Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Recipe

If you dream of perfectly crispy wings straight from your oven—without the hassle or mess of deep-frying—this Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Recipe is for you! A lively blend of bold lemon pepper, smoked paprika, and a secret ingredient (psst: baking powder!) makes these wings extra crunchy and totally irresistible, whether it’s game day or just Tuesday night.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Recipe is its simplicity—just a handful of pantry staples and a couple of fresh touches transform humble wings into true flavor bombs. Every ingredient here is a building block for big taste, crowd-pleasing color, and that addictive, crackly finish!

• Cooking spray: Helps prevent sticking and ensures the wings crisp up all over—don’t skip it!
• 1 medium lemon: Fresh lemon zest brightens up the spice blend and makes the flavor pop.
• 2 tablespoons baking powder: This is the game-changing trick for ultra-crispy skin without frying.
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning: Brings lively, citrusy zing and classic wing flavor—choose your favorite, but check the salt content.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds savory depth to every bite.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: For extra oomph and subtle sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Delivers a smoky, gorgeous color that makes these wings irresistible.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (if using no-salt lemon pepper): Balances the flavors, but adjust if your lemon pepper already contains salt.
• 4 pounds party chicken wings (36 to 44 separated pieces): The star of the show, ready to grab every last shred of flavor and turn golden in the oven.

Variations

The Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Recipe is just the starting line—feel free to swap things in and out to match your dietary needs, what’s in your pantry, or the cravings of your favorite eaters! You can spice things up or tone them down with just a couple of tweaks.

• Spicy Buffalo Style: Toss the baked wings in your favorite hot sauce-butter combo for a classic, spicy finish.
• Parmesan Garlic: Skip the lemon pepper and, after baking, shower the wings with freshly grated Parmesan and minced garlic.
• Sweet & Smoky Honey Glaze: Brush with honey and a touch of additional smoked paprika during the last few minutes of baking for sweet, glossy wings.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute aluminum-free, gluten-free baking powder to keep the crunch while making this recipe safe for gluten sensitivities.

How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans

Start by arranging two racks to divide your oven into thirds and crank the heat to 425°F (218°C). Line two rimmed baking sheets with foil for easy cleanup, then place a wire rack inside each pan. Give the racks a generous coating of cooking spray—this simple step helps air circulate around every wing, making them extra crispy.

Step 2: Make the Zesty, Crispy Coating

Grab a medium lemon and finely grate the zest—you’ll want about 2 teaspoons. In a large bowl, combine the zest, baking powder, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt (see note about your lemon pepper blend). Whisk it all together so every flavor is perfectly distributed. The aroma alone will get your appetite going!

Step 3: Dry and Toss the Wings

Pat the chicken wings completely dry with plenty of paper towels—don’t skimp! This step is key to that sought-after crispy skin. Add the wings to the big bowl of spices and toss them around so every nook and cranny is coated with your flavor-packed mixture.

Step 4: Arrange and Bake

Spread the wings out on your prepared racks, leaving about half an inch between each so the hot air can get around them. Slide the trays into the oven and bake, flipping the wings every 20 minutes. This ensures even browning and crispiness. In about 35–40 minutes, you’ll see golden, crackly perfection.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Let the wings rest just a minute or two before devouring (trust me, it’s hard to wait!). Serve hot, with your favorite dipping sauces—classic ranch, blue cheese, or something wild you love. The Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Recipe guarantees empty plates in no time!

How to Serve Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Recipe

Garnishes

There’s something magical about finishing these crispy wings with a gentle shower of fresh lemon zest or a sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley. The extra pop of citrus and touch of green not only make the Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Recipe extra vibrant, but also amp up the freshness factor in every bite.

Side Dishes

For the ultimate wing spread, classic celery sticks and carrot ribbons add crunch and coolness. Or go big with a tray of homemade potato wedges, crispy coleslaw, or a simple, zesty salad to balance out the bold flavors of the wings.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful and serve your wings on a big platter with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or spicy mayo. For parties, try skewering a few wings on wooden sticks or arrange them upright in mason jars with veggie sticks for a fun, grab-and-go presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If (and that’s a big if!) you have any wings leftover, cool them down before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days—perfect for a quick snack or next-day lunch.

Freezing

The Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Recipe freezes beautifully! Arrange the cooled wings in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then store in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. This way, you can reheat just a few at a time without clumping.

Reheating

To bring back that heavenly crunch, pop the wings on a wire rack in a 400°F oven for about 10–12 minutes. They’ll come out hot and nearly as crispy as the day you made them—way better than microwaving!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Give this Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Recipe a try, and you’ll see just how easy—and delicious—homemade wings can be. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just treating yourself, these wings are sure to steal the show and spark plenty of smiles around your table. Happy cooking!

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