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 garlicky, cheesy, and crisp textures that makes this Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe an absolute crowd-pleaser. I love how these wings come out golden and packed with flavor every time — a guaranteed winner when I'm hosting or just craving something delicious at home.

A black cast iron pan filled with several pieces of golden-brown cooked chicken wings, each wing covered with a light sprinkling of grated cheese and small green herb leaves. The chicken pieces show a crispy texture with some darker, charred spots and a shiny, slightly oily glaze. The background is a white marbled surface. 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

This Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe isn’t just tasty—it’s easy to make and hard to mess up, even if you’re a wing newbie. I remember the first time I made it, everyone kept going back for more, and I loved how the fresh garlic and parmesan really made the flavors pop.

Simple Ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy to create that crave-worthy restaurant taste.
Crispy and Juicy: Baking the wings with a touch of baking powder gets them perfectly crispy without frying.
Bold Garlic Parmesan Flavor: The sauce is rich, fresh, and coats each wing beautifully for maximum yum.
Versatile and Customizable: Whether you want more heat, extra herbs, or different cheeses, this recipe adapts easily.

A black cast iron pan full of golden brown, crispy chicken wings with a light sprinkle of grated cheese and small green herb leaves on top. The wings show a mix of browned, slightly charred skin and tender white meat. They are stacked close together, filling the pan. Around the pan is a white marbled surface, with some green herb leaves scattered and a white cloth with red stripes near the bottom right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients come together to balance crispiness, flavor, and a touch of richness. Pay attention to the little details, like fresh garlic and grated Parmesan, that make these wings extra special when baked just right.

Flat lay of golden raw chicken wings, vibrant minced garlic cloves, fresh bright green chopped parsley, a small mound of finely grated Parmesan cheese, whole garlic bulbs, a scattering of smoked paprika powder, a pat of melted butter glistening softly, and a few sprigs of fresh parsley leaves artfully placed, all arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garlic powder: Adds a deep garlic flavor that permeates the wings perfectly during baking.
Onion powder: Enhances savoriness without overpowering the garlic.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
Pepper: Adds just enough mild heat and depth.
Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky warmth that complements the garlic beautifully.
Baking powder (optional): Helps crisp the skin up without frying, so don’t skip it if you want extra crunch.
Chicken wings: The star of the show, naturally—you want fresh or well-thawed wings for best results.
Olive oil: Keeps the wings moist and helps the spices stick during baking.
Butter: The base for your sauce; melts smoothly and carries garlic flavor.
Garlic (fresh): That fresh punch that takes the sauce from good to great.
Parsley: Brightens and freshens the garlic sauce with a pop of green.
Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): The finishing touch that adds salty, nutty richness.

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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 my favorite things about this Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I like adding a little crushed red pepper for heat, but if you’re not into spice, you can dial it back—or swap parsley for basil for a different herbal note.

Variation: I once tossed the wings in a bit of lemon zest after baking—it brightened the whole dish beautifully and made it perfect for summer parties.

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

Step 1: Season and Prep the Wings

Start by mixing your garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and baking powder (if using) in a small bowl. Toss the chicken wings in a baking dish with this spice mix until they're evenly coated. Drizzle olive oil over the wings—it helps the skin crisp up and the spices stick. Make sure every wing is coated well, but not swimming in oil.

Step 2: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Pop the seasoned wings into the oven preheated to 400°F (200°C), and bake for about 45 minutes. Halfway through, I like to flip them to ensure both sides get crispy and golden. You'll know they’re done when the skin is tight, browned, and the juices run clear.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

While the wings bake, melt the butter in a small pot over low heat. Add freshly minced garlic and chopped parsley. Stir gently until the garlic smells fragrant—be careful not to brown or burn it, as that can cause bitterness. Once ready, remove from heat and prepare your Parmesan cheese.

Step 4: Toss and Finish Baking

Once the wings are crispy, remove them from the oven and pour the garlic butter sauce all over. Toss gently to coat each piece well. Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan on top and return to the oven for another 5 minutes—this step melts the cheese perfectly and crisps the wings just a bit more.

Top Tip

I’ve made these wings dozens of times, and a few practical tweaks really made a difference. Here are the top tips I always follow to nail this recipe every time:

Baking Powder & Crispiness: Adding baking powder (not baking soda) gives the wings that crispy skin without frying—just don't skip this if you want that perfect texture.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Giving wings some space means they crisp up better, so spread them in a single layer.
Fresh Garlic in Sauce: It makes all the difference—powdered garlic won’t give you that same punch, so mince fresh and add at the last moment.
Final Cheese Bake: Don’t skip those last 5 minutes; it creates a lovely golden crust that turns these wings next-level.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Wings - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top my wings with a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley for a fresh look and pop of color, plus a little more Parmesan for cheesiness. Sometimes I add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes if we want a little kick.

Side Dishes

These wings pair amazingly with crisp celery sticks and a cool blue cheese dip, but I also love serving them alongside a simple green salad or roasted veggies when I want something lighter.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I arrange the wings on a large platter with small bowls of extra sauce, cheese, and herbs on the side, so everyone can customize. You can also skewer a couple wings with fresh herbs for a fun appetizer twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge and find they're best eaten within 3-4 days. Reheat them gently so they don’t dry out, and they still taste great as a quick snack or meal addition.

Freezing

These wings freeze well! I usually place leftovers in a shallow container, separate the layers with parchment paper, and keep them in the freezer up to 6 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To get the crispiest reheated wings, I recommend using the oven or air fryer rather than the microwave. Pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain that fresh-baked texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe spicy?

Absolutely! To add some heat, try adding crushed red pepper flakes to the spice mix or mix in a dash of hot sauce with the garlic butter sauce.

Can I bake these wings ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the wings ahead and toss them in the garlic Parmesan sauce right before serving for the freshest flavor. Alternatively, bake completely and reheat later in the oven or air fryer.

What’s the secret to crispy wings without frying?

Using baking powder in the seasoning mix and baking at a high temperature ensures the skin gets crispy without frying. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan and flipping halfway through helps even crisping.

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

I recommend freshly grated Parmesan for its superior flavor and melting quality. Pre-grated cheese often contains additives that can affect texture and taste.

Final Thoughts

I keep coming back to this Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe because it’s reliably delicious and quick to pull together, no matter the occasion. Sharing it with friends while catching up has become a little tradition of mine—I hope you enjoy it just as much as we do at my kitchen table.