These chicken wings in the oven are a total game-changer. Whether you’re planning a laid-back weeknight dinner or hosting a game-day feast, this recipe delivers all the satisfaction of fried wings—without the mess. I love how they turn out golden brown and perfectly seasoned every time, with that irresistible crunch we all want. Plus, you only need a few simple ingredients to make them shine.
Why We Love This
There’s something about chicken wings in the oven that hits the sweet spot between comfort food and casual indulgence. They’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with bold flavor—without a deep fryer in sight.
- Crispy Without Frying – Thanks to high-heat baking and a wire rack setup, you get that golden, crunchy texture without oil splatter or extra cleanup.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor – Just a handful of pantry staples like garlic powder, paprika, and a touch of olive oil create bold, crave-worthy results.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer, these oven-baked chicken wings always disappear fast.
- Healthier Choice – Baking instead of frying cuts down on excess oil, making this a feel-good option you can enjoy more often.
- Customizable Seasonings – From smoky BBQ to spicy buffalo, this recipe is the perfect base for your favorite flavor twists.
If you’ve ever struggled to get your wings crispy in the oven, this method changes everything. It’s easy, mess-free, and delivers on every bite. Let’s get into how to make them just right.
Ingredients
Chicken wings – The main ingredient in this recipe. It’s best to use fresh wings and ensure they are patted dry before seasoning. This ensures they bake up crispy and flavorful.
Olive oil – Adds moisture and helps the seasoning stick to the wings. It also promotes crispiness when baking. You can substitute with another oil, but olive oil adds a great flavor.
Garlic powder – Adds a savory, aromatic flavor that complements the chicken perfectly. If you want a stronger flavor, you can substitute with fresh garlic, but the powder gives a more even seasoning.
Smoked paprika – Gives the wings a smoky, slightly spicy flavor that enhances the richness of the chicken. You can substitute with regular paprika, but it won’t have the same depth of flavor.
Onion powder – Provides a subtle sweetness and savory note to balance the wings’ flavors. If you don’t have onion powder, you can use fresh onions, but it will change the texture.
Instructions
Let’s make those chicken wings in the oven turn out crispy, golden, and absolutely delicious—step by step. Grab your ingredients, and let’s get baking!
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven makes the skin crispy without frying.
Prepare the baking setup: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. This helps the wings cook evenly.
Dry the wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Moisture can prevent the skin from getting crispy.
Season the wings: Toss the wings in a bowl with olive oil. Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix to coat all the wings.
Arrange and bake: Place the wings on the wire rack in a single layer. Bake for 25 minutes, flip, and bake for another 20-25 minutes, until golden and crispy.
Rest and serve: Let the wings rest for a few minutes to keep them juicy.
Pro Tips
Want to take your chicken wings in the oven to the next level? Here are some pro tips to ensure your wings come out crispy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time.
Pat the wings dry – Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Before seasoning, use paper towels to dry the wings thoroughly. This helps the skin get extra crispy during baking.
Use a wire rack – Elevating the wings on a wire rack allows air to circulate around them, resulting in even cooking and crisping. If you don’t have a wire rack, just flip the wings halfway through baking.
Don’t overcrowd the pan – For the best results, make sure there’s some space between the wings. This ensures they cook evenly and get that perfect crunch.
Bake at a high temperature – A hot oven (425°F/220°C) is key to getting crispy skin without frying. The high heat helps to render the fat, leaving the wings crispy and golden.
Check for doneness – Chicken wings should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to make sure they’re just right.
Rest before serving – Let the wings sit for a few minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
Variations
While chicken wings in the oven are delicious as is, one of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily customize the flavor profile to suit your taste or to match whatever mood you’re in! Here are a few variations to try:
Buffalo Wings
For that classic spicy kick, toss your baked wings in buffalo sauce after baking. A simple mixture of hot sauce and butter will give them that irresistible heat and tang. Want it extra spicy? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
BBQ Wings
Brush your wings with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of baking. This will caramelize the sauce, giving the wings a sticky, sweet, and smoky finish. You can even double the flavor by tossing them in BBQ sauce right after baking.
Garlic Parmesan Wings
For a rich, savory flavor, toss the baked wings in a mixture of melted butter, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese. Add a sprinkle of parsley for a fresh, herby finish. These are perfect for anyone who loves the buttery goodness of garlic parmesan.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your crispy oven-baked chicken wings, it’s time to think about how to serve them. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just indulging in a snack, these wings are versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides and dips. Here are some delicious serving ideas to elevate your wing experience:
Dips:
No chicken wing experience is complete without a great dip! Here are some crowd-pleasing options:
Buffalo sauce – For those who want to kick up the heat, a side of extra buffalo sauce is always a hit.
Ranch dressing – A classic choice that pairs wonderfully with the crispy wings.
Blue cheese dressing – Perfect for those who love a tangy, creamy contrast to the heat of the wings.
Honey mustard – A sweet and tangy dip that works especially well with BBQ or honey garlic wings.
FAQs
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about making chicken wings in the oven. Whether you’re a first-time wing maker or a seasoned pro, these tips will help you get the most out of your recipe!
How long do chicken wings take to cook in the oven?
Cooking chicken wings in the oven usually takes between 30 to 40 minutes at 425°F (220°C). For extra crispiness, you can cook them for a few more minutes, but be sure to check that they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked.
How do I make chicken wings extra crispy?
To achieve crispy chicken wings:
- Pat the wings dry before baking to remove any excess moisture.
- Use a wire rack for even air circulation.
- Bake at high heat (425°F/220°C) for a golden, crispy exterior.
- Flip halfway through to ensure both sides get crispy.
Can I bake frozen chicken wings?
Yes, you can bake frozen wings! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time. Frozen wings will take about 50 to 60 minutes at 425°F (220°C), and it’s important to make sure they are fully cooked through.
Can I prepare the wings ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can season and prep the wings a day in advance. Simply store them in the fridge and bake them when you’re ready to serve. If you want to reheat leftovers, just pop them back in the oven for a few minutes to restore the crispiness.
What are the best seasonings for chicken wings?
The great thing about chicken wings in the oven is that they’re so versatile! You can stick to the basics like salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or experiment with flavors like paprika, onion powder, or lemon pepper. Don’t forget to finish them with your favorite sauces like Buffalo, BBQ, or garlic parmesan for added flavor!
Chicken Wings in the Oven
Equipment
- Wire Rack
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings split and patted dry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.75 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top.
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Place the wings on the wire rack in a single layer. Bake for 25 minutes, flip, and bake for another 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Let the wings rest for a few minutes before serving.