Amazing Baked Chicken Wings Recipe

Flavorful, Crispy Goodness

Hola! Growing up in the warmth of Orlando, I spent countless days in the kitchen, drawing inspiration from the vibrant flavors of Mexico. My happiest moments were by my mama’s side, learning how to bring spice to life while pressing tortillas and dreaming up kitchen creations. Those rich memories taught me that food is about love, stories, and laughter shared between bites. Now, I take those experiences and pour them into my baking, creating recipes like these baked chicken wings. Perfectly seasoned, delightfully crispy, and irresistibly good, these wings are a celebration of food and family, bringing a taste of home to your table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 2-4
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Best Season: Year-round

Top Reasons to Make It

Crispy, Not Fried: These baked chicken wings deliver a crispy texture without the guilt of frying, making them a healthier choice for gatherings or game days.
Flavor Packed: With a delicious blend of spices, these wings are full of flavor that dances on your palate, making every bite unforgettable.
Quick & Easy: This simple recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or quick entertaining, requiring minimal prep for maximum taste.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the spices or dipping sauces to match your personal tastes, creating your own unique twist on this classic dish.
Perfect for Sharing: These wings are a crowd-pleaser, great for any occasion, and perfect for enjoying with your loved ones.

Ingredients List

3 tablespoons unsalted butter (⅜ stick)
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons ground paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
10-12 chicken wingettes (thawed if frozen)

Ingredient Tips

Unsalted Butter: Use unsalted butter to have control over the saltiness of the dish, which helps in perfect seasoning.
All-Purpose Flour: For a gluten-free version, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend to achieve similar crispiness.
Paprika: Opt for smoked paprika for a deeper, richer flavor that adds a delightful smokiness to your wings.
Chicken Wingettes: Feel free to use drumettes if you prefer, or a mix of both wing types for variety.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Take a moment to get that heat going so the wings bake to perfection.
Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Dot the foil with the unsalted butter, spreading it evenly; no need to melt it ahead of time, although you can if you wish.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper.
Coat both sides of each chicken wing with the flour mixture, ensuring a thorough cover for that signature crispy crust. Place the wings on the baking sheet, spaced apart, with butter pieces evenly dotted among them.
Bake the wings in your preheated oven for 30 minutes, letting that delicious aroma fill your kitchen.
Carefully flip the wings over and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until they are crispy and fully cooked through.
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Pro Secrets for Success

Marinate for Flavor: If time allows, marinate the wings in the spice mix for an hour or overnight to enhance the flavor even more.
Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Crispier Wings: To achieve extra crispy wings, broil them for the last 2-3 minutes but keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Airflow: Leave enough space between wings on the baking sheet for hot air to circulate, ensuring a crispy texture.

Tasty Variations

Buffalo Style: Toss the baked wings in your favorite buffalo sauce post-baking for a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with blue cheese dressing.
Honey Garlic: Drizzle honey and add garlic to your coating for a sweet and savory experience that will convert any wing lover.
BBQ Delight: After baking, slather them in barbecue sauce and return to the oven for a few minutes for a caramelized finish.
Lemon Pepper: Mix lemon zest and cracked black pepper with the flour for a refreshing twist that brightens up the classic wing.

Perfect Pairings

Serve these amazing baked chicken wings with cool ranch or blue cheese dressing, crispy celery sticks, or sweet potato fries. For drinks, consider pairing them with a chilled lemonade or a crisp, refreshing iced tea. For dessert, a light fruit sorbet can help cleanse the palate beautifully after indulging in the savory wings.

Make Ahead & Freezer Tips

To prepare ahead, season and coat the wings a day in advance and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just preheat your oven and follow the instructions. For freezing, place uncooked wings in an airtight container after coating them. They can be frozen for up to 3 months; cook from frozen, adding extra baking time.

Serving Ideas

For a rustic presentation, serve your wings on a wooden platter lined with parchment paper, sprinkling fresh herbs for garnish. Pair them with colorful veggie sticks and dips arranged on the side, making for an inviting spread that draws everyone to the table.

Kitchen Wisdom

Keep It Dry: Pat wings dry with paper towels before coating to ensure extra crispness when baked.
Spice Grater: Grate fresh spices using a microplane for an intensified flavor.
Wing Size Matters: For even cooking, try to select evenly sized wings and drumettes.
Clean-Up Simplified: Use aluminum foil on your baking sheet for an easy cleanup after a flavorful wing fest.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to maintain their crispiness. For microwave reheating, use low power to avoid rubbery texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes! If using frozen wings, ensure they are fully thawed before seasoning and baking for best results.
What dipping sauces go well with these wings?
Anything from classic ranch and blue cheese to spicy sriracha or zesty honey mustard works beautifully with these wings.
Can I bake the wings in advance?
Certainly! Baked wings can be reheated to enjoy at a later time, making them great for meal prep or late-night snacks.
Do I need to flip the wings while baking?
Flipping wings halfway through baking helps them crisp evenly on both sides, enhancing texture.
Are baked wings healthy?
Compared to fried wings, baked wings are lighter and a healthier alternative, especially when using controlled ingredients.
How long can I store leftovers?
Cooked wings can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; be sure to store them properly in an airtight container.
What’s the best way to reheat wings?
Reheat wings in the oven for a crisp finish, and avoid the microwave if you want to keep them crispy.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 3 wings
Calories: 290
Protein: 19g
Carbs: 17g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 0g
Disclaimer: “Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary. Consult a nutritionist for precise info.”

A Warm Reflection

Every bite of these baked chicken wings transports me back to my childhood, where flavor, family, and fun intertwined in the kitchen. It’s my joy to share this simple yet delightful recipe with you, hoping it brings as much warmth and joy to your gatherings as it has to mine. Embrace the flavors, gather your loved ones, and create unforgettable memories with each delicious wing you savor.

From My Kitchen to Yours

I invite you to try these amazing baked chicken wings and make them your own. Pin this recipe for later, and when you do, please share your version with me! There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing families come together over good food — let’s celebrate those vibrant homemade flavors.