If you’re a fan of wings, you know they can be a game-changer when it comes to flavor. These Garlic Parmesan Wings offer a rich, savory taste with the perfect balance of garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese. Whether you’re serving them at a party, a family dinner, or just satisfying your own cravings, these wings will steal the show. The crispy texture on the outside combined with the luscious, garlicky Parmesan sauce creates a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to beat.

What sets these wings apart is the unique blend of spices and seasonings that infuse the chicken with flavor before they even reach the sauce. The baking powder helps to achieve an extra-crispy skin, giving the wings that satisfying crunch that everyone loves. Meanwhile, the garlic Parmesan sauce brings it all together with rich, buttery goodness, enhanced by the sharpness of Parmesan and the subtle kick from hot sauce. Whether you’re preparing them in the oven or an air fryer, these wings come out perfectly crispy and full of flavor every time. Best of all, they’re simple to make, requiring only a few ingredients for both the wings and the sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Crispy Wings Without Frying

Thanks to the baking powder, these wings become crispy in the oven without the need for deep frying, making them a healthier yet equally delicious option.

2. Rich, Savory Sauce

The garlic Parmesan sauce is a decadent mix of butter, Parmesan cheese, and garlic, creating a bold, comforting flavor that coats each wing perfectly.

3. Easy to Prepare

With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, these wings come together quickly, making them an easy choice for a weeknight dinner or last-minute entertaining.

4. Perfect Balance of Flavors

The mix of garlic powder, black pepper, seasoned salt, and a dash of hot sauce creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile that isn’t too overpowering but still packed with depth.

5. Versatile

These wings are great on their own or can be served as part of a larger meal. They’re excellent with sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even a simple salad.

Ingredients

For the Wings:

Chicken wings (flat and drum pieces)
Baking powder
Seasoned salt
Black pepper

For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

Butter (melted and room temperature)
Parmesan cheese (grated)
Fresh parsley (chopped)
Garlic powder
Black pepper
Seasoned salt
Hot sauce

Variations

Lemon Garlic Parmesan Wings: Add a tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the sauce for a bright, citrusy twist.
Spicy Garlic Parmesan Wings: Increase the amount of hot sauce or add red pepper flakes to the sauce to give the wings extra heat.
Honey Garlic Parmesan Wings: For a touch of sweetness, mix in a tablespoon of honey with the garlic Parmesan sauce.
Smoked Garlic Parmesan Wings: Add a few drops of liquid smoke to the sauce to give the wings a subtle smoky flavor.
Parmesan and Herb Wings: Add extra herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary to the sauce for a more complex flavor profile.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack to allow the wings to cook evenly and become crispy.

Step 2: Prepare the Wings

Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step ensures the wings crisp up nicely in the oven.

Step 3: Season the Wings

In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Make sure each wing is well-coated. The baking powder helps to make the skin extra crispy when baked.

Step 4: Bake the Wings

Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack. Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

While the wings are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, black pepper, seasoned salt, and hot sauce. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and the cheese is fully incorporated.

Step 6: Coat the Wings

Once the wings are baked and crispy, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the garlic Parmesan sauce over the wings and toss them gently to coat each wing evenly.

Step 7: Serve

Serve the wings immediately, garnished with extra parsley or Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces or sides.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Dry the Wings Well: For the crispiest wings, it’s crucial to pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels before seasoning. Moisture can make the skin soggy.
Use a Wire Rack: If you have one, place the wings on a wire rack over the baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the wings, helping them become even crispier.
Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: For optimal crispiness, make sure the wings are spaced out on the baking sheet. If they’re too crowded, they may steam rather than bake, affecting the texture.
Adjust the Sauce to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of hot sauce, garlic powder, or Parmesan based on your flavor preferences.
Make Extra Sauce: If you love extra sauce, double the garlic Parmesan sauce recipe so you can dip your wings and drizzle even more on top!

How to Serve

Garlic Parmesan Wings are perfect for a variety of occasions. Serve them as an appetizer or as the main course with sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad. You can also pair them with a tangy dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese. These wings also make a great addition to a game day spread or a casual gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes to restore some of the crispiness.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cooked and sauced wings. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Reheating

To reheat leftover wings, bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for 5-6 minutes to bring back the crispy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken wings?

Yes, you can use frozen wings. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for the best results.

2. Do I need to fry the wings for this recipe?

No, the wings are baked in the oven, which makes them a healthier and easier option than frying.

3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the garlic Parmesan sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it before tossing it with the wings.

4. Can I use pre-made Parmesan cheese?

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will give you the best flavor and texture, but you can use pre-grated Parmesan in a pinch.

5. What can I serve these wings with?

These wings are perfect with a side of fries, a fresh salad, or even as a topping for a pizza or pasta dish.

6. How do I make these wings spicier?

Increase the amount of hot sauce or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat.

7. Can I make these wings in an air fryer?

Yes, you can air fry the wings at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for crispy results.

8. Can I use other types of cheese for the sauce?

While Parmesan is traditional, you can experiment with other hard cheeses like Romano or Asiago for a different flavor.

9. Can I use drumsticks instead of wings?

Yes, you can use drumsticks, but you may need to adjust the cooking time as they will take longer to cook than wings.

10. Can I bake these wings at a lower temperature?

For a crispier result, it’s best to bake the wings at 425°F (220°C). Lower temperatures may result in less crispy skin.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Wings offer the perfect balance of crispy, savory, and creamy flavors with every bite. The combination of the crunchy oven-baked chicken and the rich garlic Parmesan sauce makes these wings a crowd-pleasing option for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer, a weeknight dinner, or a game day snack, these wings are sure to impress. With easy-to-follow instructions and ingredients that are likely already in your pantry, you can enjoy restaurant-quality wings right at home.