Chicken

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken wings; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp paprika; 2 tbsp baking powder; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; ½ tsp red pepper flakes; Salt and pepper, to taste

September 2, 2025

Servings: 4 Total Time: 1 hr Difficulty: Beginner

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Introduction

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings are the ultimate combination of rich, savory flavors and crispy, tender textures. Unlike classic buffalo wings that pack a spicy punch, these wings shine with the boldness of roasted garlic, the nutty sharpness of Parmesan, and a buttery coating that makes them irresistible. They’re perfect for game days, parties, or even a cozy dinner when you crave comfort food with a gourmet twist.

These wings are baked (or air-fried) to crispy perfection and then tossed in a garlicky butter sauce loaded with fresh Parmesan cheese and herbs. Each bite delivers crunch, juiciness, and cheesy goodness that keeps you coming back for more.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms simple chicken wings into something indulgent and memorable. The garlic butter sauce alone is enough to make me crave these wings, but when you add in freshly grated Parmesan, they reach an entirely new level of flavor.

Another reason I adore these wings is that they’re baked instead of fried, making them easier, cleaner, and just a little lighter without sacrificing crispiness. They’re also incredibly versatile—you can serve them as a party appetizer, main course, or even a side dish with pasta or salad. And every time I make them, I get asked for the recipe!

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try dish because it:

Balances crispy texture with cheesy-garlic flavor like no other.
Is healthier than fried wings but still tastes decadent.
Works beautifully for any occasion—from casual snacking to entertaining guests.
Can be customized easily with herbs, spices, or sauces.

Simply put, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings are a foolproof crowd-pleaser that delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4–6 servings (about 20 wings)
Calories: ~300 calories per serving (varies with portion size and sauce amount)

Cuisine and Course

Cuisine: American (with Italian-inspired flavors)
Course: Appetizer, Snack, or Main Dish

Ingredients

For the Wings:

2 lbs chicken wings (split into flats and drumettes)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika (optional, for color)
2 tbsp baking powder (for crispiness)

For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced (or roasted for deeper flavor)
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Simple Cooking Directions

Prep and season chicken wings.
Bake until golden and crispy.
Make garlic butter sauce with Parmesan.
Toss crispy wings in the sauce.
Serve hot with extra Parmesan and parsley.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Prepare the Wings:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels (important for crispiness).
- In a large bowl, toss wings with olive oil, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Bake the Wings:
- Place wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet (this helps them cook evenly).
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (1–2 minutes).
- Stir in Parmesan, parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
Toss and Serve:
- Place baked wings in a large bowl. Pour garlic Parmesan sauce over them and toss to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle extra Parmesan and parsley on top before serving.

How to Serve

Serve hot as a party appetizer with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dip.
Pair with garlic bread and salad for a complete meal.
Great alongside pasta dishes for an Italian-style dinner.

Additional Recipe Tips

Dry the wings well: Moisture prevents crispiness.
Don’t skip baking powder: It helps create a crunchy skin.
Use fresh Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well.
For extra crispiness: Broil wings for 2–3 minutes after baking.

Variations

Spicy Garlic Parmesan: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the butter sauce.
Lemon Garlic Parmesan: Add 1 tbsp lemon juice and zest for brightness.
Herb-Loaded: Mix in basil, oregano, or rosemary for more Italian flair.
Air Fryer Method: Cook wings at 375°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes or air fry for 5–7 minutes.
Freezing: Freeze baked (unsauced) wings for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen and toss in fresh sauce before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

Baking sheet with wire rack (for even cooking)
Large mixing bowls
Skillet or saucepan (for garlic butter sauce)
Tongs (for tossing wings)

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings are the perfect mix of crispy, cheesy, and garlicky goodness. They’re simple to make, bursting with flavor, and versatile enough for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a party, watching the big game, or just treating yourself. With their golden crunch and irresistible sauce, these wings will easily become a family favorite you’ll come back to again and again.

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