These Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings are the perfect combination of crispy, golden-brown, and juicy! Oven-baked to perfection, they are tossed in a homemade garlic parmesan sauce that enhances their flavor. This recipe is a simple and healthier alternative to deep-fried wings, making it an ideal choice for game day or casual gatherings.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the chicken wings:

• 2 pounds chicken wings, cut into wingettes and drumettes (discard the wing tips)

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon aluminum-free baking powder

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

For the garlic parmesan sauce:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 3 tablespoons finely grated parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)

• 2 tablespoons finely chopped Italian parsley (plus more for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.

2. Season the wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove moisture. In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, baking powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper.

3. Bake the wings: Arrange the wings on the prepared sheet pan, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 35 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through for even cooking.

4. Prepare the sauce: While the wings bake, make the garlic parmesan sauce by mixing melted butter, grated parmesan, minced garlic, and chopped parsley in a bowl. Set aside.

5. Coat the wings with the sauce: Once the wings are baked, transfer them to a large bowl. Drizzle the garlic parmesan sauce over the wings and toss until evenly coated.

6. Finish in the oven: Return the sauced wings to the sheet pan and bake for an additional 5 minutes to set the sauce and finish cooking the wings. Garnish with extra parmesan and parsley before serving.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 327 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 2g

• Protein: 16g

• Fat: 28g

• Saturated Fat: 10g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 12g

• Trans Fat: 0.5g

• Cholesterol: 85mg

• Sodium: 711mg

• Potassium: 162mg

• Fiber: 0.3g

• Sugar: 0.1g

• Vitamin A: 656 IU

• Vitamin C: 3mg

• Calcium: 187mg

• Iron: 1mg

Why Choose Baked Over Fried Wings?

Deep-fried chicken wings are often crispy and flavorful, but they can be greasy and packed with excess calories. By baking the wings in the oven, you achieve a crispy texture on the outside without the need for frying, making them a healthier option. The baking powder used in the seasoning mix helps the wings crisp up as they bake, mimicking the crunch you’d get from frying. Additionally, using olive oil to toss the wings adds healthy fats, offering a flavorful and less greasy alternative to the traditional frying method. With this simple change, you can enjoy a lighter version of chicken wings without sacrificing taste or texture.

Crispy Perfection: The Role of Baking Powder

The secret to the crispy texture of these Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings lies in the use of baking powder. When combined with olive oil and seasoning, baking powder helps to dry out the skin of the wings, promoting a crispier finish once they’re baked in the oven. Unlike regular flour, which can create a heavy, doughy texture when baked, baking powder allows for a light and airy crispness. This ensures that the wings achieve the perfect golden-brown exterior, while the inside remains juicy and tender. It’s an essential trick to getting that deep-fried crispness without the need for a fryer.

Flavorful Garlic Parmesan Sauce

What sets these wings apart from others is the rich, savory garlic parmesan sauce. Made from simple ingredients like melted butter, minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, and chopped Italian parsley, this sauce packs a flavorful punch that elevates the wings to the next level. The butter adds richness, while the parmesan cheese contributes a salty, umami flavor that complements the garlic’s aromatic intensity. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness, balancing out the richness of the sauce. Tossing the wings in this sauce after baking ensures that each piece is coated with a delicious layer of flavor.

Preparing the Wings: Drying is Key

One of the most important steps in this recipe is ensuring the wings are properly dried before seasoning. By patting the wings dry with paper towels, you remove any excess moisture from the surface, allowing the seasoning and baking powder to adhere better to the skin. Moisture on the wings can prevent the skin from becoming crispy during baking, so drying them thoroughly ensures that the coating has the best chance of crisping up in the oven. This simple step makes a big difference in achieving the ideal texture for baked wings.

Baking the Wings: How to Achieve Crispy Results

Once the wings are seasoned and arranged on the sheet pan, they’re baked in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Baking at this temperature ensures that the wings cook evenly and get crispy without drying out. It’s important to flip the wings halfway through the cooking process to ensure that both sides get that golden, crispy texture. The wings bake for about 35 minutes, which is just enough time to get the skin crispy and the meat cooked through. Afterward, the wings are tossed in the homemade garlic parmesan sauce and returned to the oven for an additional 5 minutes. This step ensures that the sauce sets on the wings, adding a burst of flavor while maintaining their crispy texture.

Garnishing and Serving

After the final 5 minutes of baking, the wings are ready to be garnished with more grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. These garnishes not only enhance the visual appeal of the wings but also add an extra layer of flavor and freshness. The parmesan cheese melts slightly over the warm wings, creating an extra layer of richness, while the parsley adds a touch of color and a slight herbal note. These wings can be served as an appetizer or paired with a variety of side dishes, such as a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or even potato wedges, for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information of Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

These wings are not only a delicious treat, but they also offer a balanced nutritional profile. Each serving contains around 327 calories, with 16 grams of protein, making them a good source of lean protein to support muscle health. The fat content, totaling 28 grams per serving, includes healthy fats from olive oil and butter, with a significant amount coming from monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. The wings are also low in carbohydrates, with only 2 grams per serving, making them a great option for those following a low-carb diet. With a small amount of saturated fat from the butter and cheese, the overall nutritional profile is well-rounded, offering a satisfying yet relatively healthy option for wing lovers.

Why These Wings are a Crowd-Pleaser

Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings have all the qualities that make them a crowd-pleaser. They are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a rich, savory garlic parmesan sauce that’s full of flavor. Whether served at a party, during a casual family dinner, or for game day, these wings are sure to be a hit. They provide all the flavor of traditional fried wings but with fewer calories and less fat, making them a healthier option for those looking to indulge without going overboard. The recipe is simple, requires minimal prep work, and is easy to scale up for large groups, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings offer a delicious and healthier alternative to deep-fried wings without sacrificing flavor or texture. The combination of crispy skin, tender meat, and rich garlic parmesan sauce makes these wings irresistible. With simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, they are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. By baking the wings, you can enjoy all the crispy goodness of fried wings in a much lighter, more nutritious version. So, next time you’re craving wings, give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!