Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings (Baked Crispy!)

Here’s my best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings recipe—crispy, buttery, garlicky, and totally restaurant-level. These are baked (not fried), but still come out golden and crisp thanks to a simple trick: baking powder!

Prep Time15

Cook Time45

Total Time1

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

Servings:

Author: Jennifer Pallian BSc, RD

Ingredients

For the Wings:

2 lbs chicken wings patted dry
1 tbsp baking powder aluminum-free
¾ tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder

For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

2 tbsp butter
4 tsp minced garlic approx. 4 large cloves
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
¾ cup whole milk
½ cup finely grated parmesan
¼ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp pepper
Pinch chili flakes optional
1 –2 tsp lemon juice optional

To Finish:

Extra grated parmesan for topping
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Prep the Wings: Preheat oven to 425ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to evenly combine. Add wings and toss them to coat evenly in the seasoning. There should be none left in the bowl. Spread wings out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet (use two if you have to).
Bake: Roast for 45–50 minutes, flipping once, until deeply golden and crisp.
Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter. Add garlic and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in parmesan, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Finish with lemon juice if using.
Sauce the Wings: Transfer hot wings to a large bowl. Pour over warm sauce and toss to coat.
Serve: Sprinkle with more parmesan and chopped parsley if you like. Serve hot.

Notes

The baking powder provides the sodium equivalent to about 1 tsp kosher salt, which is why the recipe calls for less added salt than you might expect for this amount of wings.
Use finely grated Parmesan—not shredded—for a silky, smooth sauce that coats the wings evenly.
Finish the sauce with lemon juice to brighten and balance the richness.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven at 375ºF for 10–15 minutes or in the air fryer for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutrition