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Ready to elevate your snack game? Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings are crispy, savory, and absolutely delicious! In this guide, I will show you how to make these mouthwatering wings step-by-step. You’ll impress friends and family with your cooking skills. Whether you’re planning game day treats or a cozy dinner, these wings are sure to delight. Let’s dive in and create something irresistible!

Why I Love This Recipe
- Crispy Texture: The baking method combined with the wire rack ensures that every wing gets perfectly crispy all around.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic and Parmesan creates a rich, savory flavor that elevates the humble chicken wing to gourmet status.
- Customizable Heat: Adding red pepper flakes allows you to adjust the spiciness to your taste, making this recipe perfect for everyone.
- Easy Cleanup: Lining the baking sheet with aluminum foil means minimal mess, making this recipe as convenient as it is delicious.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
For this recipe, you need 2 lbs of chicken wings. Choose fresh or frozen wings. If using frozen, make sure they are fully thawed before cooking. Drying them well helps make the wings crispy.
Garlic and Parmesan
Next, we have 6 cloves of minced garlic and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Garlic gives a strong flavor, while Parmesan adds a nice salty taste. The mix of these two makes your wings irresistible.
Seasonings and Extras
You will also need 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter. This helps the flavors stick. Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. 1 teaspoon each of onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper will enhance the taste. Finally, use salt to your liking. If you want some heat, add red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount based on your spice level.
Together, these ingredients create a yummy flavor that coats each wing. Get ready to enjoy a tasty treat!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for good crispiness. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the sheet. The rack lets air flow around the wings, helping them cook evenly.
Mixing the Garlic Parmesan Coating
In a large bowl, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. Add 6 cloves of minced garlic to the bowl. Next, pour in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley for color. Then, mix in 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Season with salt to taste. If you want heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes.
Coating and Arranging the Chicken Wings
First, dry the chicken wings with paper towels. This helps them get crispy. Add the wings to the bowl with the garlic Parmesan mixture. Toss the wings well to coat them evenly. Once coated, place the wings on the wire rack in a single layer. Make sure they don’t touch each other.
Baking to Perfection
Now, bake the wings in the oven for 40-45 minutes. Halfway through, turn the wings for an even golden color. When they are done, the wings should look crispy and golden. Remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Before serving, add more grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a nice touch.
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Crispy Wings
To get crispy wings, start by drying them well. Pat each wing with paper towels. This step helps remove moisture. Moisture makes wings soggy. Next, use a wire rack on your baking sheet. This allows air to flow around the wings as they cook. Place the wings in a single layer. Make sure they do not touch. This helps them crisp up evenly. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 40-45 minutes. Turn them halfway through for an even golden color.
Flavor Enhancements and Adjustments
If you want to boost flavor, add extra garlic or cheese. You can also try lemon zest for a fresh kick. For heat, mix in red pepper flakes. Just add a little at first. You can always add more later. If you like a smoky taste, use smoked paprika. You can also swap in different seasonings. Try Italian herbs or cayenne pepper for more spice.
Using Fresh Ingredients
Always use fresh ingredients for the best taste. Fresh garlic gives a strong and rich flavor. Grated Parmesan cheese melts and adds creaminess. Chopped parsley not only looks nice but adds fresh flavor, too. Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level. Fresh wings are best for texture and taste. If you can, buy organic or free-range chicken. These options often have better flavor.
Pro Tips
- Pat Dry for Crispiness: Ensure your chicken wings are patted completely dry with paper towels before coating them. This helps in achieving that perfect crispy texture when baked.
- Use a Wire Rack: Baking the wings on a wire rack allows air to circulate around them, promoting even cooking and crispiness. It prevents the wings from sitting in their own juices.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the wings rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is flavorful and moist.
- Customize Your Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference. You can also experiment with different spices for a unique flavor twist.

Variations
Adding Spiciness with Red Pepper Flakes
Want to spice up your wings? Red pepper flakes are the answer. Just add them to the garlic Parmesan mix. You can control the heat by adding a little or a lot. Start with just a pinch. Taste the mixture, then adjust to your liking. This small change brings a nice kick to the dish.
Alternative Cheese Options
Parmesan is great, but you can try other cheeses too. Grated Pecorino Romano adds a salty bite. If you prefer a creamier texture, use mozzarella. For a bold taste, consider sharp cheddar. Each cheese brings its own flavor, so experiment to find your favorite.
Making It a Sticky Wing Recipe
If you love sticky wings, change the sauce. Mix honey or maple syrup with the garlic Parmesan blend. This gives your wings a sweet glaze. Toss the wings in this sticky mix before baking. You will end up with wings that are both crispy and sweet. This twist makes your meal extra special. Enjoy the fun of trying these variations!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Wings
To store leftover garlic Parmesan chicken wings, let them cool. Place the wings in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat the wings, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the wings on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps them crispy while warming them through. You can also use a microwave, but they may not stay crispy.
Freezing Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
If you want to freeze the wings, first cool them completely. Place them in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings. Just make sure to thaw them first. This helps them cook evenly. You can place them in the fridge overnight or use cold water. Once thawed, follow the same steps for coating and baking.
How do I make garlic Parmesan wings in an air fryer?
To make garlic Parmesan wings in an air fryer, preheat the fryer to 400°F (200°C). Coat the thawed wings with the garlic Parmesan mix as you would for the oven. Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crispiness.
What can I serve with garlic Parmesan chicken wings?
You can serve garlic Parmesan chicken wings with many sides. Good choices include celery sticks and carrot sticks. A creamy ranch or blue cheese dip also pairs well. For a light touch, serve with a fresh salad or some crispy fries.
How to know when chicken wings are fully cooked?
To know when chicken wings are cooked, check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer for accuracy. The wings should be golden brown and crispy. If you see clear juices when you cut them, they are ready to eat.
This blog post covered making tasty garlic Parmesan chicken wings. We went through all the steps, from prepping the ingredients to baking them perfectly. I shared tips to make your wings crispy and flavorful, plus fun variations to try.
Remember, using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Store any leftovers well to keep them tasty. Now, it’s time to enjoy your homemade wings! Your next snack just got a lot bette
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
Crispy chicken wings coated in a flavorful garlic Parmesan sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Total Time 55 minutes mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- to taste salt
- optional red pepper flakes for heat
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet.
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, parsley, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. If you like some heat, add red pepper flakes according to your preference.
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure they get crispy when baked.
Add the chicken wings to the bowl with the garlic Parmesan mixture. Toss well to coat all the wings evenly.
Arrange the coated wings on the wire rack in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. This allows the hot air to circulate and makes them crispy.
Bake the wings in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, turning them halfway through to achieve an even golden color and crispiness.
Once done, remove the wings from the oven, and let them rest for a few minutes.
Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley before serving.
For extra heat, add red pepper flakes to taste.
Keyword appetizer, chicken wings, garlic, parmesan
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