Can I use chicken drumsticks instead of wings?

Absolutely! Drumsticks work beautifully with this recipe, but they'll need a bit more cooking time. I'd suggest about 10-15 minutes longer in the oven, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

How can I make these wings extra crispy?

For ultimate crispiness, try tossing the wings with 1-2 teaspoons of baking powder (not soda!) along with your spice mix. The baking powder changes the pH of the chicken skin, helping it crisp up beautifully. Also, make sure your wings are completely dry before seasoning.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

I wouldn't recommend it. This sauce really shines when freshly made, as the butter can solidify when refrigerated. However, you can measure and prep all the ingredients ahead of time, making the sauce assembly quick and easy when needed.

What's the best way to tell when wings are done cooking?

The most reliable method is using an instant-read thermometer – wings should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Visually, they should have golden, crispy skin and the meat should pull away from the bone easily.

Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe

Name: Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; 2 pounds chicken wings; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, finely minced; 3 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

These Garlic Parmesan Wings are a game-changer for your appetizer lineup! Perfectly crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated with a rich, buttery garlic parmesan sauce that will have everyone licking their fingers. Unlike traditional buffalo wings, these offer a more sophisticated flavor profile that’s just as addictive but without the heat. Trust me, these wings will disappear faster than you can say “pass the napkins!”

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No Deep Frying Needed: These wings get wonderfully crispy in the oven, meaning less mess and a healthier result without sacrificing that perfect texture.
Crowd-Pleaser: I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t love these wings. The garlic-parmesan combo is universally appealing and perfect for guests who don’t enjoy spicy foods.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry already, making this an easy go-to recipe when you need something impressive without a special shopping trip.
Customizable: The basic method stays the same, but you can easily adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Wings: The star of the show! Look for plump, fresh wings. If you buy whole wings, you can separate them at the joint or leave them whole for a more impressive presentation.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish and helps create that perfect crispy skin.
Black Pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the seasoning blend.
Garlic Powder: Infuses the wings with garlic flavor from the inside out as they bake.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor that complements the garlic and parmesan beautifully.
Olive Oil: Helps the wings crisp up in the oven and allows the seasonings to adhere better.
Butter: Creates the base for our luscious sauce, adding richness and helping the garlic and cheese cling to the wings.
Fresh Garlic: Nothing beats the aroma and flavor of freshly minced garlic in the sauce. It’s more vibrant than the garlic powder used in the rub.
Fresh Chives: Adds a mild onion flavor and beautiful green color contrast to the finished dish.
Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated for the best flavor and texture. The pre-grated stuff just doesn’t melt the same way!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Spicy Garlic Parmesan Wings

Add 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the sauce for a kick that balances the richness of the parmesan.

Lemon Garlic Parmesan Wings

Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the sauce for a bright, citrusy twist that cuts through the richness.

Herb-Loaded Wings

Mix in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the sauce for an aromatic variation.

Air Fryer Method

Cook wings at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll be extra crispy!

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Wings

Step 1: Prepare Your Setup

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil (this makes cleanup so much easier!) and place a wire rack on top. The rack is crucial for allowing air to circulate around the wings, giving you that coveted crispy texture on all sides.

Step 2: Season the Wings

In a small bowl, mix together kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until well combined. Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels – this is a critical step for crispy wings! Toss the wings with the spice mixture, making sure each piece is evenly coated.

Step 3: Arrange and Oil

Spread the seasoned wings out on the wire rack, giving them plenty of space between each piece. Avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming rather than crisping. Drizzle olive oil over the wings to help them get that golden crispiness.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the wings for 45-50 minutes until they’re cooked through and the skin has turned deliciously crispy. You might want to rotate the pan halfway through for even cooking.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

When the wings are almost done, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the minced garlic, chopped chives, and half of the Parmesan cheese. The residual heat will warm the garlic just enough to release its flavor without burning it.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Transfer the hot wings to a large bowl, pour the prepared sauce over them, and toss until every wing is thoroughly coated. Serve immediately, garnishing with the remaining Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor boost and visual appeal.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Dry Wings Thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Take the time to really pat those wings dry.
Use a Wire Rack: This allows hot air to circulate under the wings, ensuring they crisp up on all sides.
Don’t Rush the Baking: Wings need time to render their fat and develop a crispy exterior. Patience pays off!
Freshly Grate Your Cheese: Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
Add Garlic Off-Heat: Adding garlic to already-hot butter prevents it from burning and becoming bitter.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

These wings are fantastic with classic sides like celery sticks and carrot sticks. The cool crunchiness perfectly complements the rich, savory wings. Consider serving with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Make it a Meal

Turn these appetizer wings into a complete meal by serving alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts.

Game Day Spread

For the ultimate game day experience, serve these wings alongside other finger foods like loaded potato skins, spinach artichoke dip, or mozzarella sticks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow end up with leftover wings (a rare occurrence in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop nicely as they sit.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked wings before adding the sauce. Arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating

For the best texture when reheating, place the wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet and heat in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. Microwaving will make them soggy, so avoid that if possible!

Note: If you’re reheating wings that have already been sauced, you may want to make a fresh batch of sauce to toss them in after reheating, as the original sauce may have been absorbed or broken down.

FAQs

Can I use chicken drumsticks instead of wings?

Absolutely! Drumsticks work beautifully with this recipe, but they’ll need a bit more cooking time. I’d suggest about 10-15 minutes longer in the oven, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
How can I make these wings extra crispy?

For ultimate crispiness, try tossing the wings with 1-2 teaspoons of baking powder (not soda!) along with your spice mix. The baking powder changes the pH of the chicken skin, helping it crisp up beautifully. Also, make sure your wings are completely dry before seasoning.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

I wouldn’t recommend it. This sauce really shines when freshly made, as the butter can solidify when refrigerated. However, you can measure and prep all the ingredients ahead of time, making the sauce assembly quick and easy when needed.
What’s the best way to tell when wings are done cooking?

The most reliable method is using an instant-read thermometer – wings should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Visually, they should have golden, crispy skin and the meat should pull away from the bone easily.

Final Thoughts

These Garlic Parmesan Wings have become my go-to recipe whenever I need to impress without stress. They strike that perfect balance of being special enough for gatherings yet simple enough for a random Tuesday night craving. The combination of crispy wings with that buttery, garlicky, cheesy sauce is honestly irresistible. Give them a try – I’m willing to bet they’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation too!