Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings | Easy and Delicious Recipe
1. Introduction
Who doesn’t love a plate of crispy, savory chicken wings? Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings take this classic dish to the next level, offering the perfect combination of garlicky goodness and rich, melty parmesan. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a cozy dinner at home, or indulging in some comfort food, these wings are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
What makes these wings stand out is the golden crispy texture, which is complemented by the savory depth of garlic and the sharpness of parmesan cheese. They are quick and easy to make, and the flavor is so addictive, it’s hard to stop at just one. These wings are perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight meals to game day snacks, and you can even customize them to your taste.
In this recipe, I’ll walk you through the process of making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings, from selecting the best ingredients to assembling the perfect wings. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll find this recipe simple to follow and incredibly rewarding. Let’s dive into this flavorful journey!
2. Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll need to make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings:
Main Ingredients:
- Chicken Wings (10-12 pieces)
The star of the dish! Chicken wings are tender on the inside, crispy on the outside, and ideal for holding onto flavor.
Tip: Choose fresh wings or thaw frozen wings before cooking for the best texture. - Olive Oil (2 tablespoons)
Olive oil helps crisp up the wings during baking and adds a rich flavor without being too heavy.
Substitution: You can use vegetable oil if you prefer a more neutral taste. - Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
Fresh garlic adds an aromatic, savory punch to the wings.
Tip: For an even stronger garlic flavor, feel free to add more garlic or use garlic powder as well. - Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, grated)
The parmesan cheese brings a salty, umami flavor that pairs beautifully with the garlic. It also adds to the wings’ rich texture.
Tip: Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melt and flavor. - Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons)
Butter adds richness and helps to coat the wings in a silky garlic parmesan sauce.
Substitution: You can use a plant-based butter for a dairy-free version. - Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon)
Italian seasoning is a blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, adding a savory depth of flavor to the wings.
Tip: If you don’t have Italian seasoning, a pinch of oregano and thyme will do the trick. - Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon)
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness and balances the richness of the garlic and parmesan.
Substitution: Lime juice is a good alternative if you prefer a different citrus flavor. - Salt and Pepper (to taste)
These basic seasonings bring out the flavors in the wings and the garlic-parmesan sauce.
Tip: Season generously for optimal flavor, especially if you’re using unsalted butter.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings from scratch:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help the wings cook quickly while achieving a crispy texture on the outside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Wings
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step is crucial because removing excess moisture ensures the wings get crispy while cooking. Once dry, season the wings with salt and pepper to taste.
Tip: For extra crispy wings, consider tossing the wings in a little cornstarch before baking.
Step 3: Coat the Wings in Oil
Place the wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack. Drizzle the wings with olive oil and toss them gently to coat each wing evenly.
Tip: Use a wire rack for the best results – it allows air to circulate around the wings, ensuring they cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.
Step 4: Bake the Wings
Bake the wings in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crispiness. You’ll know the wings are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Tip: If you want extra crispy wings, broil them for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 5: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
While the wings are baking, melt unsalted butter in a small pan over low heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Once the garlic is fragrant, remove from heat and stir in the parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Add lemon juice to brighten the sauce and mix until everything is combined into a smooth sauce.
Step 6: Toss the Wings in the Sauce
Once the wings are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Then, transfer the wings to a large bowl and pour the garlic-parmesan sauce over them. Toss the wings gently until they are well-coated in the sauce.
Tip: If you like extra sauce, you can double the sauce recipe for more flavor.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings immediately, garnished with extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. These wings go perfectly with a side of ranch dressing or a blue cheese dip.
4. Tips and Variations
Tips for the Best Wings:
- Pat the wings dry before cooking. This simple step will ensure your wings get as crispy as possible.
- Use a wire rack for even cooking and crispier results. If you don’t have one, parchment paper works fine too.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Make sure the wings are spread out in a single layer so they cook evenly.
Variations:
- Spicy Garlic Parmesan Wings:
Add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the creamy garlic-parmesan combo. - Buffalo Garlic Parmesan Wings:
For a tangy twist, toss the wings in buffalo sauce before coating them in the garlic parmesan sauce. - Vegetarian Option:
Swap the chicken wings for cauliflower florets for a delicious vegetarian version of these wings. Simply coat the cauliflower in oil and bake as you would with the chicken wings.
5. Serving Suggestions
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings are perfect on their own, but here are a few ideas for sides and pairings:
- Sides:
- Crispy Fries or Sweet Potato Fries for a classic combo.
- Coleslaw for a crunchy, creamy contrast to the spicy wings.
- Garlic Bread to dip in any extra garlic-parmesan sauce.
- Crispy Fries or Sweet Potato Fries for a classic combo.
- Pairing Drinks:
- Pair these wings with an ice-cold beer or a zesty lemon-lime soda for the ultimate flavor experience.
- For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with a twist of lemon or lime is refreshing.
- Pair these wings with an ice-cold beer or a zesty lemon-lime soda for the ultimate flavor experience.
6. Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storing Leftovers:
- Allow the wings to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked wings for up to 1 month. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Reheating:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the wings on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.
- Microwave: While not ideal for crispiness, you can microwave the wings for about 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
7. Recipe Notes
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the wings ahead of time by seasoning and refrigerating them until ready to bake.
- Extra Sauce: If you love sauce, feel free to make extra garlic-parmesan sauce to drizzle over the wings when serving.
- Baking Tip: If you want extra crispy wings, broil them for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
8. Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 320 |
| Fat | 23g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Carbs | 4g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Protein | 29g |
| Sodium | 950mg |
| Cholesterol | 180mg |
| Calcium | 150mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
9. Recipe Card Summary
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken wings, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 8-10 corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
Instructions:
- Prepare shrimp and toss with taco seasoning.
- Make creamy sauce with yogurt, mayo, garlic powder, and hot sauce.
- Sauté shrimp in olive oil until cooked through.
- Warm tortillas and assemble tacos.
- Add cabbage, avocado, cilantro, and drizzle with sauce.
- Serve with lime wedges.
Notes:
- Use gluten-free tortillas for a gluten-free version.
- Add extra protein like grilled chicken or beans for a heartier taco.
Nutrition:
Calories: 250 | Fat: 14g | Carbs: 12g | Protein: 22g
10. Final Thoughts or CONCLUSION
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings are the perfect combination of bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and satisfying textures. Whether you’re looking to spice up your Taco Tuesday or serve up something unique for your next dinner gathering, these tacos will impress. Enjoy them with your favorite sides, drinks, and garnishes, and let me know how they turn out in the comments below!