Ready to elevate your game day with super crispy baked chicken wings? These wings are sure to be a hit at any gathering, boasting an unbelievably crunchy exterior and juicy interior, all achieved right in your oven! With a simple seasoning blend and two fantastic sauce options, these wings are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any party, casual dinner, or just because you’re craving some seriously good wings.
Why I Love This Recipe
These Super Crispy Baked Chicken Wings are my go-to for any gathering, and I absolutely adore them! What I love most is that they deliver that coveted crispy, crackly skin you usually only get from deep-frying, but with the ease and less mess of baking in the oven. The secret weapon is the baking powder, which reacts with the chicken skin to draw out moisture and create an incredibly crunchy exterior. The dry rub with smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder infuses them with amazing flavor, while the optional chili powder adds a perfect kick. Plus, with options for a spicy hot honey butter sauce and a luscious spicy garlic mayo dipping sauce, every bite is an adventure. These wings are easy to make, always devoured, and consistently impress!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these super crispy baked chicken wings:
For the Crispy Baked Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
- 2 tbsp baking powder (aluminum-free is recommended to avoid metallic taste)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Hot Honey Butter Sauce:
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp honey
For the Spicy Garlic Mayo Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tbsp sriracha or your preferred hot sauce
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (for color and flavor)
- Salt to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh herbs (chopped parsley, chives, or cilantro)
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken Wings: Ensure wings are separated into flats and drumettes for even cooking. Patting them very dry is crucial for crispiness.
- Baking Powder: Use aluminum-free baking powder for the best taste. This ingredient is key to achieving that super crispy skin in the oven.
- Spices (Wings): Adjust chili powder to your heat preference. Smoked paprika adds a lovely depth.
- Hot Sauce (Hot Honey Butter): Frank’s RedHot is a classic, but use your favorite vinegar-based hot sauce.
- Honey (Hot Honey Butter): Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce.
- Mayonnaise (Spicy Garlic Mayo): Use your preferred brand and type of mayonnaise.
- Sriracha (Spicy Garlic Mayo): Adjust the amount of Sriracha (or other hot sauce like Tabasco, Cholula, etc.) to your desired level of spice.
- Lemon Juice (Spicy Garlic Mayo): Adds brightness and balances the richness of the mayo.
- Fresh Herbs (Garnish): Adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal.
Directions
Let’s get these delicious Baked Chicken Wings cooking!
- Preheat Oven & Prep Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier cleanup, and place a wire rack directly on top of the foil-lined baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the wings for ultimate crispiness.
- Prepare Wings for Seasoning: Pat the separated chicken wings very dry with paper towels. This step is essential for achieving a truly crispy skin.
- Season Wings: In a large bowl, toss the dried wings with the 2 tablespoons baking powder (aluminum-free), 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (if you’re feeling spicy), and salt and pepper to taste. Toss vigorously until each wing piece is perfectly and evenly coated with the spice mixture.
- Bake Wings: Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on the wire rack, ensuring they are not touching. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes. Flip them halfway through the baking time (around 20-22 minutes) for even crispiness; you’re looking for that beautiful golden-brown perfection on all sides.
- Prepare Hot Honey Butter Sauce: While the wings bake, for a tasty twist, whisk together the 1/4 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot), 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 1 tablespoon honey in a small bowl. Mix until well combined.
- Serve Wings & Sauce: Once the wings are baked to golden-brown crispiness, you have two options:
- Toss in Sauce: Transfer the hot baked wings to a large bowl, pour the hot honey butter sauce over them, and toss to coat each wing evenly.
- Serve Sauce on Side: Serve the baked wings plain with the hot honey butter sauce on the side for dipping.
- Prepare Spicy Garlic Mayo Dipping Sauce: For an irresistible spicy garlic mayo dipping sauce, in a small bowl, mix the 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 cloves finely minced garlic, 1 tablespoon sriracha (or your preferred hot sauce), 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Stir until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the salt if needed. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving with the hot wings.
- Garnish & Enjoy: Serve these delicious wings hot, along with ranch or blue cheese dressing (if not using the spicy garlic mayo), and sprinkle with fresh chopped herbs (like parsley or chives) if you want to impress your guests.
Tips for Success
- Pat Wings DRY: This is the most critical step for crispy baked wings. The drier the skin, the crispier it gets.
- Aluminum-Free Baking Powder: This is important. Regular baking powder can leave a metallic aftertaste. The baking powder changes the pH of the chicken skin, helping it crisp up.
- Wire Rack: Essential for allowing air circulation around the wings, ensuring even crisping on all sides.
- Single Layer: Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Give each wing space to breathe so it can crisp up properly. Bake in batches if necessary.
- Flip Halfway: Ensures even browning and crispiness.
- Sauce Freshness: The hot honey butter sauce is best mixed and used right before serving. The spicy garlic mayo can be made ahead and chilled.
- Internal Temperature: Always ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Super Crispy Baked Chicken Wings are the ultimate game day food, but they are also perfect for a casual dinner. They pair wonderfully with:
- Celery and Carrot Sticks: A classic crunchy, refreshing accompaniment.
- Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: For those who prefer a traditional cooling dip.
- French Fries or Tater Tots: For a full pub-style meal.
- Coleslaw: A fresh, tangy coleslaw can balance the richness of the wings.
- Beer or Soda: Perfect beverages to complement the savory flavors.
- For other popular party appetizers, consider our This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is The Reason I Never Have Leftovers or our This Beer Cheese Dip Is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears In Minutes.
Storage and Leftover Tips
While best enjoyed fresh and hot for ultimate crispiness, leftovers can be managed.
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The skin will lose some of its crispiness.
- Reheating: For best results in regaining crispness, reheat wings in an oven or air fryer at 350-400°F (175-200°C) until warmed through and re-crisped (about 10-15 minutes). Microwaving is not recommended as it will make them soggy.
- Dipping Sauce: The spicy garlic mayo can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the crispy, flavorful, and easy nature of these chicken wings, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes that are perfect for gatherings or quick meals:
- For another easy cheesy chicken dish, check out our Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
- If you’re feeding a crowd and need a quick, savory option, our These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast are incredibly efficient.
- And for a fun, interactive way to serve a gathering, our This Walking Taco Bar Is My Favorite No-Fuss Way to Feed a Crowd is always a hit!
Final Thoughts
These Super Crispy Baked Chicken Wings are a brilliant solution for bringing a truly comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying treat to your table with ease. They’re perfect for game nights, parties, or anytime you crave that satisfying crunch and savory goodness.
Give this recipe a try and let these delicious wings become your new go-to party snack! What’s your favorite sauce or rub for chicken wings? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below!
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