These Garlic Parmesan Wings are a crowd-pleaser! Crispy chicken wings drizzled with a buttery garlic sauce and topped with tangy Parmesan cheese will have everyone coming back for more.
Perfect for game day or a cozy movie night, they’re so tasty you might just end up licking your fingers! I love serving them with a side of ranch for dipping—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: Fresh wings are best! You can also use frozen wings, just make sure to thaw them completely. If you prefer, drumsticks or skin-on chicken thighs can work too for a different twist.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives amazing flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute, but fresh is always better for that punchy taste!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice touch. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy!
Butter: Unsalted butter is what I prefer, but you can use olive oil or a plant-based butter if you’re aiming for a healthier or vegan option. Just keep an eye on the flavors!
How Do I Get My Wings Crispy?
Achieving crispy wings is all about the cooking method and preparation. Here’s how you can ensure your wings come out perfectly crunchy.
- Drying: Start by drying your wings well. This helps them get crispy in the oven or fryer by removing excess moisture.
- Coating: If you choose to coat in flour, it adds an extra layer of crunch. Just a light dusting works best—too much flour can get gummy.
- High Heat Cooking: Whether frying or baking, high heat is essential. This ensures they cook quickly and develop a crispy exterior without drying out the inside.
- Draining: After frying, always place wings on a wire rack or paper towels. This prevents them from getting soggy while they cool down!
Garlic Parmesan Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, split at the joint and tips removed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for coating, optional for extra crispiness)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Cooking oil (for frying or baking)
- Ranch dressing and hot sauce for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and then 40-45 minutes for cooking if baking, or about 10-15 minutes if frying. Add a few minutes for making the garlic Parmesan sauce too. In total, you will spend around 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes for delicious, crispy wings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Wings:
First, pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step is super important to get that nice crispy texture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the wings with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, tossing well to coat. If you want an extra crunch, you can toss the wings in flour until they’re lightly coated.
2. Cook Wings:
– For the frying method, heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the wings in batches for about 8-10 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, drain them on paper towels to absorb the excess oil.
– For the baking method, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through to ensure even cooking until they are crispy and cooked through.
3. Make Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
While the wings are cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Be careful: burnt garlic can taste bitter!
4. Toss Wings:
Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the wings and toss everything together until they are well-coated and delicious.
5. Add Parmesan and Parsley:
Next, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and the chopped parsley over the wings. Give them a light toss again to ensure the cheese and parsley stick to the wings nicely!
6. Serve:
Finally, arrange the wings on a serving platter and sprinkle with some extra Parmesan and parsley for a pretty presentation. Serve them up immediately with ranch dressing and hot sauce on the side for dipping if you like. Enjoy your tasty, garlicy, cheesy wings!
Dig in and savor every crispy, garlicky bite of your Garlic Parmesan Wings!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings! Be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before preparing the recipe. This will ensure even cooking and help the wings get crispy.
How to Make Wings Extra Crispy?
For extra crispy wings, pat them dry before seasoning, and consider tossing them in flour before cooking. High heat is also crucial, whether frying or baking, to achieve that perfect crunch.
Can I Prepare the Wings Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep the wings and season them a day in advance—just store them covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply follow the frying or baking instructions as usual.
How to Store Leftover Garlic Parmesan Wings?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to help revive their crispiness!
