Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly crispy, golden-brown chicken wings bursting with zesty flavors that will make your dinner guests go wild! These aren't just ordinary wings - these are the ultimate crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed chicken wings that transform an everyday meal into a culinary adventure. Whether you're hosting a game night, weekend gathering, or just craving something deliciously satisfying, these zesty baked chicken wings are about to become your new go-to recipe that promises maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your chicken wings cook evenly and become crispy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon of paprika. Stir the mixture well until all ingredients are fully combined.
- Rinse the chicken wings under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
- Add the chicken wings to the bowl with the marinade. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the wings in the marinade until they are evenly coated.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top. This allows air to circulate around the wings, helping them to cook evenly and become crispy.
- Arrange the marinated chicken wings in a single layer on the wire rack. Make sure they are not touching each other to allow for proper air circulation.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the wings for 40 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they are golden brown and crispy on both sides.
- Once the wings are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute within the wings.
- Garnish the wings with freshly chopped parsley before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
- Serve the zesty baked chicken wings hot with your favorite dipping sauce on the side, such as ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Tips
- Pat those wings completely dry before marinating - moisture is the enemy of crispy skin!
- Use a wire rack when baking to ensure maximum crispiness on all sides of the wings.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet; give each wing enough space to cook evenly.
- Flip the wings halfway through cooking to ensure uniform golden-brown color.
- Let the wings rest for a few minutes after baking to help redistribute the juices and maintain maximum tenderness.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices in your marinade to customize the flavor profile.
- For extra crispy wings, consider briefly broiling them for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 110mg
