If you’re like me and crave that perfect balance of crispy, garlicky, and cheesy, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Garlic Parmesan Oven Baked Wings Recipe. These wings are everything you want in a snack — flavorful, easy to make, and seriously addictive.

A round black cast iron pan is full of golden brown chicken wings that have a crispy texture with small green herb pieces and a sprinkle of finely grated cheese on top. The wings are piled up in the pan, some pieces standing upright and others lying down, showing different angles of the crispy skin. Small green parsley leaves are scattered over and around the chicken, adding a fresh touch. A white cloth with red stripes is placed near the pan on a white marbled surface, with more parsley lying loosely in the background. 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 Oven Baked Wings Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Oven Baked Wings Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Garlic Parmesan Oven Baked Wings Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made a lot of wings over the years, but there’s something about baking them in the oven with this garlic parmesan sauce that just hits all the right notes—crispy outside, tender inside, and bursting with flavor.

Crispy & Juicy: Baking at 400°F for 45 minutes gives you wings that are perfectly crisp without deep frying.
Rich Garlic Butter Sauce: The homemade garlic parmesan sauce is buttery and loaded with fresh garlic and cheese.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these spices and staples in your kitchen.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game night, a casual party, or just dinner, these wings shine every time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, make sure you have fresh chicken wings and fresh parmesan cheese for the best flavor. The spice mix is simple but powerful, making sure your wings are juicy, crispy, and packed with flavor.

Flat lay of two pounds of fresh raw chicken wings arranged neatly, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl filled with garlic powder, another small white bowl containing onion powder, a small white bowl with coarse salt crystals, a small white bowl holding whole black peppercorns, a small white bowl of deep red smoked paprika, a small white bowl with fine baking powder, a small white bowl of melted golden butter, five peeled fresh garlic cloves, a small white bowl of chopped bright green parsley, and a small white bowl heaped with freshly grated pale yellow Parmesan cheese, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Garlic powder: The base of our spice blend, bringing that classic garlic punch.
Onion powder: Adds a subtle savory depth to complement the garlic.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the seasoning.
Pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat and complexity.
Smoked paprika: Provides a smoky warmth that makes the wings irresistible.
Baking powder (optional): Helps crisp up the skin beautifully during baking.
Chicken wings: The star of the show—fresh wings give you the best texture.
Olive oil: Keeps the wings moist and helps the spice blend adhere.
Butter: The base of our rich garlic parmesan sauce, adding richness and smoothness.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic is key for that bright, fragrant flavor that powder alone can’t deliver.
Parsley: A fresh herb touch that adds color and a subtle freshness.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for that nutty, salty finish on your wings.

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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

One of the best things about this Garlic Parmesan Oven Baked Wings Recipe is how easy it is to customize to suit your cravings or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative and make these wings truly your own!

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chili flakes to the spice mix for wings with a fiery punch. I love this variation when I’m craving something with a little more heat—it balances perfectly with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
Herb Boost: Swap out some or all of the parsley in the garlic sauce with fresh basil or thyme for a fragrant twist. It adds a fresh, green note that’s especially nice in spring or summer.
Gluten-Free: To keep these wings gluten-free, simply omit the baking powder or use a gluten-free baking powder alternative. They’ll still bake up beautifully crispy!
Cheese Swap: If you want a richer, more robust cheese flavor, try using Pecorino Romano in place of Parmesan. It’s a sharper flavor but totally worth trying for a special occasion.

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

A close-up image shows a woman's hand holding a single crispy, golden-brown chicken wing topped with melted cheese and small green herb pieces. In the background, there is a white plate with more chicken wings covered in the same melted cheese and herbs, slightly blurred to keep focus on the held wing. The wings have a crunchy texture with visible seasoning and cheese strands. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a light-colored cloth beneath the plate. A blurred white bowl with a light creamy sauce is visible in the upper left corner. The overall lighting is bright and natural, highlighting the warm colors of the wings photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Oven for Perfect Crispiness

Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (that’s about 200 degrees Celsius) and placing a rack in the middle. This positioning ensures your wings bake evenly, crisping beautifully without drying out. While the oven’s warming up, get your spice mix ready for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Mix Your Spices for That Signature Flavor

Combine garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and—if you’re using it—the baking powder in a small bowl. The baking powder helps give you that crispy, golden skin. This blend is the heart of your wings’ savory kick, so give it a good stir until everything’s evenly mixed.

Step 3: Toss Wings with Spices and Oil

Place your 2 pounds of chicken wings in a baking dish. Sprinkle your spice mix all over them, then toss well to coat each wing thoroughly. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the wings and toss again to ensure every piece is evenly coated with that glorious seasoning and oil. This step is key for crisp wings that are bursting with flavor.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Crispy

Slide your wings into the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. Halfway through cooking, take the wings out and give them a good turn to help them brown evenly on all sides. You'll know they’re ready when their skin turns irresistibly golden and crisp.

Step 5: Prepare the Luscious Garlic Parmesan Sauce

While the wings bake, melt ¼ cup of butter gently in a small pot over low heat. Add your 5 cloves of minced garlic and ¼ cup chopped parsley, stirring until the garlic becomes fragrant—about 1 to 2 minutes. This fragrant sauce is the perfect crown for those perfectly baked wings.

Step 6: Coat Wings and Add That Parmesan Kick

Once the wings come out of the oven, pour the warm garlic butter sauce over them, making sure to coat each wing generously. Then sprinkle ¼ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top—this extra step adds that signature savory, cheesy finish you’re craving.

Step 7: Final Bake to Perfection

Pop the wings back into the oven for an additional 5 minutes. This final bake crisps up the sauce-coated skin and melts the Parmesan just enough to create a beautifully golden, slightly browned topping. The aroma alone will have everyone coming to the kitchen.

Top Tip

These tips come from hands-on experience and can really elevate your Garlic Parmesan Oven Baked Wings Recipe, ensuring your wings come out crispy, flavorful, and perfectly sauced every time.

Get That Crisp Perfect: Using baking powder in the spice mix is a game changer. It helps dry out the skin so your wings become wonderfully crispy, just like fried but without the mess.
Don’t Skip the Tossing: Toss your wings halfway through baking. This even cooking trick ensures every wing gets that golden, crispy texture instead of some parts staying soft or underdone.
Fresh Garlic Makes a Difference: When making the garlic butter sauce, fresh minced garlic infuses such a bright flavor that store-bought garlic powders just can’t match.
Watch the Parmesan Timing: Add the Parmesan cheese just before a quick final bake—this melts it perfectly without burning or drying out your wings.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Oven Baked Wings Recipe

A white scalloped round dish is filled with a single layer of raw chicken wings seasoned with a reddish spice mix, giving each piece a textured, powdery coating with hints of bright red and orange. The wings are arranged in a loose circle, with some wings overlapping slightly, showing their pale pinkish flesh and light skin. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface that adds a cool contrast. To the top left of the dish, a white cloth with red stripes is casually folded, adding a soft fabric texture to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley is the go-to garnish for these wings—it adds a lovely pop of green and freshness. You can also sprinkle a little extra freshly grated Parmesan on top just before serving for that extra cheesy burst. For a bit of heat and color, a few red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce work beautifully too.

Side Dishes

These Garlic Parmesan Oven Baked Wings pair perfectly with classic sides like celery sticks and creamy blue cheese or ranch dip to cool down the flavors. For heartier options, try crispy oven-baked fries, a fresh Caesar salad, or buttery garlic bread to soak up every delicious bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your wings have cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to 4 days, making them a great option for easy snacks or meals later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to keep your wings even longer, freeze them in a shallow airtight container. They’ll maintain their flavor and texture for up to 6 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat and keep that wonderful crispiness, pop your wings back in the oven or an air fryer until heated through. Avoid microwaving—the quick zap makes the skin soggy and less appetizing.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen wings, but make sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator before seasoning and baking to ensure even cooking and crispy skin.

Is baking powder necessary in the spice mix?

Baking powder is optional but highly recommended as it helps create a crispier skin by drying out the wings as they bake.

Can I make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?

You can prepare the garlic butter sauce in advance and store it refrigerated for a day. Just reheat gently before tossing with the wings.

How can I make these wings spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce or sprinkle cayenne powder on your spice mix to give the wings an extra kick of heat.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about wings that are both crispy and packed with flavor, and this Garlic Parmesan Oven Baked Wings Recipe hits all those marks perfectly. Whether you’re serving them up for a game day, party, or a cozy weeknight treat, these wings will satisfy every craving. So grab your apron, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy wings like never before—flecked with garlic and cheese, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Happy cooking!