Name: Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon pepper; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon baking powder (optional); 2 pounds chicken wings; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/4 cup butter, melted; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

There’s something genuinely irresistible about the golden, crispy coating and rich, garlicky kick that makes this Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe a total crowd-pleaser. Every bite hits that perfect balance of savory, buttery, and cheesy flavors that you’ll find yourself craving again and again.

A close-up view of a white cast iron pan filled with golden brown chicken wings, each wing showing a crispy and slightly charred texture with specks of green parsley scattered on top. The wings are generously sprinkled with fine grated parmesan cheese, adding small white granules contrasting the golden and brown surface. The pan is set on a white marbled textured surface, highlighting the rich colors of the cooked wings. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t say enough how much I adore making this Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe at home. It’s simple, uses pantry staples, and always turns out delightfully crispy with that mouthwatering garlic-parmesan combo that’s impossible to resist. Plus, it’s a fantastic recipe to share with friends or family.

Crispiness without frying: Baking wings with a touch of baking powder means you get a crunchy skin without the mess of frying.
Flavor-packed garlic sauce: The fresh garlic, butter, parsley, and parmesan sauce coats each wing with the perfect savory punch.
Easy to customize: You can tweak the seasoning or swap out herbs to fit your personal taste or what you have on hand.
Make ahead friendly: These wings reheat beautifully, perfect for prepping in advance or enjoying as leftovers.

A round black pan holds a pile of golden-brown chicken wings grilled with a crispy texture. The wings are sprinkled with small bits of white Parmesan cheese and scattered bright green parsley leaves. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with a white cloth with red stripes near the bottom right corner. Some parsley leaves are seen on the left side of the pan, adding a fresh green touch. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe plays a specific role in creating layers of flavor and texture. Let me break down why these chosen ingredients work so well and share tips on picking the best ones.

Flat lay of raw chicken wings sprinkled with smoked paprika and garlic powder, fresh cloves of garlic, a small pile of grated Parmesan cheese, a few sprigs of bright green parsley, golden melted butter in a small pool, and a drizzle of rich olive oil, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garlic powder: Adds subtle roasted garlic flavor without overpowering—ideal for seasoning the wings.
Onion powder: Balances the garlic with a sweet, savory hint.
Salt & pepper: Essential to bring out flavors and season the wings perfectly.
Smoked paprika: Gives a gentle smokiness and gorgeous color.
Baking powder (optional): A trick I swear by—it draws moisture out of the skin, helping it crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Chicken wings: The star of the show—look for fresh, meaty wings with the skin on for best results.
Olive oil: Helps the spices stick to the wings and assists in crisping during baking.
Butter: Creates a rich, luscious base for the garlic parmesan sauce.
Fresh garlic: Mincing it fresh makes the sauce pop with vibrant garlic flavor.
Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal brightness that cuts through the richness.
Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): Melts over the wings for that irresistible savory, cheesy finish.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it exactly to your liking—whether you’re after more heat, a herb twist, or want it dairy-free, it’s totally doable.

Variation: I love adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic sauce when I’m craving a little spicy kick. It livens up the whole dish without overpowering the garlic-parmesan vibe.
Herb Swaps: Feel free to swap parsley for fresh basil or thyme for subtle flavor variations.
Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan butter and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a tasty dairy-free twist.
Cooking Method: Though I usually bake, I’ve also grilled these wings for a smoky flavor that’s equally amazing.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Wings

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and set a rack in the middle. While it heats up, mix garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and baking powder in a small bowl. Pat your wings dry using paper towels—that’s key for crispiness! Toss them in a baking dish, sprinkle the spice mix all over, and drizzle with olive oil. Make sure every wing is evenly coated for consistent flavor and texture.

Step 2: Bake Until Golden and Crispy

Pop the wings in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes. Halfway through, flip them so they brown evenly. You’re looking for deep golden color and skin that’s delightfully crisp but not burnt—if your oven runs hot, keep an eye after 40 minutes. This method dries out the skin just enough to get that amazing crunch without frying.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

While the wings bake, melt butter gently in a small pot over low heat. Add minced garlic and chopped parsley, stirring until the garlic is fragrant and soft, taking care not to burn it. Remove from heat and set aside. Fresh garlic really makes this sauce shine compared to pre-minced versions—I always recommend taking the extra minute to mince fresh cloves.

Step 4: Toss and Finish Baking

Once the wings come out of the oven, pour the garlic butter sauce over them while they’re hot and toss gently to coat every piece. Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan over the wings and slide them back in the oven for another 5 minutes. This final bake crisps the parmesan and lets all those flavors meld together perfectly.

Top Tip

From countless batches, I’ve learned that avoiding soggy wings starts with drying the wings well and using that little baking powder magic dust. Plus, tossing the wings immediately with the garlic parmesan sauce while hot ensures the cheese melts evenly and sticks—don’t wait!

Dry Wings Thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy of crisp skin, so pat wings completely dry before seasoning.
Baking Powder Boost: This ingredient is a secret weapon for super crispy skin without frying.
Fresh Garlic Always: The flavor difference with freshly minced garlic in the sauce is noticeable and worth the little extra effort.
Finish Hot: Toss wings with sauce as soon as they come out of the oven to help the parmesan melt beautifully.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Wings - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle extra chopped parsley on top just before serving—it brightens the dish and adds a pop of color. Sometimes I add a little freshly cracked black pepper or a light dusting of parmesan for guests who want that cheesy burst. A squeeze of fresh lemon on the side can also cut through the richness if you like a zesty touch.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I love pairing these wings with crunchy celery sticks, creamy ranch or blue cheese dip, and maybe a simple green salad. Roasted potatoes or crispy fries are also a match made in heaven, soaking up any leftover garlic parmesan sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I serve these wings on a large wooden board lined with parchment paper, surrounded by small bowls of dipping sauces and garnishes. During holidays, I’ve arranged the wings in a wreath shape on a platter with parsley “leaves” and cherry tomatoes for a festive look that always gets compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I transfer leftover wings into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. This keeps them safe and ready for a quick snack or meal, and the flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even better sometimes!

Freezing

I’ve frozen these wings a few times by placing them in a shallow freezer-safe container, layering parchment paper between if needed to prevent sticking. They hold up really well in the freezer for up to 6 months, which is a great backup for busy days or unexpected guests.

Reheating

To keep them crispy when reheating, I avoid the microwave. Instead, I reheat wings in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10 minutes or crisp them up in the air fryer for a few minutes. This restores that wonderful crunch and keeps the cheesy garlic sauce fresh tasting.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen wings for this Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe?

Absolutely! If you’re working with frozen wings, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning to ensure crispiness. Baking times may be slightly longer depending on how cold they are at the start.

Why do you use baking powder in the seasoning mix?

Baking powder is a secret weapon for crispy wings baked in the oven—it helps draw moisture from the skin and encourages browning, leading to a crunchier texture without frying. Just make sure to use baking powder, not baking soda.

Can I make the garlic parmesan sauce ahead of time?

You can prepare the garlic parmesan butter sauce ahead, but I recommend tossing the wings in the sauce right after baking to keep the cheese melty and fresh. The sauce might solidify if refrigerated, so gently warm it before using.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover wings?

Reheating wings in the oven or air fryer works best to preserve crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make wings soggy. A quick 10 minutes in a 375°F oven or 5-7 minutes in an air fryer will refresh the texture nicely.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort foods and a guaranteed hit whenever I host. The combination of crispy, flavorful wings and that rich, garlicky sauce is pure joy on a plate. I can’t wait for you to try it—you’ll have everyone asking for seconds, just like it happened at my last dinner party!