Oven-Baked Chicken Wings

Introduction

I made these Oven-Baked Chicken Wings for a family get-together, and they were a huge hit! My relatives are always big fans of wings, but I’ve been trying to cut back on frying foods. This recipe allowed me to make deliciously crispy wings without all the extra oil. The dry rub adds just the right amount of flavor, and baking them on a wire rack ensures they stay crispy. We enjoyed these wings with a side of ranch and blue cheese dressing, and they were absolutely irresistible. These wings have quickly become a family favorite, and I’m excited to share the recipe with you!

Why You’ll Love These Oven-Baked Chicken Wings

Oven-Baked Chicken Wings are a perfect balance of crispy and juicy. This recipe uses a flavorful dry rub that packs a punch with ingredients like garlic, onion powder, paprika, and a hint of chili. The best part is that you get all the flavor and crispiness of fried wings without the mess or added calories from deep-frying. By baking them on a wire rack, you allow the heat to circulate all around the wings, which helps them cook evenly and become incredibly crispy. They’re the perfect appetizer, snack, or party dish, and they can be customized with your favorite seasonings or dipping sauces. Whether you’re serving them for game day or a casual dinner, these wings will be a hit every time.

Ingredients

For the wings:

• 1 pound chicken wing portions
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the dry rub:

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon ground mustard
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven:
   Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a wire baking rack on top of a rimmed sheet pan lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. This allows the air to circulate around the wings, ensuring they become crispy all over.
2. Prepare the chicken wings:
   Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving that crispy skin. This step is often overlooked but it makes a huge difference.
3. Coat with olive oil:
   In a large mixing bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil until they’re evenly coated. The oil helps the dry rub adhere to the wings and contributes to the crispy texture.
4. Make the dry rub:
   In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, paprika, salt, chili powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine, ensuring all the ingredients are mixed evenly.
5. Apply the dry rub:
   Sprinkle the dry rub mixture evenly over the wings. Toss the wings well to ensure they are thoroughly coated with the seasoning blend. You can also massage the rub into the wings for extra flavor.
6. Bake the wings:
   Arrange the wings on the wire rack, skin side up, to allow air circulation around them for extra crispiness. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
7. Flip and bake further:
   After 20 minutes, flip the wings over and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the wings are golden and crispy. You can adjust the baking time depending on the size of your wings and how crispy you like them.
8. Serve:
   Once the wings are crispy and golden brown, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, and enjoy your crispy, flavorful snack!

Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)

• Serving Size: 3 wings
• Calories per Serving: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Preparation Time

• Active Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve

• As an appetizer: Serve these wings as a starter for your next family dinner or party. They pair perfectly with dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or a spicy buffalo sauce.
• As a main dish: Serve the wings with a side of roasted vegetables, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• For game day: These wings are ideal for sports parties. Serve them with chips, dips, and drinks for a fun and casual meal.
• With sides: Try pairing the wings with some crispy fries, sweet potato fries, or even some sautéed greens for a well-rounded dinner.
• For snacking: These wings make for a perfect snack to munch on while watching TV or hanging out with friends.

Additional Tips

1. Use a wire rack: Baking the wings on a wire rack helps the heat circulate around the wings, giving them a much crispier texture. If you don’t have a wire rack, you can place the wings directly on the sheet pan, but the skin may not crisp as well.
2. Adjust the spice: If you prefer your wings to be spicier, add more chili powder or red pepper flakes to the dry rub. Alternatively, for a milder flavor, skip the red pepper flakes altogether.
3. Use parchment paper or foil: Lining the sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil makes cleanup a breeze. It also helps prevent any drips from the wings.
4. Rest the wings before serving: Let the wings rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicier bite.
5. Make extra for leftovers: These wings make excellent leftovers. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 350°F to maintain their crispiness.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen wings?
   Yes, you can use frozen wings, but be sure to thaw them first. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture before seasoning and baking.
2. Can I skip the brown sugar in the dry rub?
   The brown sugar adds a nice balance of sweetness to the wings, but you can skip it if you prefer a more savory flavor. You could substitute with honey or maple syrup for a different twist.
3. Can I use a different oil?
   Yes, you can use any cooking oil, such as vegetable oil or coconut oil. Olive oil is recommended for its flavor and health benefits, but it’s not essential.
4. How do I get the wings extra crispy?
   To get the wings extra crispy, make sure to pat them dry before seasoning, use a wire rack to bake them, and bake them at a high temperature (400°F).
5. How can I adjust the seasoning to suit my taste?
   Feel free to add more spices like cumin, smoked paprika, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for added flavor. Taste the dry rub before applying it to the wings, and adjust the seasonings as needed.
6. Can I make these wings in advance?
   Yes, you can prep the wings in advance, season them, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to bake them fresh for the best texture.
7. Can I make these wings in an air fryer?
   Yes, you can air fry the wings. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F, and cook the wings for about 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
8. What dipping sauces can I serve with these wings?
   These wings pair perfectly with ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard, buffalo sauce, or a tangy BBQ sauce.
9. Can I make these wings with other parts of chicken?
   Yes, you can use drumsticks or chicken thighs instead of wings. Adjust the cooking time as necessary, as these parts may take a bit longer to cook.
10. Can I bake the wings longer for extra crispiness?
    Yes, if you want your wings extra crispy, bake them for an additional 5-10 minutes after flipping them. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

Conclusion

These Oven-Baked Chicken Wings are a simple and healthier way to enjoy a crispy, flavorful snack or meal. The dry rub adds just the right amount of seasoning, and the oven method ensures that you get golden, crispy wings without the need for frying. Whether you’re hosting a party, having a casual dinner, or just need a tasty snack, these wings will be a crowd-pleaser every time. So preheat that oven and get ready to enjoy some seriously delicious wings!

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