If you’re craving wings that hit all the right notes—crispy skin, garlicky richness, and a cheesy finish—you’ve just found your new go-to. This Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe is comfort food elevated and surprisingly easy to make at home.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I honestly can’t get enough of these wings. They’re baked, not fried, so cleanup is a breeze, and the garlic parmesan sauce? Pure magic. It feels fancy but comes together in a snap.
- Super Crispy Texture: Baking with baking powder and high heat gives you that perfect crisp without the fryer.
- Bold Flavor Blend: Garlic powder, smoked paprika, and fresh Parmesan create layers of savory goodness.
- Simple Prep: Minimal ingredients and easy steps make this great for weeknight meals or gatherings.
- Versatile Serving: Serve as an appetizer or pile them up for a hearty main – wings always steal the show.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Before we dive in, let’s talk about the ingredients that make these wings truly shine. You’ll find pantry staples and fresh touches working together to create that crave-worthy flavor.

- Garlic Powder: Adds concentrated garlicky goodness to the dry rub without overpowering the wings.
- Onion Powder: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth to the spice mix.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all other flavors.
- Pepper: Gives a mild heat and earthiness to balance the garlic and cheese.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky warmth that complements the Parmesan beautifully.
- Baking Powder: Optional but highly recommended for that extra crispy skin when baking.
- Chicken Wings: The star of the show—choose fresh or fully thawed wings for best results.
- Olive Oil: Helps the spices stick and promotes browning in the oven.
- Butter: Melts into the garlic and parsley for a rich, luscious wing sauce.
- Garlic (fresh): Adds immediate, fragrant garlic flavor in the finishing sauce.
- Parsley: Freshens up the sauce with herbaceous notes and a pop of color.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for melting perfectly over the wings, delivering salty, cheesy bliss.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to dial up the heat, add fresh herbs, or try out dairy-free options, there’s room to make this recipe your own.
- Spicy Kick: I love adding a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce into the garlic parmesan sauce for an extra layer of heat. It’s perfect if you like your wings with a little fiery edge without overpowering the garlic and cheese flavors.
- Herb Swap: Fresh herbs make a huge difference—try using basil or oregano in place of parsley to give the wings an Italian twist that pairs wonderfully with the Parmesan.
- Gluten-Free Option: Simply ensure the baking powder you use is gluten-free, or skip it altogether. You’ll still get that crispy result thanks to the olive oil and high oven heat.
- Dairy-Free Version: Replace the butter with olive oil and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. It won’t be quite the same, but it’s a tasty alternative for those avoiding dairy.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Baking Rack
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position your oven rack in the middle to ensure the wings cook evenly. This setup helps create that perfect balance of juicy meat inside and crispy skin outside.
Step 2: Mix Up the Flavorful Spice Blend
In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and if you have it, 1 teaspoon baking powder. Stir everything together well—this mixture is the secret to that irresistible crispy texture and bold flavor.
Step 3: Coat the Wings with Spices and Olive Oil
Place 2 pounds of chicken wings into a baking dish or bowl. Sprinkle the spice mix evenly across them, then drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil on top. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so every wing is kissed by the spices and oil. This helps the wings crisp up beautifully while locking in the flavors.
Step 4: Bake the Wings Until Crispy
Slide your wings into the oven and bake for 45 minutes. During this time, the wings will cook through and start developing that golden, crispy exterior. After about 30 minutes, you can give them a quick flip if you want to ensure even crispiness on all sides.
Step 5: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
While the wings are baking, melt ¼ cup of butter over low heat in a small pot. Add 5 cloves of minced garlic and ¼ cup chopped parsley. Stir gently until the garlic releases its wonderful aroma, then remove from heat to avoid burning. This sauce will be the luscious finish that ties everything together.
Step 6: Coat Wings with Sauce, Sprinkle Parmesan, and Finish Baking
Once your wings have baked for 45 minutes, take them out of the oven. Pour your tasty garlic butter sauce evenly over the wings, then generously sprinkle ¼ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. Return the wings to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes. This final step crisps the cheese, giving your wings that signature golden-brown finish and irresistible texture.
Top Tip
These tips will help ensure your Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe comes out perfectly every time—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with flavor.
- Use Baking Powder: Though optional, adding baking powder to the spice mix really takes crispiness to the next level based on my many kitchen experiments.
- Pat Wings Dry: Before coating the wings, make sure you pat them dry with paper towels. This extra step helped me achieve the best crispy skin without sogginess.
- Even Spice Coating: I toss the wings well with the spice mix and olive oil to ensure every bite is packed with that savory garlic and paprika punch.
- Don’t Skip the Final Bake: After saucing and adding Parmesan cheese, pop the wings back in the oven for 5 minutes. It seals in the sauce and crisps up the cheese beautifully—something I almost overlooked once!
How to Serve Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe

Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled over the wings adds a lovely pop of color and brightness. You can also serve with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty contrast that balances the buttery richness. For a little heat, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or some chopped chives work wonders as well.
Side Dishes
Pair these wings with classic sides like celery and carrot sticks with ranch or blue cheese dip for a traditional touch. Creamy coleslaw, roasted sweet potatoes, or even a crisp green salad complement the bold flavors nicely. For a heartier meal, garlic mashed potatoes or cheesy baked macaroni work beautifully alongside.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After letting the wings cool, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They'll stay good for up to 4 days without losing too much flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep these wings longer, place them in a shallow container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 6 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Reheat wings in your oven or air fryer at 350°F to keep that crispy exterior intact. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the wings soggy and lose their delightful crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! Baking powder is optional but it helps the wings get extra crispy. If you don’t have it, just skip it and follow the rest of the recipe—the wings will still taste delicious.
Baking the wings with baking powder and olive oil at a high temperature (400°F/200°C) helps dry out the skin, resulting in crispy baked wings without the need for frying.
You can, but freshly grated Parmesan cheese has a richer flavor and melts more evenly, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the sauce.
Stored properly in an airtight container, leftover wings are best eaten within 4 days for optimal flavor and safety.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making and sharing this Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe as much as I do. It’s one of those versatile dishes that’s perfect for casual nights, game day, or even as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Crisp on the outside, garlicky, cheesy, and utterly crave-worthy—these wings really bring people together! Happy cooking, and don’t forget to savor every bite.
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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These oven-baked garlic parmesan wings are crispy, flavorful, and easy to make. Coated with a blend of aromatic spices and finished with a rich garlic butter sauce topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, they make the perfect appetizer or main course for any occasion.
Ingredients
Spice Mix and Wings
- 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
Garlic Parmesan Wing Sauce
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
- Preheat Oven. Heat the oven to 400 Fahrenheit (200 Celsius) and arrange a rack in the middle position to ensure even cooking of wings.
- Prepare Spice Mix. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and baking powder if using. Mix well to create a uniform spice blend.
- Coat Wings. Place the chicken wings in a baking dish. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the wings, then drizzle the olive oil on top. Toss or coat the wings well to ensure all pieces are covered with the spices and oil.
- Bake Wings. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake the wings for 45 minutes until they are cooked through and beginning to get crispy.
- Make Garlic Parmesan Sauce. While the wings bake, melt the butter in a small pot over low heat. Add minced garlic and chopped parsley. Stir gently until the garlic is fragrant, then remove from heat to prevent burning.
- Coat Wings with Sauce and Finish Baking. Remove the wings from the oven after 45 minutes. Pour the prepared garlic butter sauce over the wings and sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Return the wings to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the wings are crispy and golden brown.
Notes
- TO STORE: Transfer leftover wings into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- TO FREEZE: Place leftovers in a shallow container and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.
- TO REHEAT: Reheat chicken wings in the oven or air fryer to preserve crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it will make the wings soggy.
- If baking powder is not available, it can be omitted, but it helps to make wings crispier.
- Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese improves flavor but pre-grated cheese can be used in a pinch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 5 wings)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg


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