Oven-Baked Chicken Wings

If you’re looking for a simple, healthier alternative to fried chicken wings, this oven-baked chicken wings recipe is exactly what you need. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and incredibly easy to prepare, these wings will become a favorite for family gatherings, parties, or just a casual dinner at home. Here’s how you can make perfect oven-baked chicken wings every time.

Ingredients:

• 12 chicken wings (fresh or thawed)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for heat

Instructions:

this recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven is key to achieving crispy chicken wings without deep-frying.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Wings

If your wings are whole, cut them into flats and drumettes. Pat them dry with paper towels—dry chicken is essential for getting that crispy texture. Once dry, place the wings in a large bowl.

Step 3: Season the Wings

Drizzle the chicken wings with olive oil, ensuring they are coated evenly. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Toss the wings until they are fully coated with the seasonings.

Step 4: Arrange on a Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the baking sheet. For the crispiest results, avoid overcrowding the wings, as this can lead to steaming instead of crisping.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken Wings

Bake the wings in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking. The wings should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, with an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the wings are perfectly crispy and cooked through, remove them from the oven. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or a tangy buffalo sauce.

Tips for Perfect Oven-Baked Chicken Wings:

1. Use a wire rack: If you want extra crispiness, place a wire rack over the baking sheet before arranging the wings. This allows the heat to circulate around the wings, ensuring they crisp up on all sides.
2. Don’t skip the drying step: Patting the wings dry removes excess moisture, which is essential for getting crispy skin in the oven.
3. Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to get creative with the seasoning mix. You can add a bit of lemon zest for freshness, or drizzle honey over the wings for a sweet and savory twist.
4. Use high heat: The high baking temperature of 425°F (220°C) helps render the fat and crisp up the skin.

Why Oven-Baked Chicken Wings Are a Healthier Option

Baking chicken wings instead of frying them reduces the overall calorie count and eliminates the added fats from deep frying. Plus, they still come out crispy and juicy, just as delicious as their fried counterparts!

Serving Suggestions:

Oven-baked chicken wings are versatile and can be served in many different ways:

• Serve with a side of crispy fries or coleslaw for a complete meal.
• Pair with fresh veggies and dip for a lighter, healthier option.
• Try adding a side of garlic bread or salad for a well-rounded meal.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Chicken Wings

If you have leftover wings, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until heated through and crispy again.

Final Thoughts:

This oven-baked chicken wings recipe is not only quick and easy but also delivers a healthier and equally delicious result compared to traditional fried wings. Perfect for casual dinners or special occasions, these crispy, juicy wings will satisfy everyone at the table. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this finger-licking good recipe!

Serving Tips for Oven-Baked Chicken Wings:

1. Dipping Sauces: Serve your crispy oven-baked chicken wings with a variety of dipping sauces. Popular options include:
   • Ranch dressing
   • Blue cheese dressing
   • Buffalo sauce
   • Honey mustard
   • BBQ sauce These sauces complement the wings’ flavors and add an extra layer of deliciousness.
2. Side Dishes: Pair the wings with side dishes to make the meal more complete:
   • French fries or sweet potato fries for a classic combo.
   • Coleslaw for a refreshing and creamy contrast.
   • Veggies such as celery, carrot sticks, or cucumber slices for a healthy side.
   • Garlic bread or soft rolls to soak up any extra sauce.
3. Garnishes: Top your wings with fresh herbs like chopped parsley, cilantro, or green onions for added color and flavor. A squeeze of fresh lemon or a drizzle of honey can add a tangy-sweet touch to balance the heat if you used spicy seasonings.
4. For a Party: Arrange the wings on a large platter with a variety of sauces on the side, allowing guests to dip and choose their favorites. You can even offer multiple flavor options, such as a BBQ glaze, garlic parmesan, or a spicy buffalo sauce, to cater to different tastes.

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Storage Tips for Oven-Baked Chicken Wings:

1. Refrigeration:
   • After serving, any leftover chicken wings should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to 3 days.
   • To preserve the flavor and texture, make sure the wings are cooled completely before storing.
2. Freezing:
   • If you want to store wings for a longer period, freeze them. Arrange the cooled wings in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the wings to a freezer-safe container or bag, and store them for up to 3 months.
   • To reheat frozen wings, bake them directly from the freezer at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
3. Reheating:
   • To maintain their crispy texture, reheat the wings in the oven instead of using the microwave. Place the wings on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until hot and crispy.
   • You can also reheat the wings in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to get them extra crispy.
4. Avoid Storing with Sauce: If you have leftover wings that have been coated in sauce, it’s better to store them separately from the sauce. Sauces can make the wings soggy when stored, so keep the sauce on the side and reapply it when reheating.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your oven-baked chicken wings fresh, crisp, and flavorful, whether you’re serving them right away or storing leftovers for later!

1. Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings! Simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking. If you’re in a rush, you can also bake them from frozen, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked and crispy.

2. How can I make my chicken wings extra crispy in the oven?
To get extra crispy wings, make sure to:

• Pat the wings dry with paper towels before seasoning.
• Use a wire rack on top of your baking sheet so the heat circulates around the wings for even crispiness.
• Bake at a high temperature (425°F or 220°C) to achieve a crispy exterior without overcooking the inside.

3. Can I make these wings spicy?
Absolutely! You can easily adjust the heat level by adding cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the seasoning mix. If you love extra spice, toss the cooked wings in a spicy buffalo or hot wing sauce for a fiery finish.

4. How do I store and reheat leftover chicken wings?
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until crispy and heated through. For the best results, avoid reheating in the microwave as it can make the wings soggy.

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