Name: Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon pepper; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon baking powder (optional); 2 pounds chicken wings; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/4 cup butter, melted; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated

There’s something about the perfect blend of buttery garlic and salty Parmesan that just makes wings irresistible. This Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe hits all the right notes—crispy, flavorful, and downright addictive. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll be your new go-to snack or party hit.

A close-up view of a white cast iron pan filled with golden brown chicken wings, each wing showing a crispy and slightly charred texture with specks of green parsley scattered on top. The wings are generously sprinkled with fine grated parmesan cheese, adding small white granules contrasting the golden and brown surface. The pan is set on a white marbled textured surface, highlighting the rich colors of the cooked wings. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made a lot of wing recipes over the years, but this Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe is one I keep coming back to. There’s a perfect balance between that garlicky punch and the cheesy goodness, plus the wings crisp up beautifully without a deep fryer.

Simple Yet Flavorful: A handful of ingredients come together to create a big flavor impact without complicated steps.
Crispy Wings Every Time: Baking with a touch of baking powder helps get that irresistible crunch, no frying required.
Perfect Garlic Parmesan Sauce: The buttery garlic sauce with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese clings perfectly to every wing.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day, a casual get-together, or just a weeknight treat, these wings always deliver.

A round black pan holds a pile of golden-brown chicken wings grilled with a crispy texture. The wings are sprinkled with small bits of white Parmesan cheese and scattered bright green parsley leaves. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with a white cloth with red stripes near the bottom right corner. Some parsley leaves are seen on the left side of the pan, adding a fresh green touch. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is all about layering flavors using simple pantry staples that complement chicken wings perfectly. Each ingredient plays a role in the texture and taste that makes these wings stand out.

Flat lay of raw chicken wings sprinkled with smoked paprika and garlic powder, fresh cloves of garlic, a small pile of grated Parmesan cheese, a few sprigs of bright green parsley, golden melted butter in a small pool, and a drizzle of rich olive oil, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garlic powder: Provides a deep, mellow garlic flavor that permeates the wings.
Onion powder: Adds a subtle savory background note to balance the garlic.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors while seasoning the meat inside out.
Pepper: Gives a slight kick that wakes up the palate.
Smoked paprika: Brings a warm smoky aroma that makes the wings extra inviting.
Baking powder (optional): Helps crisp the skin beautifully when baking—one of my favorite little tricks!
Chicken wings: The star of the show! Make sure they are dry before seasoning for max crispiness.
Olive oil: Helps spices stick and promotes browning without overpowering.
Butter: Nectar of the sauce, it carries the garlic and richness.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic is key here for vibrant punch in the wing sauce.
Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous brightness to cut through the richness.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for that perfect salty, nutty finish on top.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to suit what you like—or what’s in your fridge. I love to add a bit of red pepper flakes if I want some heat, but the base recipe is flavorful enough to stand on its own.

Variation: Try swapping parsley with fresh basil or cilantro for a different fresh herb twist—I once did basil and was pleasantly surprised by that hint of sweetness!
Make it Spicy: Stir in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the garlic butter sauce if you’re craving a kick.
Low-carb option: Skip the olive oil and baking powder if you want to avoid any extra fat—just keep an eye on the baking time to keep the wings crisp.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe

Step 1: Prep Those Wings for Maximum Crisp

Pat your wings dry really well with paper towels—that’s my number one tip for crispy skin. Then mix all the dry spices together in a small bowl so every wing is evenly flavored. Toss the wings in the seasoning mix and olive oil, making sure each piece is well coated. This simple step creates the foundation for building flavor and texture.

Step 2: Bake Until Golden and Crunchy

Arrange the wings on a baking dish and pop them in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 45 minutes. Halfway through, I like to give them a little shake or flip to help them cook evenly. You’ll know they’re ready when they're golden brown and the skin has that satisfying crunch.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

While the wings bake, melt the butter over low heat and gently cook the minced garlic with the parsley until fragrant. This is when your kitchen starts smelling amazing! I don’t rush this part—slow and steady really lets the garlic infuse the butter perfectly without any bitterness.

Step 4: Finish with Parmesan and a Quick Roast

Once the wings come out of the oven, toss them in the warm garlic butter sauce and sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan. Pop them back in the oven for 5 minutes—this gives the cheese a chance to melt and get those beautiful crispy brown edges.

Top Tip

I’ve made these wings countless times, and a few little tricks can really elevate the results. These tips helped me nail the perfect balance of crispy skin and luscious sauce.

Dry Your Wings Thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so always pat them down before seasoning.
Don’t Skip Baking Powder: It’s subtle but essential for that crispy skin—make sure to use aluminum-free baking powder to avoid off flavors.
Low and Slow Garlic Butter: Gently cook garlic on low heat so it softens without burning—that bitterness can ruin the sauce.
Fresh Parmesan is Key: Pre-grated cheese can be great for convenience but freshly grated Parmesan melts and flavors so much better.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe

garlic parmesan wings - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little extra chopped parsley over the finished wings—it adds that fresh color and bright lift that contrasts with the rich sauce. Sometimes a tiny sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top works wonders if I want a spicy touch.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are celery sticks and crunchy carrot batons with a creamy ranch or blue cheese dip. For a fuller meal, roasted potatoes or a crisp green salad balance the richness of the wings perfectly. Breadsticks or garlic knots are a delicious companion, too!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like serving these wings on a large wooden board with small bowls of extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, lemon wedges, and dipping sauces so guests can customize. Garnishing with edible flowers adds an unexpected but beautiful touch if you’re hosting something special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When storing leftover wings, I let them cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. They keep well for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, the wings retain good flavor but benefit from reheating for that crisp texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked Garlic Parmesan wings by placing them in a shallow freezer-safe container separated by parchment paper layers. They last up to 6 months and thaw well overnight in the fridge. This is a fantastic way to prep for game day or quick dinners.

Reheating

To reheat, I avoid microwaving because it makes the skin soggy. Instead, I pop wings in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or use an air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes. This revives the crispiness and warms the sauce beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe without baking powder?

Absolutely! The wings will still be delicious, but baking powder helps achieve an extra crispy skin. If you skip it, just make sure to dry your wings thoroughly and bake a little longer for best results.

What’s the best way to get the Parmesan cheese to stick to the wings?

After you toss the wings in the garlic butter sauce while they’re still warm, immediately sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over them. Then pop the wings back in the oven for a few minutes so the cheese melts and forms a nice crust.

Can I use frozen wings for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before seasoning and baking. Wet wings won’t crisp up as well, so definitely give them time to dry before cooking.

How spicy is this Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe?

This recipe isn’t spicy by itself since it focuses on garlic and Parmesan flavors. However, you can easily add heat by including cayenne pepper in the spice rub or tossing the cooked wings in hot sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe has become one of my kitchen favorites because it’s approachable, delicious, and always impressive. The combination of crispy baked wings with that luscious garlicky Parmesan topping is pure comfort food magic. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making and sharing these wings as much as I do—so grab your apron and let’s get cooking!