Easy Baked Chicken Wings

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Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with finger-licking flavor, these Easy Baked Chicken Wings are a crowd-pleaser for any day of the week. Whether you’re hosting game night, prepping a casual dinner, or just craving a no-fuss, no-fry wing fix, this recipe is all about bold seasoning and oven-baked simplicity.

These wings are coated in a smoky, savory rub and baked until golden and perfectly crisp without needing a drop of oil from deep frying. The magic lies in a smart blend of spices and baking powder, which creates that iconic crispy texture right in the oven. They’re so good, you’ll find yourself making them on repeat.

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What Kind of Chicken Wings Should I Use?

For this recipe, use fresh or thawed split chicken wings. Whole wings can be used too, but separating them into flats and drumettes ensures even cooking and that iconic wing presentation. Look for wings with skin on—that’s where all the crispy magic happens.

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Ingredients for the Easy Baked Chicken Wings

• Chicken Wings: The star of the dish. Go for skin-on, bone-in wings for best texture and flavor.
• Baking Powder (Aluminum-Free): Helps draw moisture from the skin and makes the wings extra crispy in the oven.
• Smoked Paprika: Brings deep, smoky flavor and a gorgeous color.
• Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth without overpowering the blend.
• Onion Powder: Rounds out the flavor with a mellow sweetness.
• Salt: Enhances all the other spices.
• Black Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and balance.
• Cayenne Pepper (optional): For those who love a little spicy kick.
• Brown Sugar: Balances the savory and spicy notes with a touch of caramel sweetness.

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How To Make the Easy Baked Chicken Wings

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. This setup allows air to circulate for even crisping.

Step 2: Dry the Wings Thoroughly

Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin, so take your time here.

Step 3: Coat with the Dry Rub

In a large bowl, combine baking powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne (if using), and brown sugar. Add the wings and toss to evenly coat every piece.

Step 4: Arrange and Bake

Place wings in a single layer on the rack. Bake for 20 minutes, flip each wing, then bake for another 20–25 minutes until crispy and golden brown.

Step 5: Serve Hot

Remove from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. Serve immediately while the skin is still crackly and hot.

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How to Serve and Store These Chicken Wings

These wings shine fresh out of the oven with your favorite dipping sauce—ranch, blue cheese, or even honey mustard. They’re also perfect for party platters or casual weeknight dinners with a side of coleslaw, cornbread, or mac and cheese.

To store, let wings cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10–12 minutes to bring back the crisp.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make the wings extra crispy?

Use aluminum-free baking powder and make sure your wings are patted very dry before seasoning. The wire rack setup also helps a lot.

Can I use frozen wings?

Yes, but they need to be fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning and baking.

What if I don’t have a wire rack?

You can bake them directly on a foil-lined tray, but flip them more frequently for even crisping.

Can I make these wings ahead of time?

Yes! Bake them, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat in a hot oven to revive the crisp.

Is it okay to leave out the cayenne pepper?

Absolutely. The spice level is totally up to you. You can skip it or even add chili powder instead.

Can I toss them in sauce after baking?

Yes! After baking, feel free to toss them in buffalo sauce, BBQ, or a honey garlic glaze.

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Want More Chicken Ideas?

If you love these crispy oven-baked wings, you might enjoy these other savory chicken favorites:

• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
• Crispy Buttered Ranch Chicken
• Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
• One Skillet Sweet & Spicy Sticky Chicken Pasta

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

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

And let me know in the comments how your wings turned out. Did you go for extra spice? Maybe a drizzle of honey or BBQ sauce on top?

I love seeing your spins on these recipes. Questions or tips? Drop them below and let’s make every batch even better.

For more delicious ideas, follow me on Pinterest @LifeWithNinaRecipes

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