Garlic Butter Chicken Wings: Best Crispy Party Wings

What turns ordinary chicken wings into the most addictive finger food that has guests hovering around the serving platter until every last piece disappears? The answer lies in the irresistible combination of golden crispy skin and rich, aromatic garlic butter that coats each bite with savory perfection. Garlic butter chicken wings deliver restaurant-quality flavor with a simple technique that anyone can master at home. These garlic butter chicken wings combine the satisfying crunch of perfectly baked wings with a luxurious butter sauce infused with fresh garlic, herbs, and just the right amount of seasoning. Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, game night, or casual weekend gathering, these garlic butter chicken wings will become your go-to recipe.

Ingredients List

For these garlic butter chicken wings you’ll need:

• 3 pounds chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
• 2 tablespoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Timing

These garlic butter chicken wings require:

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Baking time: 45 minutes
• Sauce preparation: 5 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings

Pat the chicken wings completely dry using paper towels—this is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Any moisture will create steam during baking and result in soggy wings. In a large bowl, combine baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Add the dried wings and toss thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. The baking powder is the secret ingredient that raises the pH of the skin, allowing it to crisp up beautifully without deep frying. Let the coated wings sit at room temperature for 10 minutes while you prepare your baking sheet.

Step 2: Arrange and Bake the Wings

Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil, then place a wire rack on top. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the rack, ensuring they don’t touch each other. The wire rack allows hot air to circulate around all sides, promoting even crisping. Bake for 45-50 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through at the 25-minute mark. The wings are done when the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The longer baking time at high heat is what gives these garlic butter chicken wings their signature crunch without any oil.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

While the wings finish baking, prepare your garlic butter sauce. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter completely. Add the minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned—burned garlic tastes bitter. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. The lemon juice adds brightness that cuts through the richness, while the red pepper flakes provide a subtle heat that complements the garlic perfectly. Keep the sauce warm until the wings are ready.

Step 4: Toss Wings in Sauce

Transfer the hot, crispy wings to a large mixing bowl immediately after removing them from the oven. Pour the warm garlic butter sauce over the wings and toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring every wing is completely coated. Use tongs or two spoons to avoid breaking the crispy skin. The heat from the wings helps the butter sauce cling and absorb into every crevice. Work quickly so the wings stay hot and the butter remains fluid for even coating on these delicious garlic butter chicken wings.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Arrange your sauced wings on a serving platter and immediately sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and additional chopped parsley for color and flavor. The residual heat will slightly melt the cheese, creating an extra layer of savory goodness. Serve while hot for the best texture and flavor experience. Provide plenty of napkins and wet wipes—these wings are deliciously messy. Consider setting out small bowls of ranch or blue cheese dressing for those who want a cooling dip alongside the garlicky richness.

Nutritional Information

For a serving of these garlic butter chicken wings (this recipe serves 4-6 people, approximately 6-8 wings per person):

• Calories: 420
• Total Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Cholesterol: 145mg
• Sodium: 580mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 2g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 30g
• Iron: 2mg
• Calcium: 35mg
• Vitamin A: 650 IU

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Transform your garlic butter chicken wings into a healthier version with these modifications:

• Air Fryer Method: Cook wings in an air fryer at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, shaking halfway through, to use even less oil while maintaining crispiness
• Olive Oil Substitute: Replace half the butter with extra virgin olive oil for heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
• Skinless Wings: Use skinless chicken wings or tenders to dramatically reduce fat and calories, though texture will be different
• Greek Yogurt Dip: Serve with Greek yogurt-based ranch instead of traditional creamy dips to add protein while cutting calories
• Reduced Butter Sauce: Use only 3 tablespoons of butter and extend the sauce with low-sodium chicken broth for similar flavor with less fat
• Extra Herbs: Increase fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or cilantro to boost antioxidants and flavor without adding calories

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your garlic butter chicken wings experience with these ideas:

• Serve alongside classic dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or honey mustard to give guests flavor options
• Create a wing bar with different sauce variations including buffalo, teriyaki, and BBQ for variety at larger gatherings
• Pair with fresh vegetable sticks like celery, carrots, and cucumber to add crunch and balance the richness
• Offer with crispy French fries, onion rings, or sweet potato fries for a complete pub-style meal
• Serve your garlic butter chicken wings over a bed of crisp romaine lettuce to catch dripping sauce and create a deconstructed Caesar salad effect
• Accompany with cold beer, lemonade, or iced tea that complements the savory, garlicky flavors

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Master these garlic butter chicken wings by avoiding these pitfalls:

• Skipping the Drying Step: Wet wings create steam instead of crisping, resulting in rubbery skin that never achieves the desired texture
• Using Too Much Baking Powder: More isn’t better—excess creates a metallic taste and doesn’t improve crispiness beyond the recommended amount
• Overcrowding the Pan: Placing wings too close together traps moisture and prevents proper air circulation needed for even crisping
• Burning the Garlic: Cooking garlic too long or at too high heat creates bitter flavors that ruin the entire sauce
• Tossing Cold Wings: Coating cold or room-temperature wings prevents the butter from adhering properly—always toss while hot
• Not Flipping During Baking: Failing to turn wings halfway through results in one crispy side and one soggy side

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Preserve the freshness of your garlic butter chicken wings with these strategies:

• Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
• Proper Reheating: Reheat in a 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness—microwaving makes them soggy
• Sauce Separation: Store any extra garlic butter sauce separately in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to one week
• Freezing Instructions: Freeze plain baked wings without sauce for up to 3 months, then thaw and toss with fresh garlic butter
• Meal Prep Strategy: Prepare and bake wings up to 2 days ahead, storing plain, then make fresh sauce and toss just before serving
• Crispy Revival: If wings lose crispiness, reheat under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to re-crisp the skin before serving

Conclusion

Garlic butter chicken wings combine crispy texture with rich, aromatic flavor in one irresistible package. This simple baking method delivers restaurant-quality results that will make you the star of every gathering.

Ready to create wings that disappear in minutes? Try these garlic butter chicken wings and share your results in the review section below. Leave a comment on our blog with your favorite sauce variations!

FAQs

Can I make garlic butter chicken wings without a wire rack? Yes, though results won’t be as crispy. Place wings directly on a greased baking sheet and flip them 2-3 times during baking for more even cooking.

Why use baking powder instead of baking soda? Baking powder is gentler and doesn’t create a soapy taste. It raises the skin’s pH, allowing proteins to break down and crisp up beautifully during baking.

Can I prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time? Yes! Make the sauce up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate. Gently reheat before tossing with hot wings, adding fresh parsley at the end.

How do I know when chicken wings are fully cooked? Wings are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the juices run clear. The skin should be golden and crispy to the touch.

Can I grill these garlic butter chicken wings instead of baking? Absolutely! Grill over medium heat for 20-25 minutes, turning frequently, then toss with the garlic butter sauce just before serving.