Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 2 pound Chicken wings (bone-in ); ¼ cup Olive Oil; 1 tablespoons Kosher salt; 2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 4 tablespoons melted butter; 4 cloves garlic (minced); ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan (plus extra); 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Ranch Dressing (or, our choice dressing for dipping)

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These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings start with crispy fried wings that are tossed in a rich garlic butter and finished with freshly grated Parmesan. They're easy to make at home and fit right into any game day spread.

A close-up of golden-brown garlic parmesan chicken wings on a white plate, topped with grated cheese and seasonings.

Why You'll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe

These garlic Parmesan chicken wings are so good because they recreate the bold, buttery garlic flavor of the popular Buffalo Wild Wings version right at home. You get the same crave-worthy taste and crispy wings, made fresh in your own kitchen with simple ingredients.

Customizable heat level lets you adjust the garlic and spices to suit your taste without changing the crispiness of the wings.
Perfect for dipping with ranch, blue cheese, or even a simple garlic aioli for extra flavor.
Great for meal prep or parties since you can make a batch ahead and reheat without losing the crispy texture.

A close-up of several garlic parmesan chicken wings arranged on a white rectangular plate, topped with shredded cheese.

Ingredients Overview

The chicken wings are seasoned and fried until crispy, then tossed in a mixture of melted butter, garlic, and a touch of salt before being finished with freshly grated Parmesan. The combination of savory garlic and rich Parmesan gives these wings their signature taste.

Pro Tip

This chicken wings recipe can easily be decreased or increased, depending on how many you plan to serve. For step-by-step guidance to halve or double this recipe, see How To Double or Reduce A Recipe Accurately.

Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

A glass bowl of raw wings, perfect for garlic parmesan chicken wings, is surrounded by olive oil, garlic cloves, cheddar cheese on a wooden board, plus a small bowl of spices and butter cubes, all set on a white surface.

How To Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

Making these chicken wings starts with frying the wings until golden and crispy, then tossing them in a flavorful garlic butter and finishing with Parmesan. The visual step-by-step tutorial will walk you through each part of the process so you can easily recreate them at home.

A glass bowl filled with raw chicken wings, lightly seasoned with salt, pepper, and hints of garlic parmesan, on a white background.

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400℉ and line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and a metal rack. Toss the wings with the oil, salt and pepper in a large bowl

Twelve seasoned, baked garlic parmesan chicken wings are arranged on a black wire rack set over a foil-lined baking sheet. The wings are golden brown, with small spots of dripped oil underneath.

Step 2: Place wings on a prepared metal rack and bake until golden and crispy 50-55 mins. Prepare the sauce while the wings are cooking.

A plate of garlic parmesan chicken wings topped with shredded cheese sits next to a wooden cutting board with a block of cheese, cheese shreds, and a garlic bulb.

Step 3: In a large bowl, stir together melted butter, garlic, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes. Add wings and toss until completely coated. Sprinkle with Parmesan and serve with dressing of choice. Serve with a side of Caesar salad dressing.

Garlic Parmesan Wings Serving Suggestions

These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings are perfect served straight from the fryer or oven while still hot and crispy. Pair them with other game day favorites like crispy Savory Puff Pastry Tarts for a mix of flavors and textures that will please any crowd.

Add a side of celery sticks and your favorite dipping sauces to round out the spread and make it easy for everyone to snack and enjoy.

A plate of golden-brown garlic parmesan chicken wings, topped with shredded cheese and served on a white rectangular dish.

Substitutions and Variations

Some useful tips and substitutions when making this recipe:

Oven-bake instead of fry to make the wings lighter while still keeping them crispy.
Use boneless chicken tenders for a quicker, easier-to-eat version.
Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a slightly sharper, saltier flavor.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a little extra heat.
Try garlic Parmesan drumettes only for a more uniform cooking time and easy serving.

Tips for Success

Helpful tips to help you when making this recipe:

Pat the wings dry for maximum crispiness: Removing excess moisture helps the wings fry perfectly and allows the garlic butter to cling.
Fry in batches for even cooking: Keeping the oil at a steady temperature ensures each wing cooks golden and crisp.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor: It melts evenly and gives a rich, authentic taste.
Toss wings immediately in the garlic butter: Coating them while hot locks in flavor and ensures every bite is savory.
Watch the garlic carefully when melting in butter: Prevent it from burning to avoid a bitter taste.

Storage Options

Here is how I store leftovers when making this recipe:

Refrigerator: Store cooled wings in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked wings in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness, or warm gently in the microwave if convenience is key.
Individual portions: Freeze or refrigerate wings in single-serving packs for easy grab-and-go snacks.
Sauce separately: Store leftover garlic butter separately to toss wings just before serving to maintain crisp texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to dry the chicken wings before cooking?

Yes. Patting the chicken wings dry before cooking removes excess moisture so the skin crisps up better whether you're frying, baking, or air frying.

What makes Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings extra crispy?

Some recipes recommend tossing the wings in baking powder or cornstarch before cooking, which helps dry the skin out and create a crunchier texture.

Can I cook these wings in an air fryer?

Yes. Air frying at 400°F in a single layer with a flip halfway through results in a crispy exterior, and then you toss them with the warm garlic Parmesan sauce.

Should I add the sauce while the wings are hot or after they cool?

It's best to toss the wings in the garlic Parmesan sauce while they are still hot so the sauce clings to the surface and maximizes flavor.

Can I add extra seasonings like red pepper flakes or herbs?

Yes. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like parsley brings extra dimension to the savory garlic and Parmesan coating.

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A close-up of crispy garlic parmesan chicken wings on a white plate, topped with shredded cheese and seasonings.

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