If you have ever craved that perfect combination of crispy, juicy, and full-flavored chicken wings, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: the Baked Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe. This dish brings together the irresistible punch of fresh garlic, zesty lemon, and the nutty, salty complexity of Parmesan cheese, all baked to golden perfection. It’s easy to prepare yet delivers a crowd-pleasing result every time, ideal for game day gatherings, family dinners, or a special treat when you want to impress without a ton of effort. Trust me, once you try this Baked Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe, it will become your go-to wing on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Good recipes often start with simple ingredients that work in harmony to create something extraordinary. These essentials are thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor while keeping the wings wonderfully crispy and delicious.
- 2 pounds wing portions: Use a mix of wingettes and drumettes for a balanced bite and texture.
- 2 tablespoons oil (olive or avocado): Adds moisture and helps the garlic and spices cling while promoting crispy skin.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the flavor and cuts through the richness.
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced: The star flavor that infuses the wings deeply, providing that crave-worthy aroma.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Offers a subtle heat that complements the garlic perfectly.
- ½ – 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adjust this to your heat preference for a gentle kick or more bold spice.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential to enhance all the natural flavors.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or tapioca/arrowroot starch): A little trick to create that ultra-crisp coating on the wings.
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving): Brings a savory richness and slightly crunchy texture when baked.
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color.
- Italian or Ranch dressing: Perfect dips to balance the bold flavors with creaminess.
How to Make Baked Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe
Step 1: Toss Wings in Sauce
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for crisping these beauties. In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, finely minced garlic, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt until they form a slightly thick, fragrant sauce. This sauce will gently coat each wing, infusing them with a vibrant burst of flavor before they bake.
Step 2: Add Cornstarch and Parmesan
Next, sprinkle the cornstarch over the wings and toss them thoroughly to evenly coat. This simple step is what gives the wings their irresistibly crispy exterior without deep-frying. Then, gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well to cover every surface of the wings. The cheese melts into a golden crust that tastes simply heavenly.
Step 3: Bake in the Oven
Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Arranging the wings on the rack, skin side down, prevents them from becoming soggy and allows air to circulate all around for even cooking. Make sure the wings don’t touch to keep them crisp. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure golden crispness on all sides. For an extra crunchy finish, broil them on high for 2 to 4 minutes, watching carefully so they don’t burn.
Step 4: Serve Parmesan Wings
Once out of the oven, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley on top for an aromatic finishing touch. Serve these wings right away with a side of ranch or Italian dressing to dip. The combination of the crispy, garlicky Parmesan coating with the creamy dips will leave everyone coming back for more.
How to Serve Baked Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe
Garnishes
Freshness and color can elevate your presentation easily. Sprinkle finely chopped parsley for a bright contrast, and don’t shy away from an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese to highlight the savory nature of the wings. A few lemon wedges on the side encourage guests to add a refreshing splash of citrus whenever they crave it.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple, complementary sides. Crisp celery and carrot sticks add crunch and coolness as a refreshing counterbalance. Creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp Caesar salad can round out the plate beautifully. For a cozy gathering, serve with garlic bread or buttery roasted potatoes for a meal that feels indulgent but effortless.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of the usual serving platter, try arranging your wings in individual mini cast-iron skillets or rustic wooden boards for a charming, casual vibe. For parties, place the wings in small paper cones for easy handling and a fun finger-food experience. You can also layer wings over a bed of warm polenta or pasta tossed with garlic butter to take this recipe from snack to main course in style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors will develop even more, but the key is reheating properly to maintain that signature crisp crust.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked wings in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen wings keep well for up to two months. Let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To revive the crispiness when reheating, bake the wings uncovered in a 375-degree oven for about 10 to 15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to make the coating soggy. A quick flash under the broiler for a minute or two can also restore that irresistible crunch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen wings for this Baked Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating with the sauce to ensure the coating sticks well and the wings bake evenly crisp.
Is it possible to make these wings spicier?
Absolutely! Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to boost the heat according to your taste preference.
What if I don’t have cornstarch—can I use flour instead?
Cornstarch is preferred for crispiness, but if you’re out, arrowroot or tapioca starch are good substitutes. Flour won’t give quite the same crunch, but can still work in a pinch.
Can I prepare these wings without a wire rack?
You can bake the wings directly on parchment paper, but the wings won’t be quite as crispy. The rack allows air circulation beneath, which is key to that perfect crisp texture.
How do I store leftover sauce or dressing served with the wings?
Keep any leftover dressing refrigerated in a sealed container for up to a week. If you’re making your own, it’s best to prepare it fresh to keep the flavors bright and avoid separation.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavor and texture that’s easy to make yet incredibly satisfying. Whether for a casual night in or impressing guests, these wings deliver the perfect balance of crispy, garlicky, and cheesy goodness every time. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you may just find it’s your new favorite way to enjoy wings at home.
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Baked Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy baked garlic parmesan wings with a tangy lemon and garlic marinade, perfectly seasoned with black and red pepper flakes, then baked to golden perfection and topped with fresh parmesan and parsley. A delicious and healthier alternative to fried wings, served with your choice of ranch or Italian dressing.
Ingredients
Wings
- 2 pounds wing portions (wingettes, drumettes, or a combo)
Marinade & Coating
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, to taste
- ½ – 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, to taste
- ½ teaspoon salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or tapioca or arrowroot starch)
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Garnish & Serving
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Italian or Ranch dressing, for serving
Instructions
- Toss Wings in Sauce: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt until a slightly thick sauce forms. Add the wing portions and toss well to coat them evenly with the marinade.
- Add Cornstarch and Parmesan: Sprinkle cornstarch evenly over the wings and toss again to ensure each wing is coated. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, tossing continuously to cover all wings thoroughly with the cheesy coating.
- Bake in the Oven: Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the rack, skin side down, making sure the wings do not touch each other for maximum crispiness. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through the cooking time. For extra crispness, optionally broil the wings on high for 2-4 minutes at the end.
- Serve Parmesan Wings: Remove the wings from the oven and immediately sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve Wings: Serve the wings hot with ranch or Italian dressing on the side for dipping and enjoy the crispy, flavorful wings fresh from the oven.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use a wire rack so air circulates around the wings while baking.
- If you prefer spicier wings, increase the red pepper flakes to your liking.
- Using freshly grated Parmesan yields the best flavor and texture.
- Broiling at the end is optional but highly recommended for an extra crunchy finish.
- Substitute cornstarch with tapioca or arrowroot starch if preferred for coating.
