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Transform your kitchen into a wing lover's paradise with these irresistibly crispy garlic parmesan chicken wings. The perfect balance of golden-brown crunch and tender, juicy meat makes these oven-baked wings rival any restaurant version. A richly flavored garlic-parmesan coating takes them from ordinary to extraordinary.
This recipe has become a weekly tradition in our kitchen. Through extensive testing and refinement, it consistently produces wings with that coveted combination of crispy exterior and succulent interior.
Key Ingredients
- Chicken wings (2-3 pounds): Select fresh, meaty wings with good color and no blemishes
- Garlic (6-8 fresh cloves): Fresh whole garlic cloves provide optimal flavor
- Parmigiano-Reggiano (1 cup): Use authentic aged parmesan for best results
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): High-quality butter creates a richer sauce
- Olive oil (1/4 cup): Extra virgin preferred for best flavor
- Fresh basil (1/4 cup): Adds aromatic depth to the sauce
- Salt and spices: Fresh-ground black pepper and sea salt enhance flavors
Preparation Steps
- Initial Prep:
- Pat wings completely dry and refrigerate uncovered for 30 minutes
- Seasoning:
- Create spice blend with salt, oregano and ground spices
- First Bake:
- Arrange wings on rack with space between each piece
- Sauce Making:
- Slowly melt butter with oil, add minced garlic and herbs
- Final Stage:
- Coat wings thoroughly and bake until golden
Using high-quality aged parmesan makes a remarkable difference in flavor depth. The slight crystallization in well-aged cheese adds an incredible textural element to the final dish.
Serving Suggestions
Complete your wing presentation with warm garlic bread, fresh Caesar salad, or homemade ranch dip with crisp vegetable sticks. Finish with fresh basil and shaved parmesan for an elegant touch.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What’s the trick to getting wings crispy in the oven?
- Set the oven to 425°F, and bake the wings on the lowest rack. Be sure to space them out well on the sheet. Using the two-step method will help crisp them up nicely.
- → Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
- Sure, mix up the butter, olive oil, parmesan, garlic, basil, and seasoning salt ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge, then warm it slightly before coating the wings.
- → What goes well with these wings?
- Try pairing these wings with ranch or cilantro garlic sauce. Fresh veggies like celery or carrots make great sides, or a light salad works too.
- → What’s the best way to keep leftovers?
- Pop leftover wings into a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for the best results.
- → Can I use store-bought grated parmesan?
- While freshly grated adds the best flavor and consistency, pre-grated parmesan works as long as it’s the real deal and not the powdered kind.