Crispy Baked Chicken Wings

Crispy Baked Chicken Wings: The Perfect Finger Food for Any Occasion

Indulge in Crispy, Flavorful Chicken Wings without the Guilt

Chicken wings are a beloved finger food that’s perfect for parties, game nights, or simply when you’re craving a tasty snack. While deep-fried wings are undeniably delicious, they can be heavy on the calories and fat. Fear not! With this Crispy Baked Chicken Wings recipe, you can enjoy all the flavor and crunch of traditional wings while keeping things on the lighter side. Get ready to savor perfectly seasoned, crispy wings straight from your oven.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Wings:

  • 2 pounds chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats
  • 2 tablespoons baking powder (not baking soda)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)

For the Sauce (Optional):

  • Your favorite wing sauce or BBQ sauce
  • Melted butter (if needed to adjust sauce thickness)

For Dipping (Optional):

  • Ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or your preferred dip

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken Wings:

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a wire rack on top of a baking sheet and lightly grease it with cooking spray. This will help the wings cook evenly and become crispy.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
  3. Dry the chicken wings thoroughly using paper towels. This step is essential for achieving crispiness.
  4. Place the dry wings in the bowl with the spice mixture and toss until they are evenly coated.

2. Arrange and Bake:

  1. Place the seasoned wings on the prepared wire rack, ensuring they are not touching each other. This spacing allows for better airflow and crispier results.
  2. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the wings are golden brown and crispy. You can flip them halfway through for even crispiness, but it’s not necessary.

3. Add Sauce (Optional):

  1. If you prefer sauced wings, transfer the baked wings to a large bowl. Pour your favorite wing sauce or BBQ sauce over the hot wings and toss until they are evenly coated.
  2. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little melted butter to achieve your desired consistency.

4. Serve and Enjoy:

  1. Arrange the crispy baked chicken wings on a serving platter.
  2. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, whether it’s classic ranch, blue cheese dressing, or something unique.
  3. Don’t forget to provide some celery sticks and carrot sticks for a refreshing crunch to balance the heat.

Tips:

  • Use baking powder, not baking soda. Baking powder helps to create a dry, crispy exterior on the wings without imparting any unwanted flavors.
  • Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels before seasoning. This step ensures the wings crisp up nicely in the oven.
  • Experiment with different spice blends or rubs to customize the flavor of your wings.

Variations:

  • If you like a smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the spice mix.
  • For an Asian-inspired twist, toss the baked wings in a homemade teriyaki or sweet chili sauce.

Cook’s Note:

These Crispy Baked Chicken Wings are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a lively game day gathering. They deliver all the crunch and flavor you crave without the guilt of deep frying. Feel free to get creative with your seasonings and sauces to make these wings your own. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful wings with your favorite dipping sauce and share them with friends and family for a fantastic finger food experience!