Oven Baked Chicken Wings
The ultimate comfort food, Oven Baked Chicken Wings are crispy, spicy, and just the thing for your next gathering. Perfect for game nights or cozy dinners, they're easy to make and absolutely delicious. Try them tonight!
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Oven
- Whisk
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 2.5-3 pounds chicken wings trimmed, often called party wings
- 2 teaspoons baking powder aluminum-free
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 5 ounces cayenne pepper sauce like Frank's RedHot Original
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 3 1/2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 450 degrees F. This high temperature is crucial for crispy wings.
- Set a baking rack on a large rimmed baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the wings, leading to even cooking and crispiness. Spray the rack with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Take your chicken wings and use paper towels to thoroughly squeeze and dry every single one. The drier they are, the crispier they will get. It’s an essential step you shouldn’t skip!
- In a large bowl, mix together the baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Add the wings to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly with the mixture. Make sure each wing is well covered.
- Lay the wings out on the baking rack in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch each other. This space allows for better airflow, promoting a crispy texture.
- Bake the wings in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. They’ll begin to look golden brown and crispy.
- After 30 minutes, use tongs to flip the wings over carefully. Bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until they’re very brown and crispy.
- While the wings are baking, prepare the sauce. Set a small saucepot over medium heat and add the cayenne pepper sauce, butter, and honey. Stir occasionally, allowing the butter to melt completely.
- Once the butter has melted, whisk the mixture into a smooth sauce, then turn off the heat.
- Once the wings come out of the oven, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the hot wing sauce over the top and toss to coat each wing thoroughly.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese. Enjoy every bite of your delicious Oven Baked Chicken Wings!
Notes
- Tip 1: Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Tip 2: You can freeze baked wings before tossing them in sauce. Place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
- Tip 3: Experiment with different sauces like teriyaki, garlic parmesan, or lemon pepper for unique flavors.
- Tip 4: Adjust the heat of your sauce by adding more cayenne or using a hotter sauce for those who like extra spice.
- Tip 5: Consider using an air fryer for an even crispier finish in less time.
- Tip 6: Add fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness when serving.