Introduction
When you’re craving the bold, spicy satisfaction of crispy chicken wings but don’t want to break out the deep fryer, these Crispy Baked Chicken Wings come to the rescue. They’re oven-baked to perfection with a well-seasoned crust and tossed in your favorite buffalo sauce—no greasy mess, just golden, crispy, flavor-packed wings that disappear fast.
Perfect for game day, casual parties, or a snacky dinner night, these wings are all about texture and taste, served best with ranch or blue cheese dressing and fresh veggie sticks on the side.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the crispy bite of a well-cooked chicken wing, but I didn’t always love the mess (and guilt) that came with frying them. Enter this baked version—no oil splatter, no frying smell, just an easy, hands-off cook in the oven that delivers all the crisp without compromise.
Using frothy egg whites to coat the wings before baking gives them that shatteringly crisp texture. Pair these with a Beer Cheese Dip or Walking Taco Bar and you’ve got the ultimate crowd-pleasing spread.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 lbs chicken wings and/or drumettes
- 2 egg whites, beaten until frothy
- ½ cup hot wings sauce (your favorite brand)
Swaps and Notes
- Hot Sauce: Go classic with Frank’s RedHot or mix it up with a mango habanero or honey sriracha.
- Spice Blend: Add smoked paprika or chili powder for extra heat and smokiness.
- Egg Whites: This is the secret to crispiness—don’t skip it!
- Chicken: You can use all drumettes or wingettes based on your preference.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prep
Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a metal rack on top. Spray the rack with nonstick spray. - Dry the Chicken
Use paper towels to thoroughly pat the chicken wings dry—this step is key to crispiness. - Season
In a large bowl, combine all the spices. Add wings and toss until evenly coated. - Coat with Egg Whites
Pour the frothy egg whites over the wings. Use clean hands or tongs to toss until fully coated. - Bake
Arrange wings skin-side up on the rack, spacing them out. Bake for 45–60 minutes until golden brown and crispy, rotating the pan halfway through for even cooking. - Toss in Sauce
Transfer the hot wings to a bowl. Pour in your favorite buffalo sauce and gently toss to coat. - Serve
Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing, and celery and carrot sticks on the side.
Tips for Success
- Use a rack: Elevates the wings so they crisp evenly all around.
- Dry wings = crispy wings: Moisture is your enemy here—use those paper towels well.
- Egg white magic: Creates a light coating that crisps up like a dream.
- Don’t overcrowd: Give each wing room to crisp—use two trays if needed.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These wings were made for sharing, so round them out with equally bold bites:
- Beer Cheese Dip – cheesy, smooth, and irresistible
- Walking Taco Bar – easy to customize for big groups
- Totchos – crispy, cheesy, and perfect alongside wings
- Blueberry Lemonade – cools the heat with citrusy refreshment
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs – indulgent sweet finish to a spicy meal
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes until re-crisped.
- Freezer: Freeze un-sauced baked wings and reheat straight from frozen for an easy snack.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Beer Cheese Dip
- Walking Taco Bar
- Totchos
- Blueberry Lemonade
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs
Final Thoughts
Crispy, bold, and saucy—these Baked Chicken Wings are everything you love about buffalo wings, with none of the frying fuss. Whether you’re serving a crowd, prepping for game night, or just treating yourself to a flavorful snack, this recipe brings the heat and the crunch.
Tried it? Snap a photo, tag @ChefManiac, and leave a comment to let us know how yours turned out. And don’t forget to subscribe for more crave-worthy comfort food from the kitchen of Jason Griffith!
🔥🍗 Let’s get crispy!
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