Crispy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe

This Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe is a crispy, high-protein appetizer with 25 grams of protein per serving. It combines tender chicken wings with a savory garlic parmesan coating for a bold, cheesy flavor. I made this for a game day party, and everyone loved the crunchy, rich taste! Ready in about 45 minutes, it’s perfect for game days or casual dinners. This oven-baked recipe delivers a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe

This dish is easy to prepare with a baking sheet and simple ingredients. It offers 25 grams of protein from chicken, making it a filling snack or meal. The garlic and parmesan create a savory flavor that’s better than takeout. I love how you can adjust the seasonings or add a spicy kick. It’s ideal for parties, family gatherings, or quick dinners.

Health Benefits of Garlic Parmesan Wings

Chicken wings provide protein for muscle health and energy. Parmesan cheese offers calcium for strong bones. Garlic adds small amounts of antioxidants for immunity. Olive oil contributes healthy fats in moderation. This dish is a balanced option when paired with vegetables or a light side.

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Wings

For the Wings:

• 2 lbs chicken wings, split and tips removed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika

For the Garlic Parmesan Coating:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning

For Garnish (Optional):

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

Substitutions: Use chicken drumettes instead of wings for easier eating. Swap butter with olive oil for a lighter coating. Replace parmesan with pecorino for a sharper flavor. Use dried parsley if fresh is unavailable.

Notes: Pat wings dry for maximum crispiness. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Wings

Prepare the Wings

Preheat oven to 400°F; line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels; toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a large bowl.

Bake the Wings

Arrange wings on the wire rack in a single layer; bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy (165°F internally). This ensures a crunchy texture.

Make the Garlic Parmesan Coating

In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, parsley, and Italian seasoning; stir until smooth. This creates a rich, savory coating.

Coat the Wings

Transfer baked wings to a large bowl; pour the garlic parmesan mixture over them and toss to coat evenly. This adds a cheesy, flavorful layer.

Serve the Wings

Arrange wings on a platter; sprinkle with extra parsley and parmesan for a vibrant finish. Serve hot with a side of ranch or marinara for dipping.

Cooking Tips

• Pat wings dry before seasoning to ensure crispiness. This removes excess moisture. I dried mine thoroughly, and they were crunchy.
• Use a wire rack for baking to allow air circulation. This prevents soggy wings. I used a rack, and it was perfect.
• Toss wings with coating immediately after baking to absorb flavors. This keeps them savory. I tossed right away, and it was great.
• Mince garlic finely for a smooth coating. This avoids chunky bits. I minced well, and it blended nicely.
• Bake until wings reach 165°F to ensure they’re fully cooked. This keeps them safe. I checked the temperature, and it was spot-on.
• Use fresh parmesan for a stronger, richer flavor. Pre-grated is less bold. I grated my own, and it was cheesy.
• Let wings rest for 2 minutes before serving to set the coating. This enhances texture. I waited briefly, and it was ideal.

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap chicken wings for drumsticks for a meatier option. Drumsticks bake similarly. I tried drumsticks, and they were delicious.
• Use hot sauce in the coating for a spicy twist. This adds a fiery kick. I added hot sauce, and it was a hit.
• Replace parmesan with asiago for a nuttier flavor. This changes the cheese profile. I used asiago, and it was tasty.
• Add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper for extra heat. This boosts the spice. I added cayenne, and it was bold.
• Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version. This keeps it flavorful. I tried coconut oil, and it worked well.
• Add 1 tbsp lemon juice to the coating for a tangy note. This brightens the flavor. I added lemon, and it was refreshing.
• Make it vegetarian with cauliflower wings instead of chicken. This keeps it cheesy. I tried cauliflower, and it was satisfying.

Storage and Meal Prep

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness. Freeze cooked wings for up to 1 month, thawing in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe

Here are answers to common questions about this dish.

1. Why are my wings not crispy?
   Pat dry and use a wire rack for baking. I dried mine well, and they were crunchy.
2. Can I use frozen wings?
   Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before baking. I used fresh, but thawed worked fine.
3. How do I make it dairy-free?
   Use olive oil and skip the parmesan or use a vegan substitute. I tried vegan cheese, and it was great.
4. Can I air-fry the wings?
   Yes, air-fry at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. I air-fried mine, and it was quick.
5. How do I increase the protein?
   Serve with a protein-rich dip like Greek yogurt ranch. I added yogurt dip, and it hit 28 grams.
6. Why is my coating lumpy?
   Mix the coating thoroughly and mince garlic finely. I stirred well, and it was smooth.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with celery sticks and ranch dip for a classic game day plate. Pair with a side salad or coleslaw for a balanced meal. Enjoy with a cold beer or sparkling water for a refreshing touch. I served it with carrot sticks, and it was a perfect combo. It’s great for game days, parties, or casual dinners.

Nutrition Info for Garlic Parmesan Wings

Per serving (4 wings, 4 servings):

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 1g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
  Source: USDA Food Database (2025). Values are approximate.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe is a crispy, high-protein appetizer with bold, cheesy flavors. Its easy prep makes it perfect for game days or casual meals. How do you like to customize your wings? Let us know in the comments!