices adhere better to the chicken, ensuring that every bite is evenly coated in flavor.

If you’re short on time, don’t worry—these wings can still be delicious with a quick marinade. However, if you have the time to let them sit, the flavor will be even richer. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.

Baking the Wings: Perfect Timing

The baking time for these wings is crucial in achieving the perfect balance of tenderness and crispiness. The wings are baked at 450°F (230°C) for the first part of the cooking process, which helps to get the skin nice and crisp. After the first 10-15 minutes, the oven temperature is lowered to 340°F (170°C) to ensure the wings cook through without burning the outer layer. This method allows the juicy interior to stay tender and moist while the exterior becomes crispy and golden.

Be sure to flip the wings halfway through the cooking process. This helps to ensure that both sides of the wings cook evenly and become perfectly crispy. If you skip this step, the wings may end up unevenly cooked or lose some of their crispiness.

Serving Suggestions: Dips and Sides

While these spicy baked chicken wings are delicious on their own, they pair beautifully with a variety of dipping sauces and sides. A classic blue cheese dip or ranch dressing can provide a creamy contrast to the heat of the cayenne pepper. If you prefer something a little tangier, a spicy honey mustard sauce or buffalo sauce can also complement the flavors of the wings.

For a well-rounded meal, consider serving the wings with a side of fries, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables. The crunchy nature of the fries or coleslaw will complement the crispy wings, and the refreshing flavors of the vegetables will provide a nice contrast to the richness of the chicken.

Nutritional Information

These spicy baked chicken wings are a healthier alternative to deep-fried wings, providing a satisfying and flavorful dish without the added fat and calories. At just 309 kcal per serving, these wings are a low-calorie option that’s packed with protein (7g per serving). The wings are relatively low in carbohydrates (49g per serving), making them a great choice for anyone following a low-carb or keto diet.

With healthy fats from the oil and a good dose of fiber (1g per serving), these wings offer a balanced meal that’s satisfying and guilt-free. Additionally, the sodium content (152mg per serving) is moderate, but you can adjust the salt and stock to lower the sodium if you prefer. For those concerned with saturated fat, these wings contain 5g per serving, which is typical for chicken wings, especially with the added oil.

Conclusion: A Healthier Take on a Classic

Spicy baked chicken wings are a delicious, healthier alternative to fried wings without sacrificing any of the flavor. By using a combination of spice rubs and baking techniques, you can create crispy, flavorful wings that are just as satisfying as their fried counterparts. Whether you’re enjoying them as an appetizer, part of a family meal, or as a snack for a party, these wings are sure to be a hit. With their crispy exterior, tender interior, and delicious spice mix, these baked chicken wings offer a perfect blend of heat, flavor, and crunch. Try them today for a fun and tasty addition to your recipe repertoire!