If you're craving something crispy, flavorful, and downright addictive, you’re going to love this Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken Wings Recipe. It’s a kitchen classic done the easy, oven-baked way—no deep fryer required!

A round black cast iron pan is full of golden brown chicken wings that have a crispy texture with small green herb pieces and a sprinkle of finely grated cheese on top. The wings are piled up in the pan, some pieces standing upright and others lying down, showing different angles of the crispy skin. Small green parsley leaves are scattered over and around the chicken, adding a fresh touch. A white cloth with red stripes is placed near the pan on a white marbled surface, with more parsley lying loosely in the background. 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 Baked Chicken Wings Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken Wings Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken Wings Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made these wings—they disappeared so fast, I barely had a chance to snap a photo! They’re one of those irresistible dishes everyone asks for again and again.

Deliciously Crispy: Baking at 400°F makes the skin perfectly crunchy without the mess of frying.
Rich Garlic Parmesan Flavor: The sauce coats each wing in buttery, cheesy goodness packed with garlic punch.
Simple Ingredients: You likely already have everything in your pantry and fridge.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day appetizers or an easy dinner, these wings hit the spot.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, here’s a quick rundown of the key ingredients you’ll need. I always recommend using fresh garlic and freshly grated parmesan to maximize flavor and texture—those small touches make all the difference!

Flat lay of two pounds of fresh raw chicken wings arranged neatly, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl filled with garlic powder, another small white bowl containing onion powder, a small white bowl with coarse salt crystals, a small white bowl holding whole black peppercorns, a small white bowl of deep red smoked paprika, a small white bowl with fine baking powder, a small white bowl of melted golden butter, five peeled fresh garlic cloves, a small white bowl of chopped bright green parsley, and a small white bowl heaped with freshly grated pale yellow Parmesan cheese, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Garlic powder: A must for that deep, savory garlic flavor that infuses the wings.
Onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and complexity to the spice mix.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps crisp the skin.
Pepper: Gives a little gentle heat and balance.
Smoked paprika: Brings smoky warmth without the need for a grill.
Baking powder (optional): This secret weapon helps achieve an ultra-crispy skin when baking.
Chicken wings: 2 pounds is just right for a hearty batch of 24 wings to enjoy.
Olive oil: Coats wings to promote browning and crispiness.
Butter: Creates a rich base for the garlic parmesan sauce.
Garlic (fresh minced): Offers vibrant, intense aroma and flavor that dried powders can’t match.
Parsley (chopped): Adds a fresh, herbaceous pop.
Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): Melts beautifully and delivers that nutty, salty finish to the wings.

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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

The beauty of this Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken Wings Recipe is how easily it adapts to your personal tastes. Feel free to tweak the seasonings or sauce ingredients to make the wings uniquely yours!

Spicy Kick: I love adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes to the spice mix. It gives these wings a bold heat that pairs beautifully with the garlicky parmesan sauce.
Herb Variations: Swap out parsley for fresh thyme or rosemary in the sauce for an earthy twist. These herbs brighten the richness and add a fresh aroma.
Cheese Swap: While freshly grated parmesan is ideal, feel free to try Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier bite. I’ve found it adds wonderful complexity.
Low-Sodium Option: Reduce the salt in the spice blend and use a low-sodium parmesan cheese, so you can still enjoy all the flavor with less sodium.
Make It Gluten-Free: Ensure your baking powder is gluten-free, and this recipe naturally fits a gluten-free lifestyle—perfect for accommodating guests!

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

A close-up image shows a woman's hand holding a single crispy, golden-brown chicken wing topped with melted cheese and small green herb pieces. In the background, there is a white plate with more chicken wings covered in the same melted cheese and herbs, slightly blurred to keep focus on the held wing. The wings have a crunchy texture with visible seasoning and cheese strands. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a light-colored cloth beneath the plate. A blurred white bowl with a light creamy sauce is visible in the upper left corner. The overall lighting is bright and natural, highlighting the warm colors of the wings photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prep for Even Cooking

Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and positioning a rack in the middle. This lets the heat circulate evenly, ensuring every wing crisps up beautifully without burning. If you’re like me, preheating the oven properly is key for that perfect bake!

Step 2: Mix Your Spice Blend

In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and if you’re using it, baking powder. The baking powder is a secret weapon for extra-crispy skin, but it's totally optional. Give the spices a good stir so the flavors marry well.

Step 3: Coat the Wings with Seasoning and Oil

Place the 2 pounds of chicken wings in a baking dish and sprinkle your spice mix evenly over them. Toss or stir to ensure every wing is coated—don’t be shy about getting that seasoning everywhere! Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil; the oil helps the wings develop that irresistible crispy skin as they bake.

Step 4: Bake Until Crispy and Juicy

Bake the wings uncovered for 45 minutes in your preheated oven. During this time, the wings will cook through and the skin will start to crisp up nicely. You’ll know they’re ready when they look golden and you hear that satisfying crackle when you gently tap a wing.

Step 5: Whip Up the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

While the wings are baking, melt ¼ cup of butter over low heat in a small pot. Add 5 cloves of minced garlic and ¼ cup of chopped parsley. Stir gently until the garlic becomes fragrant—this usually takes just a couple of minutes. Be careful not to brown the garlic as that can make it bitter. Once fragrant, remove from heat.

Step 6: Coat, Sprinkle, and Finish Baking

Take the wings out of the oven after 45 minutes and pour the warm garlic butter sauce over them, tossing gently to coat. Sprinkle ¼ cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese evenly over the wings. Pop them back into the oven and bake for another 5 minutes. This final step melts the cheese into a golden, crispy topping that’s absolutely irresistible.

Top Tip

Mastering the perfect Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken Wings Recipe is all about a few simple tricks that will take your wings from good to unforgettable. These tips can help you get crispy, flavorful wings every time without stress.

Baking Powder Magic: Adding just a teaspoon of baking powder to your spice mix really helps crisp the skin. I learned this little hack after many soggy-wing attempts—it’s a game changer for baking instead of frying.
Even Coating: Toss your wings thoroughly in olive oil and the spice blend. I make sure every wing is fully coated so the flavors soak in evenly and the wings crisp beautifully in the oven.
Garlic Sauce Timing: Adding the garlic parmesan sauce in the last 5 minutes keeps the garlic flavorful and the parmesan perfectly melted without burning. I used to add it too early, which dulled those fresh flavors.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan cheese melts and sticks much better, giving a richer taste than pre-grated. It’s worth the extra minute for that authentic savory punch.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken Wings Recipe

A white scalloped round dish is filled with a single layer of raw chicken wings seasoned with a reddish spice mix, giving each piece a textured, powdery coating with hints of bright red and orange. The wings are arranged in a loose circle, with some wings overlapping slightly, showing their pale pinkish flesh and light skin. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface that adds a cool contrast. To the top left of the dish, a white cloth with red stripes is casually folded, adding a soft fabric texture to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra pop of color and flavor, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over your wings just before serving. You can also add a few thin lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over the wings for a bright, zesty touch that complements the richness.

Side Dishes

These wings pair wonderfully with crisp celery and carrot sticks for that classic combo. For something more filling, creamy mashed potatoes or a light coleslaw balance the richness of the garlic parmesan sauce perfectly. And don’t forget a cold, fresh salad or crunchy garlic bread to complete the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your wings, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep well for up to 4 days, making for easy, flavorful snacks or meals later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to save them for longer, place the wings in a shallow container and freeze for up to 6 months. Just make sure to thaw them properly in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat your wings in the oven or air fryer so they stay nice and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the skin soggy and less enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the wings in the refrigerator before seasoning and baking to ensure even cooking and crispy skin.

Why do we add baking powder to the wings?

Baking powder helps break down the proteins on the skin’s surface and draws out moisture, which leads to a crispier final texture when baked.

Can I prepare the garlic parmesan sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce in advance and simply rewarm it before tossing with the wings. Just be careful not to overcook the garlic to prevent bitterness.

Is it possible to make these wings spicy?

Definitely! You can add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the spice mix or sprinkle some on top with the parmesan for a spicy kick that pairs nicely with the garlic parmesan flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the combination of crispy baked chicken wings and that rich garlic parmesan sauce. This Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken Wings Recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for game days, family dinners, or anytime you want a fuss-free appetizer bursting with flavor. I hope these tips and ideas inspire you to make it again and again, making each batch even better than the last. Happy cooking!