Chicken wings aren’t just for appetizers—they make a fantastic, fun dinner! This chicken wing dinner recipe is perfect for satisfying cravings and versatile enough to suit any taste. These wings are baked to crispy perfection and tossed in your choice of sauces, making them ideal for family dinners or game nights. Pair them with delicious sides for a complete meal everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (not baking soda)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce Options
- Buffalo Sauce: 1/4 cup hot sauce + 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Honey BBQ Sauce: 1/4 cup BBQ sauce + 1 tablespoon honey
- Garlic Parmesan Sauce: 1/4 cup melted butter + 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan + 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Suggested Sides
- Celery and carrot sticks with ranch or blue cheese dip
- Seasoned French fries or sweet potato fries
- Coleslaw or a simple green salad
Preparation
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup. Spray the rack lightly with non-stick cooking spray.
Prepare the Chicken Wings
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.
- In a large bowl, combine the baking powder, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.
- Toss the wings in the baking powder mixture until each piece is evenly coated.
Bake the Chicken Wings
- Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack, ensuring they don’t touch each other. Bake for 45-50 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden and crispy.
Toss in Sauce
- While the wings bake, prepare your chosen sauce(s) in a large bowl.
- Once the wings are done baking, transfer them to the bowl with the sauce and toss to coat. For variety, divide the wings into smaller portions and toss each portion in a different sauce.
Serve
- Arrange the wings on a serving platter with your choice of sides. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Variations
- Lemon Pepper Wings: Toss the wings in a mix of melted butter, lemon zest, and black pepper.
- Spicy Sriracha Wings: Combine 1/4 cup Sriracha with 2 tablespoons honey and a squeeze of lime for a spicy-sweet glaze.
- Asian-Inspired Wings: Toss wings in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and grated ginger for an umami-rich twist.
Cooking Note
Baking powder helps the wings achieve a crispy finish in the oven. Make sure not to substitute with baking soda, which has a very different effect.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your chicken wings with classic sides like celery and carrot sticks, crispy fries, or coleslaw. Add a dip like ranch or blue cheese for extra flavor and a refreshing balance to the heat of Buffalo or spicy wings.
Tips
- Double-Coated Wings: For extra crispy wings, coat the wings in a second layer of baking powder and seasoning mix before baking.
- Air Fryer Method: For an air fryer, cook the wings in batches at 380°F (193°C) for 25 minutes, shaking halfway through, then increase to 400°F (204°C) and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prep the wings and coat them with the seasoning ahead of time. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
50 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 5 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fat: 25g
- Sodium: 600mg
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen wings?
A: Yes, but be sure to fully thaw them first. Pat them dry thoroughly to remove moisture before seasoning and baking.
Q: What’s the secret to crispy baked wings?
A: Using baking powder and patting the wings dry before baking are the two key steps to achieve crispy skin in the oven.
Q: How can I keep the wings warm for serving?
A: Place the wings in a 200°F (93°C) oven to keep them warm if you’re making them ahead for a crowd.
Q: Can I grill these wings instead of baking?
A: Definitely! Grill over medium-high heat for about 20 minutes, turning often, until the wings are cooked through and crispy. Toss with sauce after grilling.
Conclusion
This chicken wing dinner is the perfect choice for a fun, flavorful meal any time! Whether you like them classic with Buffalo sauce, sweet with honey BBQ, or savory with garlic Parmesan, there’s a wing flavor here for everyone. Paired with tasty sides, these chicken wings will be a hit for casual dinners, game nights, or weekend gatherings. Enjoy every crispy, saucy bite!