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.
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Crispy Baked Chicken Wings
You can’t have a game day celebration without chicken wings! It’s one of those classic party appetizers that everyone loves. We always make a plate of them, along with bbq meatballs or little smokies, jalapeno poppers and pigs in a blanket.
With the big game coming up, I wanted to share one of the most popular game day appetizers out there: chicken wings! There’s something about crispy wings coated in a delicious and tangy sauce that just screams football (or any sport for that matter). They are so tender, flavorful and seriously addicting.
There are definitely LOTS of different ways to make them. Some of the most popular ways are to deep fry them, cook them in the crockpot or bake them. I love baking the chicken wings in oven because it is the EASIEST way to make them and you all know I love easy recipes. :)
Why This Recipe Works
- Healthy. Not using a deep fryer not only means less mess, but less fat and calories.
- Easy. Only 5 minutes prep time.
- 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 chicken wings using your oven!
Recipe Ingredients
Only a few simple ingredients are required for these easy baked chicken wings!
- 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, try any of the delicious options below. They add the best flavor and make the wings finger licking good!
- BBQ sauce: This is my favorite sauce to use. You can buy your favorite BBQ sauce or make my homemade BBQ sauce. Once the wings are done cooking, brush the sauce right on top liked I do in baked BBQ chicken.
- Buffalo sauce: This is one of the most famous sauces. It has a little bit of heat and adds great flavor. You can make your own buffalo sauce by whisking together 1/2 cup franks hot sauce with 1/4 cup melted butter. Or you can buy the franks version from the store.
- Teriyaki sauce: I like to buy Yoshida’s brand or make my own homemade teriyaki sauce. It adds the best sweet and salty flavor to the teriyaki chicken wings!
How to Bake Chicken Wings
- Prep. Start by cutting off the wing tips from the chicken wings. If the wings and drumsticks are not separated, you’ll need to cut those apart as well. Simply cut through the cartilage of the joint where the wing meets the drumstick. Then use a paper towel to pat the meat until completely dry.
- Coat. Add the spices in a zip top bag and shake until combined. Place the meat in the bag and shake until each piece is evenly coated. Then place the wings on an aluminum foil lined baking sheet. I like to place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet, then place my wings directly in a single layer on top of the rack. The wings are less greasy this way since the grease drips onto the baking sheet.
- Bake. Bake wings in oven at 425ºF for about 30 to 40 minutes. The skin should be golden and crispy. Don’t forget to flip halfway through so that both sides cook evenly.
- Serve. Remove from oven and let the wings sit on the rack for a few minutes. Then brush your favorite sauce on top. They also taste delicious plain with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing or honey mustard.
Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Wings Tips
- Dry completely. There shouldn’t be ANY moisture on the chicken skin before seasoning and baking. If the meat is still a little wet, it won’t crisp up like you want it to. So use a paper towel to pat the skin completely dry before adding the seasonings.
- Cook on a rack. This is key to a crispy texture! Instead of cooking the wings directly on a baking sheet, place a rack on top of the sheet and then place the wings on the rack. Any grease or liquid will drip off the rack onto the pan, which will help keep the skin crispy. This rack method also helps evenly distribute the heat on all sides of the meat. Plus it makes clean up WAY easier if you line the pan with foil.
- 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 up nicely and get extra crispy in the oven.
- Flip halfway. Don’t forget to flip them halfway through baking. This ensures that both sides will get perfectly crispy and delicious.
FAQs
All ovens bake slightly different, but your wings should be crispy and ready within 30-40 minutes. Don’t forget to flip halfway through!
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.
The ideal temperature to obtain crispy baked chicken wings is 425 degrees F. At a higher temperature you are able to achieve that crispy texture without the need to fry them.
You totally can! Other than salt and pepper, smoked paprika, paprika or garlic powder are all good options. I love this version of lemon pepper wings!
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
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Oven Baked Chicken Wings Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds chicken wings (about 20 fresh, not frozen)
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Optional Sauces
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
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: American, Appetizers, Low Carb, Mini appetizers, Super Bowl
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes for every occasion.
Yum! These were amazing. My new go-to recipe for wings!
My new favorite recipe for wings! With three teenage boys, I make them a lot! Thank you.
These were so tasty and surprisingly crispy. Nobody could believe they were baked! A big hit with my family…thank you!
Thanks Sam! Glad the baked chicken wings were a hit!
My kids devoured this so fast! I am making them again for the Superbowl!
I’m so glad it was a hit! :)
My boys are obsessed with wings. It’s such an easy dinner to throw together that everyone happily eats.
Perfect for super bowl sunday! Can’t wait to try these out.
Fantastic wings. Just finished making them Teriyaki sauce version and used the brand of sauce you’d suggested. Will be serving it with Saffron rice adorned with diced green onions and a side of salad. Can’t count the years that I’d been looking for a tasty wing recipe that is yummy, easy and not with ton of fat. Thank you so much. Love Love your blog.
I’m so glad you enjoyed them! Thanks for leaving a comment and review. :)
I made these wings last night for our superbowl party (I used the recipe in the bottom box vs. what was in the body of the post) and they were way too salty. I think you could get away without the salt since baking powder is inheritantly salty on its own.
Chicken wings are a must for a game day around here! I need to make these next!
I love all the wings! I could eat a new wing everyday! Have to try yours!
Hope you enjoy! :)
Have to be honest, never thought of putting baking powder on wings… have to try this soon, will update :D
Hope you enjoy! :)
Looks so addicting! Love how easy this recipe is and it’s insanely delicious, need to make this!
Mmmmmm….. these chicken wings are so mouthwatering! A must try recipe!
My husband prefers boneless “wings”. Do you think this would work with sections of breast meat tenders?
It will be a little different but it should work!
Great! My husband hates bake chicken, but I convinced him that these wouldn’t be the same and he loved them.
the recipe turned out exactly as promised. It was really delicious! A big hit with everyone!
This is the perfect way to make wings for the big game this weekend!! Love all the sauce ideas!