Baked Chicken Wings: Simple Oven-Cooked Appetizer

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, these Baked Chicken Wings are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a casual game day gathering or just craving a flavorful finger food, these wings deliver all the crunch and flavor without the mess of deep frying. The seasoning is bold, smoky, and slightly spicy, balanced with a hint of sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.

No need to break out the fryer or deal with splattering oil—these wings are roasted to perfection with just a few pantry staples. They’re also a healthier option for wing lovers, delivering irresistible taste while keeping things simple and light. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or a drizzle of honey for an extra touch, and you’re set!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Chicken Wings Recipe

These oven-baked wings are incredibly easy to prepare—no marinating or complicated steps. They’re packed with flavor, using a dry rub that gives them that crave-worthy crust. Plus, they’re super versatile: serve them as an appetizer, main dish, or game day snack. And cleanup? A breeze.

What Kind of Chicken Wings Should I Use?

For best results, go for fresh or thawed split chicken wings (meaning the wingettes and drumettes are separated and the tips are discarded). They cook evenly, crisp up beautifully in the oven, and hold onto seasoning better than frozen, pre-sauced varieties. You can use whole wings if you prefer, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

---

Ingredients for the Baked Chicken Wings

To make these mouthwatering baked chicken wings, you only need a few key ingredients. Each one plays an important role in building flavor and ensuring that signature crisp texture.

• Chicken wings – The star of the dish, these should be fresh or fully thawed for the best texture and even cooking.
• Olive oil – Helps the seasonings stick and promotes crisping in the oven.
• Paprika – Adds a rich color and mild smokiness to the wings.
• Garlic powder – Delivers that essential savory, aromatic note.
• Onion powder – Adds depth and sweetness to the flavor profile.
• Brown sugar – Balances out the spices with a subtle sweetness that caramelizes during baking.
• Salt and black pepper – Basic but crucial for seasoning.
• Cayenne pepper or chili powder – Optional, but perfect if you like a little heat.

How To Make the Baked Chicken Wings

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and set a wire rack on top. This allows air to circulate under the wings for maximum crispness.

Step 2: Dry and Coat the Wings

Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels—removing excess moisture is key to crispy skin. Toss the wings in a bowl with olive oil to lightly coat them.

Step 3: Season Generously

In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the wings and toss until they are evenly coated.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on the wire rack. Bake for 40–45 minutes, turning halfway through, until the wings are golden brown, crispy, and fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F).

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Let the wings rest a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.

---

How to Serve and Store Baked Chicken Wings

These baked chicken wings are perfect straight from the oven, but they’re just as delicious the next day. Serve them hot for the full crispy effect, or enjoy them cold as a protein-packed snack. This recipe yields about 4 servings, making it ideal for a small gathering, family dinner, or game night snack platter.

For storage, let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the wings on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for about 10–12 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the skin soggy.

What to Serve With Baked Chicken Wings?

Classic Celery and Carrot Sticks

The cool crunch of fresh veggies balances out the bold flavors of the wings perfectly.

Ranch or Blue Cheese Dip

No wing platter is complete without a creamy dip for dunking. Choose your favorite!

Garlic Parmesan Fries

These crispy, cheesy fries are the ultimate comfort sidekick to wings.

Coleslaw

A tangy slaw adds freshness and a pop of texture to your plate.

Cornbread or Biscuits

Soft, buttery, and slightly sweet—great for soaking up extra seasoning.

Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy, cheesy, and totally indulgent. A hit with both kids and adults.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Lightly charred corn with butter pairs beautifully with smoky baked wings.

Simple Green Salad

Add a fresh contrast with a lemon vinaigrette or balsamic glaze.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before seasoning. Excess moisture can prevent the wings from getting crispy.

2. How do I make these wings spicier?
Add more cayenne pepper or mix in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. You can also brush them with hot sauce after baking.

3. Can I use an air fryer instead of baking?
Absolutely! Air fry the wings at 400°F for about 25–30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.

4. What dipping sauces go best with these wings?
Ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard, spicy mayo, or even a sweet chili sauce all complement these wings beautifully.

5. How do I keep the wings crispy after baking?
Place them on a wire rack to cool slightly and avoid stacking them. If you’re not serving immediately, reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before plating.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go for extra heat or keep it classic? Maybe tried a different spice blend?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

For more delicious and easy-to-make dishes, follow me on Pinterest at Life With Livia Pinterest.

Conclusion

These baked chicken wings are a go-to recipe that never fails to impress. They’re crispy, flavorful, and way healthier than fried versions. Whether you’re making them for a party or a weeknight dinner, they deliver big on taste and convenience. Once you try this method, you might never go back to frying again.

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?