Skip to content

Baked Chicken Wings Recipe

If you love chicken wings but want a healthier baked version without the hassle of frying, this simple baked chicken wings recipe is for you. It uses just a few common ingredients to make juicy, crispy wings in under an hour.

Baked wings are the perfect party appetizer! Other favorites include BBQ meatballs, classic cheese ball and velveeta queso.

Baked chicken wings on a plate with celery.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read disclosure policy.

Crispy Baked Chicken Wings

Chicken wings are a classic party appetizers that everyone loves. We always make a plate of them along with little smokies, jalapeno poppers and pigs in a blanket for any game day celebration!

There’s something about crispy baked chicken wings coated in a delicious and tangy sauce that just screams the Super Bowl. Whether they are crispy buffalo wings, teriyaki chicken wings or lemon pepper wings they are tender, flavorful and addicting.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Healthy. Not using a deep fryer for oven chicken wings not only means less mess, but less fat and calories.
  • Easy. Only 5 minutes prep time are needed when baking chicken wings in the oven.
  • Crowd pleaser. Whether it’s Super Bowl appetizer, game night with friends, or you make them for your wing loving family, they are a winner!
  • Crispy. I’ve got you covered with all the tips on how to get crispy baked wings using your oven!

Recipe Ingredients

Only a few simple ingredients are required for these easy oven baked wings!

Patting chicken wings with paper towel on the counter.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  • Chicken wings: Fresh not frozen. They may be labeled as party wings.
  • Baking powder: This helps obtain a crispy skin.
  • Salt and black pepper: To season and taste.
  • Sauce: Optional, but recommended for brushing on the baked chicken wing after they come out of the oven.

Sauce for Chicken Wings

When it comes time to slather on your favorite sauce, these delicious options add the best flavor and make the chicken wings in the oven finger licking good!

How to Make Baked Chicken Wings

Showing how o make baked chicken wings in a 4 step collage.
  • Prep. Make sure the wing tip is removed and then separated into wings and drums. Then use a paper towel to pat the meat until completely dry.
  • Coat. Add spices in a zip top bag, shake to combine then place wings into the bag and shake until evenly coated. Place wings on an aluminum foil lined baking sheet place a wire rack on the pan if you’d like them less greasy.
  • Bake. Bake wings in oven at 425ºF for about 30 to 40 minutes. The skin should be golden and crispy. Flip halfway through so that both sides cook evenly.
  • Serve. Remove from oven and let wings rest on rack for a few minutes. Toss with your favorite sauce or serve plain with dipping sauces.
Brushing sauce on on chicken wings.

Tips for Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Wings

  • Dry completely. There shouldn’t be ANY moisture on the chicken skin before seasoning and baking. If the meat is wet, it won’t crisp. Use a paper towel to pat the skin completely dry before adding seasonings.
  • Bake on a rack. Instead of cooking wings directly on the baking sheet, place a rack on top of the sheet then place the wings in a single layer on the rack. Any grease will drip off and help skin achieve a crispy texture. It also helps distribute heat evenly and is best for easy clean up!
  • Baking powder. You may be wondering why the wings are coated in baking powder. This is another trick to a crispy texture! It helps them brown nicely and get extra crispy in the oven.
  • Flip halfway. Don’t forget to flip chicken wings in oven halfway through baking. This ensures that both sides will get perfectly crispy and delicious.

FAQs

What is the difference between whole wings vs. party wings?

Party wings are chicken wings that have already been split into wingettes (flats) and drumettes with tips removed. I usually buy whole wings that have already been split.

If your wings and drumsticks are not separated, you’ll need to cut them apart. Simply cut through the cartilage of the joint where the wing meets the drumstick.

How long does it take to bake chicken wings in the oven?

All ovens bake slightly different, but your wings should be crispy and ready within 30-40 minutes. Don’t forget to flip halfway through!

How to make chicken wings crispy?

Since we are not using flour, baking powder is essential to help this baked chicken wings recipe not only brown but obtain a nice crisp.

What temperature do I bake chicken wings?

The ideal temperature to obtain crispy baked wings is 425°F. At a higher temperature you are able to achieve that crispy texture without the need to fry them.

Should I season the wings before baking?

You totally can! Other than salt and pepper, smoked paprika, paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, or garlic powder are all good options. A dry-rub is also a great option.

Serving Suggestions

While you could make a main meal out of these, crispy baked wings are typically served as game day party food along with other appetizer dips. Here are a few favorites:

Chicken wings on a plate with celery with ranch.

Other popular finger foods I like to serve at game day parties include southwest egg rolls, cranberry meatballs and BBQ nachos!

More Game Day Appetizer Ideas

Browse all

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all the newest recipes!

Baked chicken wings on a plate with celery.

Oven Baked Chicken Wings Recipe

4.92 from 24 votes
↑ Click stars to rate now!
Author: Jamielyn Nye
If you love chicken wings but want a healthier baked version without the hassle of frying, this simple baked chicken wings recipe is for you. It uses just a few common ingredients to make juicy, crispy wings in under an hour.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 10

Video

Ingredients 

  • 1 ½ pounds chicken wings (about 20 fresh, not frozen)
  • 1 Tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper

For serving: Celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 425ºF. Line a baking sheet with foil and coat with non-stick cooking spray. Place a wire rack on the pan if you’d like them less greasy.
    • Make sure your wings tips are removed and separate into wings and drums if they are not already. Pat your wings dry with a paper towel. Make sure they are completely dry. 
    • Place the baking powder, salt and pepper in a zip top bag. Shake until combined. Then place the chicken in a ziptop bag and shake until coated. Place on top of the rack.
    • Bake for 30-40 minutes or until nice and crispy, flipping halfway. Let sit a few minutes and then brush on desired sauce. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 83kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 260mg | Potassium: 179mg | Fiber: 1g | Vitamin A: 54IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 57mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American

    Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

    Let’s connect

    Join our community of over 5 million!

    Featured on

    • Taste of Home
    • Martha Stewart
    • Country Living
    • BuzzFeed
    • Yahoo
    • Food Network
    • Today