Baked Chicken Wings

Name: Baked Chicken Wings
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken wings; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; Your favorite wing sauce (e.g., buffalo, BBQ)

Are you ready to elevate your snacking game? These baked chicken wings are not only irresistibly crispy and flavorful, but they are also healthier than their fried counterparts. Perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy night in, this recipe will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Let’s dive into the details of creating these delectable wings that are sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken wings
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Your favorite wing sauce (e.g., buffalo, BBQ)

Servings and Cooking Time

This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 40 minutes.

Nutritional Value

Each serving (about 4 wings) contains approximately 300 calories, 20g of fat, 0g carbs, and 30g of protein. This nutritional information is based on one serving for one person.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels.
In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Arrange the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 30 minutes, turning halfway through for even crispiness.
Brush your favorite wing sauce over the wings and return to the oven.
Bake for an additional 10 minutes to set the sauce.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
Serve hot with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing.
Enjoy your delicious homemade baked chicken wings!

Alternative Ingredients

If you want to switch things up, consider using different spices like cayenne pepper for heat or Parmesan cheese for a savory twist. You can also use turkey wings as a leaner alternative.

Serving and Pairings

Baked chicken wings pair beautifully with fresh vegetable sticks, creamy dips like ranch or blue cheese, and crispy fries or a light salad for a balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Wings can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

Cooking Mistakes

Not drying the wings properly, which prevents crispiness.
Overcrowding the baking sheet can lead to steaming instead of baking.
Skipping the oil can result in dry wings.
Baking at too low a temperature won’t achieve the desired crispiness.
Forgetting to flip the wings halfway through cooking.

Helpful Tips

Use aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Experiment with different sauces for varied flavors.
Let the wings rest before serving to enhance flavor.
For extra crunch, broil the wings for a few minutes at the end.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken wings?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they crisp up nicely.

How do I make wings spicier?

To increase the heat, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the seasoning mix or choose a hotter wing sauce for coating after baking.

What’s the best way to ensure wings are crispy?

Ensure the wings are well-dried and spaced out on the baking sheet. A high cooking temperature and turning them halfway through baking will also help achieve crispiness.

Can I grill these wings instead of baking?

Absolutely! These wings can be grilled over medium heat for a delicious smoky flavor. Just watch them closely to prevent burning.

What dipping sauces go well with baked chicken wings?

Popular dipping sauces include ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, and various hot sauces. You can also serve them with a tangy apple cider vinegar sauce for a twist.

Conclusion

Baked chicken wings are a fantastic option for any gathering or a cozy night at home. They’re easy to prepare, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. With this recipe, you’ll enjoy perfectly crispy and flavorful wings that can be paired with various sides and sauces. Try them out, and watch them disappear!