Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Recipe

Get ready to experience pure finger-licking joy with this Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Recipe! It’s everything we love about wings—crunchy skin, juicy meat, and bold, zesty flavor—delivered right from your oven, no deep fryer needed. If you’ve ever dreamed of the ultimate game day snack or a perfect party platter that steals the show, these wings will have everyone circling back for seconds (and thirds!).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Crispy Perfection—Baked, Not Fried: Thanks to a magical baking powder technique, you’ll enjoy ultra-crispy skin without a single drop of oil splatter.
  • Bold, Zesty Lemon-Pepper Flavor: Fresh lemon zest and savory spices combine to deliver wings that are impossibly craveable and full of bright, punchy flavor in every bite.
  • Party-Ready and Effortless: The Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Recipe is an absolute lifesaver for gatherings—no need to babysit a fryer, and clean-up is a breeze with lined pans!
  • Juicy, Tender Inside: Even though the wings bake up shatteringly crisp on the outside, every bite stays irresistibly juicy and tender.
Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Recipe is just how simple, yet essential, each ingredient truly is. Every element works its magic—contributing crunch, tang, or a punch of flavor—to deliver totally unforgettable wings.

  • Cooking spray: Keeps the wings from sticking, and helps promote maximum crispiness by allowing the heat to circulate around every angle.
  • 1 medium lemon: Freshly grated lemon zest adds a pop of citrusy brightness that makes these wings sing.
  • 2 tablespoons baking powder: This is the not-so-secret weapon that gives the wings that wonderful restaurant-style, ultra-crisp exterior—just double check it’s aluminum-free!
  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning: Delivers that signature zesty, peppery flavor—taste your seasoning first, as some brands add salt (which may affect what you need).
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a deep, savory base note to balance the lemon’s tang.
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder: Brings sweet, subtle warmth and complexity to the wings.
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses the wings with a gentle smokiness and rich color.
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (if using no-salt lemon pepper): Essential for drawing out all the flavors—skip if your lemon pepper is already salty.
  • 4 pounds party chicken wings (36 to 44 separated pieces): These “party” wings are already separated into flats and drumettes, so they’re ready to season and bake.
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

The Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Recipe is endlessly customizable—think of it as your blank, shatteringly crisp canvas! It’s so easy to swap flavors or tweak seasonings, no matter your cravings or dietary needs.

  • Buffalo-Style: Toss baked wings in your favorite hot sauce-butter mixture right before serving for that classic spicy punch.
  • Honey Garlic: Brush freshly baked wings with a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and extra garlic for a sweet-savory glaze everyone loves.
  • Herb & Parm: Sprinkle wings with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley for an Italian twist after baking.
  • Gluten-Free Wings: Substitute aluminum-free gluten-free baking powder to make these wings safe for everyone.

How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven & Baking Trays

Start by heating your oven to 425℉ and positioning two racks to divide it into thirds—this way, all your wings get even, golden heat and come out perfectly crisp. Line two rimmed baking sheets with foil for easy cleanup, then place a wire rack inside each and generously coat them with cooking spray to keep the wings from sticking.

Step 2: Mix Your Lemon-Pepper Coating

Finely grate your lemon until you have a vibrant, fragrant 2 teaspoons of zest. Combine the zest in a large bowl with baking powder, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt (if needed). Give everything a good whisk so the flavors are perfectly woven together.

Step 3: Dry and Coat the Wings

For *maximum* crisp, be sure to pat every wing absolutely dry using paper towels—this step is crucial! Add the wings to the spice bowl and toss thoroughly, making sure every piece is evenly coated in that magical lemon-pepper mix.

Step 4: Arrange & Bake

Lay the coated wings out on your prepared wire racks, leaving a little space between each piece for air to circulate (no soggy sides here!). Slide both pans into the oven and bake, flipping all the wings every 20 minutes so they crisp evenly. After about 35–40 minutes, you’re rewarded with the most gloriously golden, crispy baked chicken wings recipe you’ve ever tasted.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

When your wings are deeply browned and audibly crunchy, pull them from the oven and get ready to serve them piping hot. Don’t forget your favorite dipping sauce—ranch, blue cheese, or even extra lemon wedges all work beautifully.

Pro Tips for Making Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Recipe

  • Double-Rack Placement: Using two racks in your oven ensures that heat circulates freely around every wing, producing even browning and unbeatable crispness.
  • Ultra-Dry Wings: Before tossing with the spice mixture, pat each wing as dry as possible—moisture is the enemy of crunch, so don’t skip this!
  • Flip for Even Crunch: Turning the wings every 20 minutes means both sides get equally golden and crispy, instead of one soggy underside.
  • Baking Powder Matters: Be sure to use aluminum-free baking powder for the best flavor and texture—this is the magic ingredient that gives the recipe its signature shatter!

How to Serve Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Recipe

Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For that restaurant-worthy finish, you can scatter freshly chopped parsley, a little extra grated lemon zest, or even a pinch of flaky sea salt over the wings right before serving. Each garnish adds a pop of color and amps up the already fantastic flavor—plus, it looks so inviting on the table!

Side Dishes

Pair your wings with crunchy celery and carrot sticks (classic!), a crisp green salad, oven-roasted potato wedges, or even creamy coleslaw. The brightness and texture of the sides create the perfect contrast to the bold, zesty crunch of the crispy baked chicken wings recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring the fun to your spread by arranging the wings on a big platter with small bowls of assorted dipping sauces—think ranch, blue cheese, spicy aioli, or even a homemade lemon-garlic vinaigrette. For parties, pile them high “wing bar” style with little flags or colored toothpicks for each flavor variation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Store the wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. They make the best grab-and-go lunch or snack—and they stay surprisingly crisp even after cooling down.

Freezing

The Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Recipe is also great for freezing! Let the wings cool completely, then spread them on a tray and freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer bag. This prevents sticking and helps maintain their amazing texture.

Reheating

For the best re-crisping magic, reheat wings in a 400℉ oven for about 10 minutes, or until hot and sizzling. The skin re-crisps perfectly—so much better than a microwave, which can leave the coating sad and limp.

FAQs

  1. Can I use whole chicken wings instead of party wings?

    Absolutely! Just cut each whole wing into three pieces (drumette, flat, and tip), and discard or save the wing tips for making homemade chicken stock. You’ll get the same irresistible results with a little extra prep.

  2. Why does baking powder make chicken wings crispy?

    The baking powder draws out moisture from the chicken skin and creates little bubbles that shatter and crisp up as they bake. Just make sure you’re using aluminum-free baking powder for the best taste and crunch.

  3. Can I make this recipe with different seasonings?

    Of course! The base technique of the Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Recipe works with any spice blend you love—try Cajun, BBQ rub, jerk seasoning, or a simple garlic-parmesan mix.

  4. How do I keep the wings crispy if I’m serving a crowd?

    Keep your wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet in a low (200℉) oven, uncovered, while you finish baking the rest. This keeps them hot and crunchy until you’re ready to serve!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to treat yourself to the ultimate at-home wings, this Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Recipe won’t let you down. Every bite delivers crackling, zesty perfection that’s just begging for a dip (or two). Gather your favorite people, whip up a batch, and let the praise roll in—these wings were made for sharing!

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Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Recipe

Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 575 reviews
  • Author: Villerius
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer, Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Enjoy these Crispy Baked Chicken Wings coated in a zesty spice mix for a flavorful and healthier alternative to traditional fried wings. Perfect for game day, parties, or a delicious weeknight meal!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Wings:

  • Cooking spray
  • 1 medium lemon
  • 2 tablespoons baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (if using no-salt lemon pepper)
  • 4 pounds party chicken wings (36 to 44 separated pieces)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oven: Arrange 2 racks in the oven and preheat to 425°F. Line baking sheets with foil and place wire racks on top, coated with cooking spray.
  2. Mix the Seasonings: In a large bowl, combine lemon zest, baking powder, lemon pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt (if needed).
  3. Coat the Wings: Pat dry the chicken wings, toss in the spice mix until coated, and place on the prepared baking sheets.
  4. Bake: Bake the wings, flipping every 20 minutes, until crispy and cooked through, about 35-40 minutes.
  5. Serve: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • If using whole wings, cut into pieces before seasoning.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 wing
  • Calories: 80
  • Sugar: 0.1g
  • Sodium: 230mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0.3g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

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