Baked Chicken Wings: Simple Oven-Cooked Appetizer

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Golden, crispy, and bursting with flavor, these Baked Chicken Wings are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a game night, preparing a weekend snack, or just craving something delicious, these wings strike the perfect balance between juicy and crunchy without the need for deep frying.

What makes these oven-baked wings special is their smoky, spicy seasoning that caramelizes beautifully while baking, giving them that classic wing flavor with a healthier twist. They’re easy to make and even easier to love — just toss them in a quick spice rub, bake until crisp, and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

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Why You’ll Love This Baked Chicken Wings Recipe

• Healthier alternative to deep-fried wings without sacrificing flavor or texture.
• No fancy equipment needed — just a baking sheet and your oven.
• Customizable spice mix so you can make it mild, spicy, or smoky.
• Perfect for parties, game nights, or weeknight dinners.
• Minimal cleanup, making it a go-to recipe for busy days.

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What Kind of Chicken Wings Should I Use?

For this recipe, split wings work best — that means the drumette and wingette are separated, and the wing tip is discarded. You can buy them pre-split or do it yourself. Fresh wings tend to crisp up better, but if you only have frozen, just make sure they’re completely thawed and patted dry before seasoning.

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Ingredients for the Baked Chicken Wings

Each ingredient in this recipe brings a punch of flavor and texture that transforms simple chicken into a finger-licking masterpiece.

• Chicken Wings (2 lbs) – The star of the show. Use fresh or fully thawed wings, and pat them dry for optimal crispiness.
• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons) – Helps the seasoning stick and promotes even browning.
• Paprika (1 tablespoon) – Adds a smoky depth and rich color to the wings.
• Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon) – Brings that savory, garlicky kick.
• Onion Powder (1 teaspoon) – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Salt (1 teaspoon) – Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors.
• Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon) – Adds a subtle bite.
• Cayenne Pepper (1/4 teaspoon, optional) – For a touch of heat if you like it spicy.

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How To Make the Baked Chicken Wings

Step 1: Prep the Wings

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. This helps the heat circulate for crispy results. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Season Generously

In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil. Then add paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Make sure every piece is well coated.

Step 3: Arrange and Bake

Place the wings in a single layer on the wire rack. Bake for 25 minutes, then flip each wing and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.

Step 4: Serve Hot

Remove from the oven and let rest for a couple of minutes. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch, blue cheese, or honey mustard.

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Serving and Storing Baked Chicken Wings

These baked chicken wings are best served hot and fresh out of the oven, where they’re crisp and full of flavor. They feed about 4 to 6 people, depending on appetite and sides. If you’re planning for a party, double the batch — they disappear fast!

To store leftovers, place the wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to bring back their crispiness — the microwave can make them soggy.

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What to Serve With Baked Chicken Wings?

Classic Celery and Carrot Sticks

The cool crunch of fresh veggies balances the heat and richness of the wings perfectly.

Creamy Dipping Sauces

Ranch, blue cheese, or garlic aioli are classic favorites that elevate every bite.

Crispy French Fries

A timeless pairing — hot, salty fries go hand-in-hand with juicy chicken wings.

Mac and Cheese

A creamy, cheesy side dish brings comfort-food vibes that pair wonderfully.

Coleslaw

The tangy crunch of slaw adds freshness and cuts through the richness.

Cornbread Muffins

Slightly sweet and soft, these muffins are a hearty addition to any wing plate.

Pickles or Pickled Jalapeños

Add some zing and brightness to your wing night with something pickled on the side.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these wings ahead of time?

Yes! You can season the wings a few hours in advance and keep them refrigerated until baking. To reheat leftovers, use an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Do I have to use a wire rack?

Using a wire rack helps air circulate around the wings for even crisping, but if you don’t have one, you can place the wings directly on a foil-lined baking sheet. Just flip them more often for even browning.

Can I make them spicier?

Absolutely! Add more cayenne pepper or mix in some chili powder or hot sauce with the oil and seasoning.

Are these wings gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your seasonings are certified gluten-free. Always double-check ingredient labels to be safe.

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Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra heat or try a different spice blend?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook smarter and tastier!

You can find more easy and tasty recipes like this one on my Meals We Share By Sally Pinterest page.

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Conclusion

Baked Chicken Wings are the perfect mix of easy, crispy, and flavor-packed — no fryer required. With a simple spice rub and a hot oven, you can whip up a platter of golden wings that rival any takeout joint. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe hits the spot every time. Happy cooking!

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