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.

A round black cast iron pan is full of golden brown chicken wings that have a crispy texture with small green herb pieces and a sprinkle of finely grated cheese on top. The wings are piled up in the pan, some pieces standing upright and others lying down, showing different angles of the crispy skin. Small green parsley leaves are scattered over and around the chicken, adding a fresh touch. A white cloth with red stripes is placed near the pan on a white marbled surface, with more parsley lying loosely in the background. 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 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.

Flat lay of two pounds of fresh raw chicken wings arranged neatly, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl filled with garlic powder, another small white bowl containing onion powder, a small white bowl with coarse salt crystals, a small white bowl holding whole black peppercorns, a small white bowl of deep red smoked paprika, a small white bowl with fine baking powder, a small white bowl of melted golden butter, five peeled fresh garlic cloves, a small white bowl of chopped bright green parsley, and a small white bowl heaped with freshly grated pale yellow Parmesan cheese, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

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.

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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 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

A close-up image shows a woman's hand holding a single crispy, golden-brown chicken wing topped with melted cheese and small green herb pieces. In the background, there is a white plate with more chicken wings covered in the same melted cheese and herbs, slightly blurred to keep focus on the held wing. The wings have a crunchy texture with visible seasoning and cheese strands. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a light-colored cloth beneath the plate. A blurred white bowl with a light creamy sauce is visible in the upper left corner. The overall lighting is bright and natural, highlighting the warm colors of the wings photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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

A white scalloped round dish is filled with a single layer of raw chicken wings seasoned with a reddish spice mix, giving each piece a textured, powdery coating with hints of bright red and orange. The wings are arranged in a loose circle, with some wings overlapping slightly, showing their pale pinkish flesh and light skin. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface that adds a cool contrast. To the top left of the dish, a white cloth with red stripes is casually folded, adding a soft fabric texture to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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:

Can I make these wings without the baking powder?

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.

What’s the best way to get the wings crispy without frying?

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.

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

You can, but freshly grated Parmesan cheese has a richer flavor and melts more evenly, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the sauce.

How long do leftover wings keep in the fridge?

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.