If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, crispy delight that’s easy to whip up and impossible to resist, this Oven-Baked Chicken Wings Recipe is exactly what you need. Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, these wings bring together a harmony of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors, making every bite incredibly satisfying. Whether it’s game day, a casual dinner, or just a craving for something delicious, these wings will quickly become your go-to snack or meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients is key to nailing the flavor and texture of this dish. Each element here is simple yet vital, adding depth and balance to the wings, from the subtle sweetness of brown sugar to the gentle heat of chili powder.
- Chicken wing portions (1 pound): The star of the dish, these pieces offer the perfect size for crispy, juicy bites.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps create a beautiful, golden-brown skin while keeping the wings moist inside.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Adds a sweet caramel note that perfectly balances the spices.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Brings a warm, savory flavor that complements the meat beautifully.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Enhances the overall taste with a subtle sharpness and depth.
- Ground mustard (½ teaspoon): Offers a mild tang and a slight kick to brighten the seasonings.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): Adds smoky undertones and a vibrant color to the wings.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for boosting all the flavors and balancing the sweetness.
- Chili powder (¼ teaspoon): Brings warmth and a gentle heat to the dish.
- Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): For those who love a little extra spice and boldness.
How to Make Oven-Baked Chicken Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Wings
Start by patting your chicken wing portions dry with paper towels; removing excess moisture helps ensure crispiness. Then, toss the wings with olive oil so the seasoning sticks evenly and the skin crisps up beautifully in the oven.
Step 2: Mix the Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, paprika, salt, chili powder, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. This spice blend creates a flavorful crust that’s perfectly balanced between sweet, savory, and a little heat.
Step 3: Coat the Wings
Sprinkle the seasoning blend over the oiled wings and toss well until each piece is generously coated. This ensures every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 4: Arrange for Baking
Place the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack for the crispiest results. Spreading the wings out gives them space to cook evenly instead of steaming.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the wings for about 35 minutes. Halfway through, flip them over to get an even golden crust all around. You’ll know they’re done when the skin is crispy, the edges are slightly caramelized, and the juices run clear.
How to Serve Oven-Baked Chicken Wings Recipe
Garnishes
Sometimes a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or green onions adds a burst of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich wings. A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime can also brighten up the flavors just before serving.
Side Dishes
Pairing these wings with crunchy celery sticks and creamy blue cheese or ranch dip is a classic combo that never fails. For something heartier, a crisp coleslaw or roasted potatoes complement the smoky and spicy notes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Oven-Baked Chicken Wings Recipe stacked on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces around the sides. You can also thread the wings onto skewers for a finger-friendly presentation that’s great for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows you to enjoy the flavors again without any loss in texture if properly reheated.
Freezing
If you want to make these wings in advance, freeze them after they’ve cooled completely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, making meal prep a breeze.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the wings back in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the skin crispy and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of oil instead of olive oil?
Absolutely! You can swap olive oil for vegetable or avocado oil depending on what you have on hand; just make sure it’s a neutral oil to keep the seasoning balanced.
How do I make the wings extra crispy?
Patting the wings dry before seasoning and baking on a wire rack allows hot air to circulate around each piece, which helps achieve maximum crispiness.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick to suit your spice tolerance.
Is it necessary to flip the wings halfway through cooking?
While you can skip flipping, turning the wings halfway helps both sides get equally crispy and beautiful golden color.
Can I prepare the seasoning mix ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the spices and store the seasoning blend in an airtight container for up to a month. This makes assembly super quick when you’re ready to bake.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something incredibly satisfying about a batch of perfectly seasoned, crispy, and tender wings fresh from the oven. This Oven-Baked Chicken Wings Recipe is a guaranteed winner, whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious harmony of flavors and textures that make wings so irresistible!
Print
Oven-Baked Chicken Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy and flavorful oven-baked chicken wings seasoned with a blend of spices and a touch of brown sugar for a perfect balance of sweet and savory, baked to golden perfection for a delicious appetizer or main dish.
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 the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure a hot environment for crispy skin.
- Prepare the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps them crisp up while baking.
- Mix the Seasoning: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, paprika, salt, chili powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to create a flavorful spice rub.
- Coat the Wings: Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss thoroughly to coat them evenly with the seasoning mixture.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the seasoned wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack to allow air circulation and even cooking.
- Bake the Wings: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crispiness on both sides.
- Serve: Remove the wings from the oven once they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, place the wings on a wire rack over the baking sheet to allow fat to drip away and heat to circulate evenly.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes amount to control the spice level or omit them for a milder flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure wings are fully cooked without drying out.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch or blue cheese dressing.
