Baked Chicken Wings Recipe

Baked chicken wings are the perfect balance of crispy skin and tender meat, and they make for a delicious, healthier alternative to deep-fried wings. This recipe is simple to prepare, yet delivers bold flavors that will have everyone reaching for more. Whether you’re hosting a game night, a party, or simply enjoying a weeknight dinner, baked chicken wings are a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to customize with your favorite seasonings and sauces.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken wings (fresh or thawed if frozen)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika (smoked paprika works great for extra flavor)
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional for some heat)
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional, for added brightness)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help make the wings crispy without drying them out.

2. Prepare the Wings:

If using frozen chicken wings, make sure they are completely thawed before cooking. Pat the wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this helps to get the skin crispy. Place the wings in a large bowl.

3. Season the Wings:

Drizzle the wings with olive oil and toss them to coat evenly. Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, chili powder, and dried thyme (if using). Toss the wings well until all the seasonings are evenly distributed. Optionally, squeeze in lemon juice for a fresh zing.

4. Arrange on a Baking Sheet:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the wings, helping them cook evenly and become crispy. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack. Make sure they aren’t overcrowded to ensure crispiness.

5. Bake the Wings:

Place the wings in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the wings are golden brown and crispy. Flip the wings halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking on both sides.

6. Check for Doneness:

The wings are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to ensure they’re fully cooked.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve the wings hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese dressing, or a tangy buffalo sauce.

Tips for the Perfect Baked Wings:

• Crispy Skin: For extra crispy wings, bake them on a wire rack rather than directly on the baking sheet. This helps the heat circulate and crisp up the skin.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure the wings are not overlapping. Overcrowding will steam the wings rather than crisp them.
• Seasoning Variations: Feel free to customize the seasoning! Add cayenne pepper for extra heat, lemon zest for a citrus twist, or herbs like rosemary or oregano for different flavors.