I don’t know about you, but there’s something magical about chicken wings. Growing up, our family gatherings were never complete without a tray of crispy, flavorful wings that my uncle would whip up. The way he would caress the garlic and Parmesan with a hint of tenderness always stuck with me. Fast forward to today, and I’ve taken that enchanting blend of flavors and turned it into my foolproof recipe for Oven Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings.
These wings are not only a crowd-pleaser, but they also bring a touch of nostalgia. I love the crunch that you get from the breadcrumb coating paired with the rich, savory notes of garlic and cheese. And the best part? They’re baked, meaning you can enjoy them without the guilt that comes from deep frying. Plus, they are super simple to make, which means you can focus on cheering for your favorite team or catching up with friends.
## What’s in Oven Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings?
Let’s dive into these heavenly ingredients that make these wings so unforgettable:
Chicken Wings: The star of the show! I like to use jumbo wings because they get incredibly crispy and juicy in the oven.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: This cheese brings a wonderful depth of flavor and a salty, nutty twist. I usually go for freshly grated for the best taste and melt.
Breadcrumbs: I prefer using Italian seasoned breadcrumbs. They have those extra herbs and spices that elevate the dish beautifully.
Butter: This melted goodness is the secret sauce – it helps the garlic and seasoning to stick while creating a perfectly crisp texture.
Garlic: Oh, garlic! Can you really go wrong? Freshly minced garlic packs a lot of flavor, and the aroma while they bake is simply irresistible.
Dried Oregano: A pinch of this herb adds an aromatic, earthy layer.
Paprika: This brings a warm undertone and a lovely hint of color to our wings.
Salt and Black Pepper: The essentials for highlighting all these flavors and bringing it all together.
Fresh Parsley: A pop of color and freshness after baking!
Olive Oil Spray: A quick spritz to help those wings get crispy and keep them from sticking.
## Is Oven Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Good for You?
Alright, let’s talk about health for just a second. While these wings are a delicious indulgence, they do have some nutritional merits too!
Chicken Wings: High in protein, these wings are a great source of energy. Just remember moderation is key!
Parmesan Cheese: Not only does it add incredible flavor, but it’s also packed with calcium and protein. Be cautious though, cheese can escalate the calorie count!
Butter: It does add richness but can be a little calorie-heavy. You can reduce the amount if you’re concerned.
Breadcrumbs: They provide a satisfying crunch, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using whole grain breadcrumbs.
All in all, these wings can fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. Pairing them with a fresh salad or vegetable sticks can help balance things out, too!
## Ingredients for Oven Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
This recipe serves about 4 people.
– 2 pounds chicken wings
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)
– 4 tablespoons butter, melted
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Olive oil spray (for greasing)
## How to Make Oven Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings?
Ready to get cooking? Here’s how we do it:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet and lightly spray it with olive oil. This step makes all the difference for crispiness!
2. In a large bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix these dry ingredients well so that each wing gets that glorious coating.
3. In another bowl, combine the melted butter and minced garlic. Stir until well mixed – can you smell that delightful aroma?
4. Add the chicken wings to the bowl with the garlic butter and toss them around, making sure they’re all coated!
5. Take each coated wing out and carefully place it in the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure they are evenly coated and press lightly to help the breading stick.
6. Arrange the breaded wings on the wire rack in a single layer so they can crisp up beautifully – no touching allowed!
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through for that golden-brown crispy goodness.
8. Once they’ve reached peak crispiness, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. If you’re feeling extra fancy, drizzle with more melted butter and sprinkle some additional Parmesan on top.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or blue cheese. And there you have it: an explosion of flavor in every bite!
## Wing It! Tips & Variations
Here are some extra nuggets of wisdom to make this dish your own:
– Feel free to experiment with different herbs or spices in the breading mixture. A little cayenne can add a nice kick!
– If you prefer a crispier skin, try broiling them for the last couple of minutes. Keep an eye on them – they can go from crispy to burnt quickly!
– Leftover wings? Reheat them in the oven rather than the microwave to maintain that crispy texture.
– These wings pair beautifully with homemade coleslaw or potato wedges for a complete meal.
I can’t wait for you to try these Oven Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings! They’re bound to become a new favorite at your table. Don’t forget to share your experience with me – I love hearing how my recipes turn out in your kitchen! Enjoy, and happy munching!
