Oven Baked Chicken Wings

• The perfect appetizer or “appetizer for dinner” to feed a few people or a crowd.
• They are the healthier option! This chicken wings recipe is not only packed with protein, but they are healthier than wings deep-fried in oil.
• Versatile- dip them, sauce them, or season them how you want. Heck you can even eat them plain, the possibilities are endless!
• Crispy every single time, if you follow my method and use baking powder.

Oven Baked Chicken Wings Ingredients

These crispy chicken wings require 5 basic ingredients. Here are a few notes on them:

• Chicken Wings: Look for the wings labeled “party style” or “party wings.” These have the wingettes and drumettes separated which will save you time cutting the two apart. If you need help on how to cut whole chicken wings, I included instructions in the next section.
• All- Purpose Flour: Any brand of unbleached flour works great. I cannot recommend any other types of flour, they have not been tested.
• Baking Powder: This what makes the wings even crispier, so don’t skip it! Baking powder changes the chemistry of the chicken skin making it even crunchier as it heats and bakes. I like Bob’s Red Mill because there is no added aluminum in it.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasoning in any dish, including wings.

Cutting Whole Chicken Wings

If you happened to buy chicken wings that have the wingette and drumette connected, you will want to separate them. This makes them easier to cook and even easier to eat.

All you need to do is use sharp kitchen shears or a knife and cut through the joint that separates the two. You may have to loosen the joint a bit first to make cutting easier. Avoid this step all together by buying party wings that are already pre cut into wingettes and drumettes.

Equipment Needed

• Large Baking Sheet lined with aluminum foil (makes for an easier cleanup). I like these ones because they come in 3 different sizes and the wire racks are included.
• Wire Rack which is placed on top of the baking sheet so the wings can get crispy on all sides without having to flip them.
• Kitchen Tongs are great for tossing the wings in the sauce and placing them on the wire rack.
• Meat Thermometer like this digital one for measuring the temperature and doneness of the chicken wings.

How To Make Oven Baked Chicken Wings

These chicken wings baked are such a breeze! They take only minutes to prep and the rest of the time they are getting crispy in the oven.

1. Remove chicken wings from the refrigerator and allow them to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
2. Prep the wings by patting them dry with a paper towel. Then toss them in flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Arrange on a rack lined baking sheet, in a single layer with some space.
4. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden and crispy.
5. Serve immediately (plain, with dipping sauces on the side, or tossed in sauce)

Notes On The Internal Temperature

The internal temperature of chicken wings should be cooked to 165° F. At this point the exterior will be crispy skin and a light golden brown color. The interior juices will run clear and the meat will be a white color.

For accuracy I recommend using a digital meat thermometer with the probe stuck into the thickest part of the chicken wing. Again, it should read 165° F.

Storing and Reheating Information

If you have any leftover wings, they should be stored in an airtight container and in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat any leftover chicken wings, just place them on a rack lined baking sheet and bake at 425 °F (218 °C) until warmed through and crispy again, about 10 minutes.

Fun Variations and Sauces You Have To Try

There are so many ways you can jazz up these crispy chicken wings.

Change up the spices: If you want more than boring ole salt and pepper you can add your favorite BBQ rub, paprika, garlic powder, or other spices to season the wings.

Dip them in: Horseradish Aioli, Sriracha Aioli, ranch, Chipotle Southwest Sauce, blue cheese dressing, Hot Honey Sauce, honey mustard, Alabama White Sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Coat them in: Apple Butter BBQ Sauce, buffalo sauce, Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce, garlic parmesan sauce, Blackberry BBQ Sauce, this easy hoisin sauce, or other barbecue sauces.

Sauce and bake again for deep flavor: Garlic Butter Parmesan, Honey Lemon Pepper, or Salt and Pepper crispy wings!

If you own an air fryer, check out this recipe from my friend Chrissie for Air Fryer Chicken Wings.

5 Tips To Make Them SUPER Crispy

If you want the crispiest chicken wings without having to fry them, follow these 5 tips. I guarantee they will make all the difference.

1. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Doing this takes the chill off and promotes a more even bake.

2. Pat the wings dry with paper towels. This removes any excess moisture. Moisture is the enemy to crispy wings!

3. Don’t skip the baking powder it raises the pH of the chicken skin and increases the likelihood of browning. If you’re interested in the science, once the skin hits high heat it creates CO2 bubbles that break down the skin and boosts crispiness.

4. Always use high heat to bake chicken wings. Wings should always be baked at very high heat, this is what makes the skin crispy and crunchy. Baking wings at 450 °F (232 °C) and 425 °F (218 °C) results in the best tasting wings. I know this seems very hot and it can be tempting to turn the heat down, but don’t.

5. Bake them on a wire rack lined baking sheet. The space between the baking rack and baking sheet will crisp the underside of the wings. If you bake your wings directly on the baking sheet you will need to flip them half way through the bake time.

Fun Food to Serve With Your Oven Baked Chicken Wings:

Oven Baked Chicken Wings can be served as a quick dinner or part of an appetizer spread for parties and game day. Here are a few of my favorite recipes to make with these wings.

• Jalapeno Artichoke Dip
• Lemon Feta Fries
• Chili Cheese Nachos
• Green Onion Dip
• Smashed Fingerling Potatoes
• Olive Dip
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders
• Chicken Lime Taquitos
• Buffalo Crab Dip
• English Pea Salad

Or browse all my party and game day appetizers here (I HAVE TONS)! You can also check out all my side dishes here (if you are serving these as a meal).