Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings are the ultimate savory treat for any wing lover. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these wings are coated in a luxurious garlic butter sauce and finished with a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. Unlike traditional buffalo wings, this recipe skips the heat and instead delivers rich, buttery, and garlicky goodness with every bite.
Whether you’re making them for a game night, family gathering, or simply a delicious snack, these wings never fail to impress. Their golden crispness, combined with the irresistible flavor of garlic and Parmesan, makes them a standout dish that’s both indulgent and comforting.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings because they perfectly balance crispiness and flavor without needing deep-frying. The aroma of freshly minced garlic melting into butter, followed by a sprinkle of nutty Parmesan cheese, is pure comfort. Every bite feels like a burst of savory, garlicky satisfaction.
Another reason I love this recipe is its versatility. You can bake, air-fry, or grill the wings depending on your preference — and they always turn out fantastic. Plus, they’re a crowd favorite at every party. They deliver a restaurant-quality experience right from your kitchen, and they’re so simple to make!
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
This dish is a must-try because it’s a perfect combination of flavors and textures:
- Crispy wings without deep frying.
- Rich buttery garlic sauce that coats every piece.
- Savory Parmesan that adds depth and a hint of saltiness.
- Incredibly easy to prepare — no complicated ingredients or techniques.
It’s the ideal finger food for any occasion, satisfying even those who prefer milder flavors over spicy ones. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become your go-to wings for every gathering or indulgent night in.
Recipe Details
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35–40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings (about 2 lbs wings)
- Calories: Approximately 420 kcal per serving
- Course: Appetizer / Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Wings:
- 2 lbs (900 g) chicken wings, split and tips removed
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (for crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Cooking Directions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil, then place a wire rack on top.
- Prepare the wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss them with baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
- Bake the wings: Arrange wings on the rack in a single layer. Bake for 40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Make the garlic butter sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (do not burn). Stir in salt and pepper.
- Coat the wings: Remove wings from the oven and place them in a large mixing bowl. Pour the garlic butter sauce over them and toss well. Add grated Parmesan and toss again until evenly coated.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. This allows the wings to cook evenly and stay crispy.
Step 2: Season the Wings
Pat the chicken wings completely dry — moisture prevents crispiness. In a large bowl, mix baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Add wings and toss until fully coated.
Step 3: Bake the Wings
Place wings on the rack in a single layer, leaving space between each one. Bake for 20 minutes, then flip and bake for another 20 minutes or until they’re crispy and golden.
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
While the wings are baking, melt butter in a small saucepan. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant but not browned. Stir in a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 5: Toss with Parmesan
Once wings are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the garlic butter over them, toss well, then add Parmesan cheese and toss again until fully coated.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped parsley and extra Parmesan before serving. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
How to Serve
Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings hot as an appetizer, side dish, or main course. Pair them with:
- Celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Garlic bread or fries
- A light salad to balance the richness
They’re perfect for parties, game nights, or casual family dinners.
Recipe Tips
- Pat the wings dry: This step is crucial for crispiness.
- Use baking powder, not baking soda: It helps achieve that golden crunch.
- Flip halfway through baking: Ensures even cooking and crisp texture.
- Don’t overcook the garlic: Burnt garlic turns bitter; sauté only until fragrant.
- Serve immediately: The wings are best when fresh out of the oven for maximum crispiness.
Variations
- Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings:
Cook wings at 380°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes in an air fryer, flipping halfway through. Toss in the same garlic butter and Parmesan mixture afterward. - Spicy Garlic Parmesan Wings:
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter for a mild kick. - Honey Garlic Parmesan Wings:
Stir in 1 tablespoon of honey with the garlic butter for a sweet-salty combination. - Grilled Version:
Grill wings over medium-high heat for 10–12 minutes per side, then toss in the garlic Parmesan sauce. - Herb Infused Version:
Mix fresh rosemary, thyme, or basil into the butter sauce for added aroma and complexity.
Freezing and Storage
Refrigeration:
- Store leftover wings in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes until crispy again.
Freezing:
- You can freeze cooked wings for up to 2 months.
- Reheat directly from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes.
- Do not freeze the sauce separately; instead, make fresh garlic butter when reheating.
Special Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack (for even cooking)
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan (for garlic butter)
- Tongs or spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings are a sensational dish that combines simplicity, flavor, and texture into one irresistible bite. Each wing is crispy, coated in buttery garlic goodness, and sprinkled with rich Parmesan for that perfect umami punch.
They’re ideal for entertaining guests, game-day spreads, or satisfying your own cravings for something savory and indulgent. With easy steps, versatile cooking methods, and crowd-pleasing flavor, this recipe proves that great food doesn’t need to be complicated. Once you try them, these wings will easily earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
Description
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings are the ultimate savory treat for any wing lover. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these wings are coated in a luxurious garlic butter sauce and finished with a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
For the Wings:
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
Instructions
-
Step 1: Preheat and Prep : Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. This allows the wings to cook evenly and stay crispy.
-
Step 2: Season the Wings : Pat the chicken wings completely dry — moisture prevents crispiness. In a large bowl, mix baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Add wings and toss until fully coated.
-
Step 3: Bake the Wings : Place wings on the rack in a single layer, leaving space between each one. Bake for 20 minutes, then flip and bake for another 20 minutes or until they’re crispy and golden.
-
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce : While the wings are baking, melt butter in a small saucepan. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant but not browned. Stir in a pinch of salt and pepper.
-
Step 5: Toss with Parmesan : Once wings are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the garlic butter over them, toss well, then add Parmesan cheese and toss again until fully coated.
-
Step 6: Garnish and Serve : Sprinkle chopped parsley and extra Parmesan before serving. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
