If you're craving wings that hit all the right notes—crispy, garlicky, and loaded with Parmesan goodness—this Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe is your new go-to. Baking wings to perfection at home has never been easier or more satisfying!

A black round pan filled with many golden brown chicken wings with a crispy texture and sprinkled with white grated cheese and small green herb bits, resting on a white marbled surface. Some green parsley leaves are scattered on the chicken wings and around the pan. A white cloth with red stripes is partly visible at the bottom right corner. The background shows a bunch of fresh green herbs blurred out. 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 Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love making these wings because they come out beautifully crispy without the mess of frying, and that garlicky Parmesan sauce? It's irresistible. Perfect for game day, dinner, or anytime you want a little indulgence.

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these in your pantry.
Oven-Baked Crispy Texture: No deep-frying necessary, but still delightfully crunchy.
Flavorful Garlic Butter Sauce: A rich coating that elevates every bite.
Perfect for Sharing: Makes 6 servings, ideal for parties or family dinners.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When gathering your ingredients for this recipe, focus on fresh garlic and good-quality Parmesan cheese—they really make a difference here. The spices in the dry rub bring just the right kick and depth to the wings.

Flat lay of two pounds of fresh raw chicken wings, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, five whole garlic cloves, a small white bowl of finely chopped green parsley, a small white bowl of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl of garlic powder, a small white bowl of onion powder, a small white bowl of coarse salt, a small white bowl of black peppercorns, and a small white bowl of smoked paprika, all arranged with perfect symmetry 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: Adds concentrated savory garlic flavor that complements the fresh garlic in the sauce.
Onion powder: Gives a subtle sweetness and depth to the spice mix.
Salt: Essential to bring out all the flavors.
Pepper: Adds mild heat and balances the seasoning.
Smoked paprika: Provides a smoky undertone that pairs perfectly with chicken wings.
Baking powder (optional): Helps the skin get extra crispy during baking.
Chicken wings: The star of the show—look for fresh wings with the skin on for the best texture.
Olive oil: Helps the spice rub stick and promotes crispiness in the oven.
Butter: Creates a rich base for the garlic Parmesan sauce.
Fresh garlic: For that aromatic, punchy flavor in the sauce.
Parsley: Adds freshness and a hint of herbaceous brightness.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for the best cheesy, nutty topping.

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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 joys of this Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to spice things up or keep it mild and herbaceous, little tweaks can make a big difference and keep this dish exciting every time you make it.

Spicy Kick: I love adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce to the garlic parmesan sauce for a fiery twist that pairs beautifully with the rich buttery flavors.
Herbaceous Freshness: Swap parsley for fresh basil or cilantro to introduce a different herb note—basil adds a sweet, peppery punch while cilantro brings a bright, citrusy vibe.
Cheese Swap: Parmesan is classic, but I sometimes use Pecorino Romano for a punchier, saltier bite that takes the wings to the next level.
Gluten-Free Option: If you want to keep this recipe gluten-free, just be sure to use baking powder labeled gluten-free or skip it entirely. The wings will still get amazingly crispy!
Make It Lemon Zesty: Stir in the zest of one lemon into your garlic butter sauce for a refreshing citrus lift that brightens every bite.

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

The image shows a close-up of a woman's hand holding a golden-brown crispy chicken wing covered with melted cheese shreds and green herb bits on top. In the background, several more chicken wings with the same golden color and cheese topping are stacked on a white plate, resting on a white marbled surface with a blurred light-colored cloth underneath. The lighting makes the cheese look creamy and slightly melted, highlighting the crispy texture of the wings. A small white bowl with sauce is partly visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Oven

Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and placing a rack in the middle position. This setup helps the wings cook evenly with plenty of airflow, which is key for that perfect crispy texture. While the oven warms up, you can get busy with the dry rub—so much flavor waiting to happen!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Rub and Coat the Wings

Combine the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and optional baking powder in a small bowl. Toss your 2 pounds of chicken wings in this spice blend, making sure each wing is nicely coated. Then drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and give them another good toss. The baking powder helps the skin get delightfully crisp, but it’s optional if you want to keep things simple.

Step 3: Bake the Wings to Crispy Perfection

Place the wings on a baking dish or, for extra crispiness, a wire rack over a baking sheet. Slide them into your preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the skin is golden and starting to crisp up beautifully. The kitchen will smell incredible—garlic and paprika make such a winning combo!

Step 4: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce While Wings Bake

While the wings are baking, melt ¼ cup of butter on low heat in a small pot. Add 5 cloves of minced garlic and ¼ cup chopped parsley, stirring gently until the garlic is fragrant but not browned—about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and get ready to toss those wings in a buttery, herby, cheesy bliss.

Step 5: Coat Wings with Sauce and Parmesan

Once your wings have finished their initial bake, take them out and pour the garlic butter sauce over the top. Toss to coat them evenly, then sprinkle ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese all over. The cheese will add that irresistible savory crust after the final bake.

Step 6: Final Crisp and Serve

Pop the sauced and cheesed wings back into the oven for 5 more minutes. This short bake crisps the cheese and locks in that heavenly garlic butter flavor. When they come out, the wings should be golden, crispy, and packed with flavor—ready to serve alongside your favorite sides or dips.

Top Tip

Mastering the perfect Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe is all about a few smart little tricks that make a huge difference in texture and flavor.

Use Baking Powder for Extra Crispiness: Adding baking powder to your dry rub really helps the skin get that irresistible crunch without drying out the meat.
Don’t Skip the Olive Oil: Drizzling the wings with olive oil before baking ensures the spices stick well and the wings crisp evenly.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce Low and Slow: Cooking your garlic and parsley gently in melted butter lets the flavors bloom without burning the garlic, keeping the sauce silky and fragrant.
Final Bake with Cheese: That last 5-minute bake after tossing the wings in garlic butter and Parmesan is the secret to sealing in flavor and giving the wings a golden finish.

How to Serve Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe

A white round dish filled with twelve raw chicken wings arranged in a circular pattern, each wing dusted generously with reddish-brown seasoning creating a slightly rough texture on the skin. The dish rests on a white marbled surface with a white cloth that has red stripes casually placed beneath it, adding a soft fabric texture to the scene. The overall color palette is light with natural pink, orange, and red tones from the raw wings and seasoning contrasting gently against the white dish and marble. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a touch of fresh parsley on top not only brings a pop of color but also refreshes the rich garlic butter flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice or some lemon wedges on the side can brighten each bite perfectly. For extra indulgence, sprinkle a bit more freshly grated Parmesan just before serving.

Side Dishes

These wings pair wonderfully with classic sides like celery sticks and carrot sticks for crunch and freshness. Creamy ranch or blue cheese dip balances the garlicky boldness. For a heartier meal, serve alongside crispy roasted potatoes, a fresh green salad, or buttered corn on the cob.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer your leftover wings into an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious and safe to eat for up to 4 days.

Freezing

If you want to keep them longer, place the cooled wings in a shallow freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Frozen wings will maintain best quality for up to 6 months—perfect for prepping ahead for game days or casual get-togethers.

Reheating

The best way to reheat your wings without losing that coveted crispiness is by using an oven or air fryer. Simply warm them until heated through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if you can—it tends to make the skin soggy and dull the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use baking soda instead of baking powder in this recipe?

It’s best to use baking powder rather than baking soda here. Baking powder helps dry out the skin and create crispiness without altering the flavor too much. Baking soda can sometimes leave a bitter taste.

How do I make sure my wings are cooked through and safe to eat?

Bake your wings at 400°F (200°C) for 45 minutes until they’re cooked through and crispy. You can check with a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese from the store?

For the best flavor and melt, freshly grated Parmesan cheese is recommended. Pre-grated tends to have additives that prevent clumping but also affect texture and taste.

What’s the best way to keep wings crispy after baking?

Baking your wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet allows air to circulate and keeps the bottoms from getting soggy, resulting in all-over crispiness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly satisfying about crispy, golden chicken wings coated in a fragrant garlic butter Parmesan sauce. Whether you’re serving these up for a game day crowd or a cozy family dinner, this Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe delivers flavor and crunch that everyone will love. Give these tips a try, and watch your wings become the star of the table every time!