If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing snack or a tasty main dish that’s irresistibly crispy yet tender, this Oven-Baked Chicken Wings Recipe is exactly what you need. These wings bring together a perfect harmony of smoky spices, a touch of sweetness from brown sugar, and just the right kick of chili and red pepper flakes for those who like a little heat. Baking instead of frying makes them not only healthier but also incredibly simple to prepare, all while achieving that crave-worthy crispiness we love. Whether for a game day treat or a casual dinner, these oven-baked chicken wings are bound to become your new favorite recipe to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of straightforward ingredients is all it takes to create this flavorful dish. Each component plays a vital role, from enhancing the aroma to building layers of flavor and ensuring the wings develop a beautiful golden color as they bake.
- 1 pound chicken wing portions: The star of the show, ideally separated into flats and drumettes for even cooking and easy eating.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the spices adhere and promotes that golden crisp texture when baking.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the spices perfectly and aids caramelization.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers a rich, savory undertone that makes every bite more fragrant.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory profile with its mild, slightly sweet flavor.
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard: Brings a mild tangy kick to complement the sweeter elements.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Contributes a warm earthiness and a gorgeous reddish hue.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Seasoning is key to unlocking and intensifying all other flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder: Provides depth and a gentle smoky spice without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Perfect for those who crave an extra layer of heat and texture.
How to Make Oven-Baked Chicken Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Wings
Begin by patting your chicken wing portions dry with paper towels. This step might seem small, but removing excess moisture is essential to achieve crispy skin during baking. Next, place the wings in a large bowl to get ready for the magic of seasoning.
Step 2: Mix the Spice Blend
In a separate small bowl, combine brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, paprika, salt, chili powder, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Stir until well mixed. This blend creates the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes that make this Oven-Baked Chicken Wings Recipe unforgettable.
Step 3: Coat the Wings
Drizzle the olive oil over the wings, tossing them gently to ensure all pieces are lightly coated. Then sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the wings and toss again until every wing is covered with the seasoning. This even coating will bake into a flavorful crust that you’ll adore.
Step 4: Arrange and Bake
Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and place a wire rack on top, if available, to allow airflow under the wings for extra crispiness. Lay the wings out in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch to promote even cooking. Bake them for about 35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp on the outside.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once baked, give your wings a few minutes to rest before serving. This allows juices to redistribute and the crust to set, resulting in wings that are juicy and flavorful with every bite.
How to Serve Oven-Baked Chicken Wings Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions add a pop of color and freshness to the wings. A squeeze of lemon or lime juice right before serving can also brighten the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
To turn these wings into a satisfying meal, serve them alongside crunchy celery sticks and cool ranch or blue cheese dip. For a heartier option, roasted potatoes or a crisp coleslaw make excellent companions that complement the wings’ savory profile.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not serve your Oven-Baked Chicken Wings Recipe on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small bowls of various dipping sauces like honey mustard, garlic aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo? This creates an inviting and interactive experience perfect for parties or casual dining at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them airtight helps maintain the moisture inside the meat while preventing the crispy exterior from becoming soggy quickly.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken wings by placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separated by parchment paper if stacking. They will keep well for up to 3 months and remain delicious when cooked properly.
Reheating
To reheat and recapture that crispy texture, place the wings on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the skin rubbery and soft, losing that coveted crunch.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken wings instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh wings will work perfectly and often have a slightly better texture. Just ensure they are patted dry before seasoning for that optimal crispy finish.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The recipe as given is naturally gluten-free, since none of the spices or ingredients contain gluten. Always double-check your spice brands to be certain.
How spicy is the recipe with red pepper flakes?
The amount of red pepper flakes adds a mild to moderate heat depending on your tolerance. You can always adjust the quantity or omit them altogether if you prefer a milder wing.
Can I bake the wings at a lower temperature?
Baking at a lower temperature will work but will require longer cooking time and might not yield that crisp skin you’re after. Sticking to 400°F for about 35 minutes hits the perfect balance.
What can I do if I don’t have a wire rack to bake the wings on?
You can bake the wings directly on parchment-lined baking sheets, but be sure to flip them halfway so they cook evenly and crisp up on all sides.
Final Thoughts
This Oven-Baked Chicken Wings Recipe is such a gem for its simplicity, flavor, and satisfying crunch. It’s the perfect blend of spices and texture that’s easy to pull together any night of the week or for your next get-together. I really hope you give this recipe a try — it’s a reliable crowd-pleaser that might just become your signature snack. Enjoy every crispy, juicy bite!
Print
Oven-Baked Chicken Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This recipe for Oven-Baked Chicken Wings delivers crispy, flavorful wings without the need for frying. Coated in a blend of spices including brown sugar, garlic, and paprika, these wings bake to perfection in the oven, making them a healthier and easy-to-make alternative to traditional fried wings.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 1 pound chicken wing portions
Seasoning Mix
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is hot enough for crispy wings.
- Prepare Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve crispiness.
- Season Wings: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, paprika, salt, chili powder, and optional red pepper flakes. Toss the chicken wings thoroughly in this seasoning mixture until evenly coated.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup. Ensure they are spaced out to allow air circulation for crisping.
- Bake: Bake the wings in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through cooking to evenly crisp both sides.
- Check for Doneness: Ensure the internal temperature of the wings reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let wings rest for a few minutes before serving hot. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces or as they are.
Notes
- Patting the wings dry before seasoning is crucial for crispy skin.
- You can customize the spice mix by adding or reducing chili flakes depending on your heat preference.
- Use a wire rack on top of the baking sheet for even crispier wings by allowing air to circulate underneath.
- Check wings closely during the last 5 minutes to avoid burning the seasoning.
- Leftover wings can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispness.
