If you are craving that perfect balance of crispy, flavorful, and juicy, then this Baked Chicken Wings Recipe will absolutely hit the spot. It transforms simple chicken wingettes into a golden, crunchy delight that feels indulgent but is incredibly easy to pull together. With a crispy coating thanks to a hint of flour mixed with paprika and garlic, and the buttery richness baked right in, these wings are a surefire way to bring a smile to any gathering or quiet night in. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s fantastic about this Baked Chicken Wings Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are—each one plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect flavor and texture. From the seasoned flour mix creating that crave-worthy crust to the butter that adds moisture and richness, every component is essential.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Adds wonderful richness and helps crisp the wings beautifully in the oven without extra oil.
- All-purpose flour (⅓ cup): The base of the coating that gives the wings their irresistible crunch.
- Ground paprika (2 tablespoons): Brings that warm, smoky vibrant color and a subtle depth of flavor.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Imparts savory, aromatic notes that elevate the wings with every bite.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning—to enhance all the other flavors naturally.
- Ground black pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds a mild kick and earthiness to the crust.
- Chicken wingettes (10-12 pieces): The star of the dish; make sure they are thawed if previously frozen for even cooking.
How to Make Baked Chicken Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Butter
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F—a high temperature crucial for getting that crispy skin. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, and evenly dot the surface with small bits of unsalted butter. There is no need to melt the butter ahead of time unless you want to, but placing cold butter chunks under the wings helps them cook in flavorful juices and crisp up beautifully.
Step 2: Mix the Coating
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, ground paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. This spiced flour mixture is the secret to creating a golden, flavorful crust that locks in juiciness. The balance of seasoning perfectly complements the chicken without overpowering it.
Step 3: Coat the Wings
Now it’s time to fully coat each chicken wingette, generously flipping them in the flour mixture to ensure every nook and cranny is covered. This not only adds texture but also seals in the moisture. Place the coated wings evenly on the butter-dotted baking sheet, distributing the butter pieces around so they can melt and crisp as they bake.
Step 4: Bake the Wings
Pop the tray in the oven and bake the wings for 30 minutes. This slow crisping phase allows the coating to set and start turning that irresistible golden brown. You’ll want to resist the urge to open the oven door often here to retain heat and ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Flip and Finish Baking
Carefully flip each wing over to expose the other side and continue baking for another 15 minutes. This final step ensures both sides develop that perfect crispy crust and the chicken is fully cooked through—resulting in wings that are crunchy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside.
Step 6: Serve!
Once baked to perfection, serve your wings hot alongside your favorite dipping sauce. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of color and freshness, but these wings truly shine all on their own.
How to Serve Baked Chicken Wings Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley or chopped green onions add a bright, herbaceous touch that contrasts beautifully with the crispy crust. You can also add a squeeze of lemon or a dusting of smoked paprika for a little extra zing and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Wings pair wonderfully with classic sides like crisp celery sticks, crunchy carrot sticks, or a creamy blue cheese or ranch dip. For something heartier, try a fresh green salad or crispy roasted potatoes to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not pop your wings into a rustic basket lined with parchment paper for a casual vibe? Or arrange them on a large platter with small bowls of various dipping sauces for a fun tasting experience. These approachable presentation ideas make wings a crowd-pleaser for game day, parties, or family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The wings remain flavorful but will lose some of their crispness, which can be revived with proper reheating.
Freezing
Baked chicken wings freeze very well. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months and are perfect for quick snacks or meals later on.
Reheating
The best way to reheat wings and keep them crispy is by baking them in a preheated 375°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, a brief session in an air fryer will bring back that crunchy texture you loved the first time around.
FAQs
Can I use this recipe for whole chicken wings?
Yes, you can absolutely use whole wings, but just be aware they may require a few extra minutes in the oven to cook completely through compared to wingettes.
Is it necessary to use butter in this recipe?
Butter adds a delicious richness and helps create a crisp crust without frying. You can try using oil, but butter blends so nicely with the spices for a special flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that works well for frying or baking to keep the same crispy effect.
What dipping sauces go best with these wings?
Buffalo sauce, ranch, blue cheese dressing, honey mustard, or even a garlic aioli all complement the paprika and garlic flavors beautifully.
How do I know when the wings are fully cooked?
The wings should be golden and crispy on the outside, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F. The meat should pull away easily from the bone and be juicy without any pinkness.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Baked Chicken Wings Recipe enough if you want a reliable, crowd-pleasing dish that doesn’t require frying or complicated prep. It’s packed with flavor, simple ingredients, and delivers that perfect crispy texture we all crave. Give it a try and watch how quickly these become your go-to wing recipe for snacks, dinners, or any occasion that calls for something delicious and satisfying.
Print
Baked Chicken Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy and flavorful baked chicken wings coated in a seasoned flour mixture and baked to perfection with butter for a deliciously golden finish. This easy oven-baked recipe yields crispy wings without frying, making it a healthier alternative for wing lovers.
Ingredients
Wings and Coating
- 10–12 chicken wingettes (tips removed; thawed if frozen)
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Butter
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (⅜ stick)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil to make cleanup easier. Dot the foil with pieces of unsalted butter; melting the butter ahead is optional but not necessary.
- Prepare Flour Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, thoroughly mix the all-purpose flour, ground paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. This mixture will coat the wings to create a flavorful crust.
- Coat Wings: Fully coat both sides of each chicken wingette in the flour and spice mixture. Make sure the wings are evenly coated for a crispy texture when baked. Arrange the coated wings spaced apart on the butter-dotted foil-lined baking sheet.
- Bake First Side: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the wings for 30 minutes. The butter will help them develop a golden, crispy crust.
- Flip and Bake Second Side: Using tongs, flip the wings over to ensure even cooking and crispiness on both sides. Continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until the wings are fully cooked and crispy.
- Serve: Remove the wings from the oven and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley and pair with your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor.
Notes
- Make sure wings are fully thawed if previously frozen for even cooking.
- Butter can be melted before dotting to coat more evenly if preferred.
- For extra crispiness, broil the wings for 2-3 minutes at the end but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Use parchment paper instead of foil if desired, but foil helps with butter pooling and cleanup.
- Adjust seasoning in flour mixture to taste, adding cayenne pepper for heat or onion powder for extra flavor.
