These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Tossed in a buttery garlic sauce and topped with cheese, they are a real crowd-pleaser!
Honestly, I could eat these wings every day! They’re perfect for game night or just a fun dinner. Plus, they smell amazing while they’re baking—who can resist that? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: Using fresh chicken wings gives the best taste, but frozen wings can also work. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could swap in skinless chicken breasts, though the texture will differ.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is ideal for this recipe. If you’re in a pinch, Pecorino Romano can be a great substitute as it adds a similar salty and tangy flavor. For a vegan version, try using a nutritional yeast blend designed to mimic cheese.
Garlic: Fresh garlic provides the best flavor, but garlic powder is a good standby. You could also use garlic salt—just reduce the amount of regular salt in the recipe if you choose this option for balance.
Seasonings: Italian seasoning is a mix of herbs like oregano and basil. If you don’t have it, you can blend dried oregano and basil on your own. Feel free to adjust the seasoning based on your taste preference—more herbs or a bit of red pepper flakes for heat can be fun!
How Do I Make My Chicken Wings Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy texture on chicken wings is all about preparation and cooking techniques. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a high oven temperature, like 425°F (220°C). This helps the wings to crisp up nicely.
- Make sure the wings are dry before tossing them in oil. Pat them with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Spread the wings in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can trap steam and lead to sogginess.
- Flipping the wings halfway through cooking allows for even browning on both sides.
- If you want extra crispiness, you can broil the wings for the last few minutes of cooking. Just watch them closely to avoid burning!
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For The Seasoning:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This yummy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need around 55-60 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick appetizer or a fun snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will ensure your wings cook perfectly and get that nice crispy texture. While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup later on.
2. Coat the Chicken Wings:
In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with the olive oil until they are evenly coated. This will help the seasoning stick and keep the wings nice and juicy.
3. Mix the Seasoning:
In a separate bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good mix to ensure all the flavors are well combined.
4. Season the Chicken Wings:
Now it’s time to add the cheese and spice mixture to the wings! Sprinkle it over the chicken wings and toss them well until they are fully coated in the cheesy goodness. Make sure every wing gets a tasty layer of flavor!
5. Bake the Wings:
Arrange the seasoned chicken wings in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Remember to flip them halfway through cooking to ensure they cook evenly.
6. Cool and Garnish:
Once they’re done baking, carefully take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. If you want an extra kick of flavor and a beautiful presentation, sprinkle some more Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley on top.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings are ready to be served! Enjoy them warm, paired with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping. Perfect for game day or just a cozy night in!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings, but they need to be thawed completely first! To thaw, place them in the refrigerator overnight or for a quicker option, seal them in a plastic bag and submerge in cold water for about 30 minutes. After thawing, pat dry with paper towels to ensure they crisp up nicely in the oven.
What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan cheese on hand, you can substitute it with Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a similar flavor. Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free alternative that will still give you a cheesy taste without the dairy. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly!
How to Store Leftover Chicken Wings?
Store any leftover chicken wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. You can also microwave them, but they may come out less crispy.
