Name: Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon pepper; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon baking powder (optional); 2 pounds chicken wings; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/4 cup butter, melted; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Nothing quite beats that irresistible aroma and crispy crunch of a homemade Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe. These wings have quickly become a favorite in my kitchen thanks to their perfect balance of garlic, parmesan, and a subtle smoky hint. I promise, once you try this, backyard BBQs and game nights will never feel complete without them.

A black cast iron pan filled with several pieces of golden-brown cooked chicken wings, each wing covered with a light sprinkling of grated cheese and small green herb leaves. The chicken pieces show a crispy texture with some darker, charred spots and a shiny, slightly oily glaze. The background is a white marbled surface. 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 Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, these wings have a way of bringing people together. Their savory punch combined with the creamy parmesan finish is simply unforgettable, making every bite feel like a treat. I’ve made these for casual weeknight dinners and more festive gatherings, and they’re always a huge hit.

Easy to Prepare: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean you spend more time enjoying your wings than stressing in the kitchen.
Crispy and Flavorful: Baking with a hint of baking powder creates that coveted crispy skin without frying.
Rich Garlic Parmesan Sauce: A luscious coating of garlic-butter, Parmesan, and fresh parsley that makes these wings irresistibly savory.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day or a cozy night in, these wings hit the spot every single time.

A black cast iron pan full of golden brown, crispy chicken wings with a light sprinkle of grated cheese and small green herb leaves on top. The wings show a mix of browned, slightly charred skin and tender white meat. They are stacked close together, filling the pan. Around the pan is a white marbled surface, with some green herb leaves scattered and a white cloth with red stripes near the bottom right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe truly comes down to quality ingredients working in harmony. The spices bring warmth and depth, the butter adds richness and helps carry the garlic’s flavor, and the fresh parsley and parmesan lend brightness and that unmistakable cheesy punch.

Flat lay of golden raw chicken wings, vibrant minced garlic cloves, fresh bright green chopped parsley, a small mound of finely grated Parmesan cheese, whole garlic bulbs, a scattering of smoked paprika powder, a pat of melted butter glistening softly, and a few sprigs of fresh parsley leaves artfully placed, all arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garlic powder: Provides a mellow garlicky base that infuses the wings without overpowering them.
Onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and rounds out the savory profile.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors.
Pepper: Adds a slight kick and complexity.
Smoked paprika: Brings a smoky undertone that tantalizes your taste buds.
Baking powder (optional): Helps achieve that perfect crispiness when baking the wings.
Chicken wings: The star of the dish—fresh wings work best for even cooking.
Olive oil: Keeps the wings moist and helps the spices stick during baking.
Butter (melted): Creates a rich sauce that coats each wing beautifully.
Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic amps up the flavor, giving the sauce its signature punch.
Parsley (chopped): Adds brightness and a fresh herbal note.
Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): The finishing touch that brings a creamy, nutty flavor and helps wings crisp up under the broiler.

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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

I love how flexible this Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe is. You can easily dial up the heat or tone it down for the littlest wing lovers, and swapping herbs or cheeses opens up so many delicious directions. Don’t hesitate to make it your own.

Variation: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix for a smoky, spicy kick — it’s been a crowd-pleaser every time.
For less salt: Reduce the salt or swap for low-sodium alternatives and add more herbs to keep the flavor bright.
Herb swap: Fresh thyme or rosemary make interesting substitutions for parsley when you want to switch up flavors.
Cheese alternative: Grated Asiago or Pecorino Romano can provide a sharp twist if you’re in the mood for a different parmesan-like cheese.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Wings and Spice Mix

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and placing a rack in the middle. In a small bowl, whisk together garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and if you like, baking powder. The baking powder is a trick I learned that adds extra crispiness, so I always include it unless I’m out.

Step 2: Coat and Bake the Wings

Arrange your wings in a baking dish, then sprinkle the spice mix evenly over them. Pour olive oil on top and toss so every wing is well coated. Bake for 45 minutes, turning halfway through if you want even crispier skin. This slow baking method renders the fat and crisps the skin without frying, which is a win in my book.

Step 3: Whip Up the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

While the wings bake, melt the butter over low heat in a small saucepan. Add minced garlic and chopped parsley, stirring until the garlic becomes fragrant—this usually takes just a couple of minutes. Pull the pan from the heat before the garlic browns to avoid bitterness.

Step 4: Sauce and Final Crisp

Once the wings are done baking, take them out and pour your garlic butter sauce over them. Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan on top and pop them back in the oven for 5 more minutes. This last bake crisps up the sauce and gives the Parmesan a golden, crunchy finish that you’ll want to savor.

Top Tip

After making this Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe countless times, I’ve discovered little tricks that really elevate the final dish, making sure your wings are crispy, flavorful, and absolutely delicious every time.

Use baking powder, not baking soda: Baking powder helps dry out the skin and gives a wonderful crisp texture—just make sure it’s aluminum-free to avoid any weird aftertaste.
Don’t skip the rest after tossing in sauce: Let your wings sit for a minute after coating with the garlic parmesan sauce so the flavors meld perfectly before that last bake.
Fresh parmesan is a game changer: Pre-grated will work, but freshly grated Parmesan melts better and crisps up beautifully.
Watch the garlic closely: Garlic can burn quickly. Cooking it gently over low heat releases its flavors beautifully without bitterness.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Wings - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle extra freshly chopped parsley over the wings just before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Sometimes a few lemon wedges on the side add a nice zing, especially when guests want a little bright contrast to the richness.

Side Dishes

For sides, I’m always partial to crunchy celery sticks and creamy blue cheese or ranch dip—they balance the wings perfectly. Also, crispy roasted potatoes or a light, crisp salad with vinaigrette work beautifully if you want something more substantial.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like arranging the wings on a large wooden board with small bowls of dips scattered around—makes it inviting and perfect for grazing. You can add toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of chili oil over the parmesan for an unexpected, fancy twist that your guests will talk about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I place leftover wings in an airtight container and refrigerate them. They keep well for up to 4 days, which is perfect because they rarely last that long in my house! Just make sure they cool completely before sealing the container to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

Freezing is a great option if you want to prep ahead. I freeze wings in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method prevents them from sticking together and keeps their shape for up to 6 months.

Reheating

Reheating key: skip the microwave! Instead, I warm leftovers in a 375°F oven or air fryer for about 8-10 minutes to bring back their crispiness without drying them out. It’s the best way to enjoy wings that taste almost freshly made.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe spicy?

Absolutely! Adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the spice mix before baking is my go-to method for turning up the heat. Start small and tweak according to your heat tolerance.

Is baking powder necessary for crispy wings?

Baking powder isn’t mandatory but highly recommended. It helps dry out the skin, making it much crispier after baking. Make sure to use aluminum-free baking powder to avoid any metallic taste.

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

You can, but freshly grated Parmesan melts and crisps better, enhancing flavor and texture. Pre-grated cheese sometimes contains anti-caking agents that affect the final result.

How do I make these wings ahead for a party?

Bake the wings a day ahead and keep them refrigerated. Just before serving, toss them in the garlic parmesan sauce and quickly bake again to refresh their crispiness. This saves you time at the party!

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s simple, flavorful, and always gets everyone asking for seconds. I encourage you to give it a try—it’s like having your favorite restaurant wings right in your own kitchen. Trust me, once these hit your oven, they’ll quickly become one of your go-to recipes too!