Nothing beats biting into crispy, buttery wings glazed with the perfect punch of garlic and Parmesan. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe is hands down one of my favorite go-to snacks that gets rave reviews every time I make it. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your new wing obsession!

A black round pan filled with many golden brown chicken wings with a crispy texture and sprinkled with white grated cheese and small green herb bits, resting on a white marbled surface. Some green parsley leaves are scattered on the chicken wings and around the pan. A white cloth with red stripes is partly visible at the bottom right corner. The background shows a bunch of fresh green herbs blurred out. 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 Chicken Wings Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Seriously, these wings hit all the right notes for a happy tastebud dance. They’re crispy, flavorful, and effortlessly elegant for a simple appetizer or a crowd-pleasing main.

Crispy, not soggy: Baking with a touch of baking powder ensures a perfectly golden skin every time.
Flavor-packed: A punchy spice mix combined with fresh garlic and Parmesan delivers layers of irresistible taste.
Effortless to make: Minimal prep and simple ingredients get you to delicious wings fast.
Versatile crowd-pleaser: Great for game day, parties, or a cozy night in with family.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Gathering the right ingredients is key here, but you don’t need anything fancy. I like to keep things simple with pantry staples that bring big flavor. Fresh Parmesan and garlic make a noticeable difference, so try to use good-quality versions.

Flat lay of two pounds of fresh raw chicken wings, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, five whole garlic cloves, a small white bowl of finely chopped green parsley, a small white bowl of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl of garlic powder, a small white bowl of onion powder, a small white bowl of coarse salt, a small white bowl of black peppercorns, and a small white bowl of smoked paprika, all arranged with perfect symmetry 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: Gives a subtle roasted garlic background note that complements fresh garlic beautifully.
Onion powder: Adds depth and a mild sweetness to the spice blend.
Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings that balance all the flavors perfectly.
Smoked paprika: Brings a smoky warmth without heat.
Baking powder (optional): Helps the skin crisp up delightfully in the oven.
Chicken wings: The star ingredient—look for fresh or fully thawed wings for best results.
Olive oil: Coats the wings, helping to crisp and brown the skin beautifully.
Butter: Provides richness and a silky base for the garlic sauce.
Fresh garlic: Essential for that punchy aromatic flavor you want in a garlic Parmesan wing.
Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note that lightens the richness.
Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated for the best melting, browning, and flavor impact.

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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 Chicken Wings Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your taste buds or dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to get creative—these wings are the perfect blank canvas for your flavor experiments!

Spicy Kick: I love adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the spice mix for a fiery twist. It adds a wonderful warmth that balances beautifully with the creamy Parmesan.
Herb Variations: Sometimes I swap out parsley for fresh basil or oregano for an Italian-inspired flavor that complements the garlic and cheese wonderfully.
Low-Sodium Option: If you’re watching your salt intake, reduce the salt in the spice mix and add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor without extra sodium.
Make It Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your baking powder to ensure it’s gluten-free as some brands may contain wheat derivatives.
Extra Crispy Skin: The optional baking powder is a game-changer for crispy wings. I always include it, but if it’s not available, just bake a few extra minutes and pat the wings dry before seasoning.

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

The image shows a close-up of a woman's hand holding a golden-brown crispy chicken wing covered with melted cheese shreds and green herb bits on top. In the background, several more chicken wings with the same golden color and cheese topping are stacked on a white plate, resting on a white marbled surface with a blurred light-colored cloth underneath. The lighting makes the cheese look creamy and slightly melted, highlighting the crispy texture of the wings. A small white bowl with sauce is partly visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Set the Stage — Preheat and Prep

First things first: preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and position a rack in the middle to ensure even cooking. This step is key because a hot oven helps the wings get that golden, crispy skin we all crave.

Step 2: Mix Up the Magic — Spice Blend

While the oven warms up, combine your garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and that optional baking powder in a small bowl. Give it a good stir so every wing gets an aromatic, flavorful coating.

Step 3: Season and Oil Those Wings

Place the 2 pounds of chicken wings in a baking dish and sprinkle the spice mix evenly over them. Toss the wings so each one is well coated, then drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over everything to help crisp up the skin while baking. Give the wings a gentle toss once more to distribute the oil.

Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Pop the wings into the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. For the best, even crispiness, flip them halfway through the cooking time. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re beautifully golden and irresistibly crispy.

Step 5: Create the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

While the wings are baking, melt ¼ cup of butter in a small pot over low heat. Add 5 cloves of minced garlic and ¼ cup of chopped parsley, stirring gently until the garlic releases its fragrant aroma but doesn’t brown. This sauce is where all the magic of garlic and fresh herbs comes together.

Step 6: Coating the Wings in Flavor

Once your wings are out of the oven, pour the warm garlic butter mixture over them, coating every piece. Then generously sprinkle ¼ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top. The cheese will melt and add a rich, savory layer that’s simply mouthwatering.

Step 7: The Crispy Finish

Back into the oven the wings go for another 5 minutes. This short bake lets the garlic sauce soak in and the Parmesan brown slightly, creating a deliciously crispy finish that keeps you coming back for more.

Top Tip

Making the perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe is all about those little details that bring out maximum flavor and crispiness. Here are some tips I’ve gathered to help you nail this dish every time!

Use Baking Powder for Crispy Skin: Adding 1 teaspoon of baking powder to your spice mix really works wonders to get that coveted crispy texture without frying. It’s a game-changer I always rely on.
Don't Skip Tossing in Garlic Butter Sauce Warm: Immediately tossing the hot wings in the garlic butter sauce helps the flavors cling perfectly while the Parmesan melts beautifully on top.
Turn Wings Halfway Through Baking: Flipping the wings at the 22-23 minute mark ensures they brown evenly for that golden, crispy finish every time.
Resist Microwaving Leftovers: It’s tempting when you’re in a rush, but reheating in the oven or air fryer keeps the skin crispy — the microwave just makes them soggy.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe

A white round dish filled with twelve raw chicken wings arranged in a circular pattern, each wing dusted generously with reddish-brown seasoning creating a slightly rough texture on the skin. The dish rests on a white marbled surface with a white cloth that has red stripes casually placed beneath it, adding a soft fabric texture to the scene. The overall color palette is light with natural pink, orange, and red tones from the raw wings and seasoning contrasting gently against the white dish and marble. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings, sprinkle extra freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. A light dusting of additional grated Parmesan before serving adds a cheesy finish that guests will love. For a little zing, a few red pepper flakes or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can add a bright contrast.

Side Dishes

These wings pair perfectly with classic sides like crisp celery and carrot sticks served with cool ranch or blue cheese dip. For heartier options, try a creamy coleslaw, garlic mashed potatoes, or buttery corn on the cob. Even a fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover wings to an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay delicious for up to 4 days, making them ideal for quick meals or snacks later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to keep wings for longer, place them in a shallow container with a tight lid and freeze for up to 6 months. This way, you’ll always have a tasty treat ready to go!

Reheating

For best results, reheat your wings in the oven or air fryer. This method restores their crispy skin and warms the garlic Parmesan sauce perfectly. Avoid microwaving as it leads to sogginess and loss of that crispy, flavorful finish.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe spicy?

Absolutely! To add some heat, try mixing a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce into the spice mix before baking. It adds a nice kick without overpowering the garlic and Parmesan flavors.

Why include baking powder in the spice mix?

The baking powder helps dry out the skin, which allows it to crisp up beautifully in the oven, giving you that satisfying crunch typical of fried wings but healthier and easier to make.

How do I keep the wings from drying out?

Make sure to toss the wings in olive oil before baking to lock in moisture, and avoid overcooking them. Baking at 400°F (200°C) for 45 minutes and turning halfway helps cook evenly without drying out.

Can I prepare the garlic sauce ahead of time?

You can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead, but add the fresh parsley just before tossing it with the wings to keep the vibrant flavor and color at their best.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen because it’s simple yet impressive. Crispy, garlicky, and cheesy wings that come together in just about an hour—what’s not to love? Whether for a casual snack, game day, or dinner party, these wings always bring smiles and satisfied appetites. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do!