Name: Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon pepper; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon baking powder (optional); 2 pounds chicken wings; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/4 cup butter, melted; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

There’s something truly irresistible about a perfect mix of bold garlic and salty Parmesan on crispy wings—that’s exactly why this Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe has won over my kitchen (and my guests!) time and again. It’s simple, packed with flavor, and oh-so satisfying.

A close-up view of a white cast iron pan filled with golden brown chicken wings, each wing showing a crispy and slightly charred texture with specks of green parsley scattered on top. The wings are generously sprinkled with fine grated parmesan cheese, adding small white granules contrasting the golden and brown surface. The pan is set on a white marbled textured surface, highlighting the rich colors of the cooked wings. 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 Wings Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made a lot of wing recipes over the years, but this Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe stands out because it’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet delicious enough for game day. Plus, the garlicky Parmesan sauce coating those crispy baked wings? Seriously, it’s next level!

Crispy without Frying: Baking with a touch of baking powder gives these wings a perfectly crispy skin without all the mess and calories of deep frying.
Flavor Packed Garlic Sauce: The fresh minced garlic simmered in butter gives an incredible aroma and depth you can’t get from powders alone.
Simple Ingredients, Big Taste: Basic pantry staples come together beautifully here, so it’s both budget-friendly and fuss-free.
Customizable and Crowd-pleasing: Whether you're serving friends or family, these wings always disappear fast – with good reason!

A round black pan holds a pile of golden-brown chicken wings grilled with a crispy texture. The wings are sprinkled with small bits of white Parmesan cheese and scattered bright green parsley leaves. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with a white cloth with red stripes near the bottom right corner. Some parsley leaves are seen on the left side of the pan, adding a fresh green touch. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe uses simple ingredients that complement each other perfectly — savory spices, rich butter, fresh garlic, and that nutty Parmesan cheese all add layers of flavor, making the wings anything but boring.

Flat lay of raw chicken wings sprinkled with smoked paprika and garlic powder, fresh cloves of garlic, a small pile of grated Parmesan cheese, a few sprigs of bright green parsley, golden melted butter in a small pool, and a drizzle of rich olive oil, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garlic powder: Adds concentrated, mellow garlic flavor that you want baked right into the wings.
Onion powder: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering the garlic.
Salt & pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors.
Smoked paprika: Gives a warm, smoky note that adds complexity to the seasoning.
Baking powder (optional): This little trick helps crisp up the skin beautifully in the oven.
Chicken wings: Obviously the star—look for fresh wings so you get the best texture and flavor.
Olive oil: Helps the wings crisp and carry all the dry spices evenly.
Butter (for sauce): Melts down to form a rich, luscious base for the garlic sauce.
Garlic (fresh minced): This elevates the sauce beyond powder, giving it that crave-worthy, fragrant punch.
Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that balances the richness.
Parmesan cheese: The final touch—salty and nutty, it melts slightly on top to create a perfect savory crust.

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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

I like to play around with this Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe based on mood and occasion. You can easily tweak the spice levels or add herbs for a personal twist—making it your own is part of the fun!

Variation: Once, I swapped smoked paprika for cayenne pepper for a spicy kick that my family totally adored — so don’t be afraid to experiment with heat!
Diet-friendly tweak: For a lighter version, you can swap olive oil for avocado oil, which has a higher smoke point and a milder flavor.

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

Step 1: Prep and Season

First things first—preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place a rack in the middle. I like to use a wire rack on a baking sheet to help air circulate and crisp those wings up perfectly. Then, mix garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and baking powder in a small bowl. Toss the wings in a baking dish with this seasoning blend and olive oil, making sure each wing is coated evenly—this step really seals in the flavor.

Step 2: Bake Until Crispy

Bake the wings for about 45 minutes. This is your time to get other things ready or just relax! Around 30 minutes in, I like to flip the wings for even crispiness. When they look golden and the skin is crispy, they’re ready for their garlicky coat.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

While the wings bake, melt butter gently over low heat, then add minced garlic and chopped parsley. Stir until fragrant (don’t let the garlic burn—that happens fast!). This sauce is where the magic happens—it’s bright, buttery, and packed with fresh garlic flavor that really complements the wings.

Step 4: Coat, Top, and Finish Baking

Once the wings are out of the oven, pour the garlic butter sauce all over and give them a good toss. Spread them out again and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. Pop them back in the oven for another 5 minutes so the cheese melts and the wings get extra crispy and golden brown. Trust me, this last step is worth the wait!

Top Tip

I’ve learned from trial and error that patience and attention to these final details truly take the wings from good to unforgettable. Don’t skip flipping the wings or the final cheese melt—it really makes a difference.

Use a wire rack: Baking wings on a rack allows air to circulate and crisps skin evenly, avoiding sogginess.
Low and slow garlic sauté: Keeping heat low when cooking garlic in butter prevents bitterness and keeps the flavor mellow.
Freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-grated ‘parmesan-style’ cheese won’t melt well or taste as fresh—always best to grate it yourself.
Don’t overcrowd: Give each wing space on the pan so they roast properly. Crowding causes steam and sogginess.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Wings - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing these wings with an extra sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley after baking because it adds a pop of color and fresh flavor. A little extra Parmesan on top is always a good move, too—it amps up the cheesy goodness right before serving.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides alongside Garlic Parmesan Wings are classic celery sticks and carrot sticks with ranch dip—crunchy freshness balances the rich, garlicky wings perfectly. For heartier meals, crispy roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad also pair beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

One time, for a casual party, I served the wings in small individual cups with celery sticks and a little ramekin of ranch dressing on the side—such a hit! Or try stacking them on a large platter lined with parchment, garnished with parsley and lemon wedges for an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually pop leftover wings into an airtight container and refrigerate them. They last well for about 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, they still taste great and just need a quick reheat to bring back that crispy texture.

Freezing

These wings freeze beautifully too! I spread them out on a tray to flash freeze before transferring to a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months. When frozen, they maintain flavor and texture surprisingly well.

Reheating

When reheating, I avoid the microwave because it makes the skin soggy. Instead, I use the oven at 350°F or an air fryer for about 10 minutes until heated through and crispy again. It truly revives that original delicious crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder in the seasoning?

Using fresh garlic in the seasoning mix isn’t recommended because it can burn during baking and create a bitter taste. That’s why this recipe uses garlic powder for the seasoning stage, while the fresh garlic shines in the buttery sauce applied after baking.

What does baking powder do for the wings?

Baking powder helps to draw moisture out of the skin and promotes browning, resulting in a crispy texture when the wings bake. It’s optional but highly recommended if you want that coveted crispy bite without frying.

Can I grill these wings instead of baking?

Absolutely! Grilling can add a smoky charred flavor to these wings. Just remember to watch the heat carefully to prevent burning the garlic sauce later on. Toss the wings on the grill until cooked through and crispy before coating with the garlic Parmesan sauce.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe dairy-free, swap the butter with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or coconut oil. You’ll also want to leave out the Parmesan or substitute it with a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Wings Recipe is one I come back to time and time again because it nails that balance of bold, rich flavor and effortless cooking. Sharing these wings feels like giving a warm, tasty hug around the table. So do yourself a favor—try making them this week and watch how fast they disappear. You won’t regret it!