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Crispy Baked Chicken Wings: The Best Game Day Recipe

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These oven-baked chicken wings are incredibly crispy and juicy, made with a simple two-temperature baking method that renders the fat perfectly. Perfect for game day or any gathering, they are customizable with your favorite sauces.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds chicken party wings (flats and drumettes separated, tips removed)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • ½ cup hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Position the oven rack in the middle. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
  2. Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. Ensure no moisture remains on the surface.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together the baking powder, kosher salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).
  4. Place the dried wings in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the dry rub over them and toss with your hands until every wing is evenly coated.
  5. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack, leaving space between each wing. Do not overcrowd.
  6. Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 30 minutes. The wings will look pale.
  7. Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Carefully remove the baking sheet, flip each wing with tongs, and return to the oven.
  8. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes. The skin will start to bubble and turn golden brown.
  9. Flip the wings again and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, until deep golden brown and crispy. Total high-heat time should be 30-35 minutes.
  10. While the wings bake, make the Buffalo sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine hot sauce, melted butter, and honey (if using). Whisk until smooth and keep warm.
  11. Once the wings are out of the oven, let them rest for 2-3 minutes. Toss them in the Buffalo sauce or serve the sauce on the side.

Notes

For extra crispiness, let the seasoned wings rest uncovered in the fridge for 1-2 hours or overnight before baking. Use aluminum-free baking powder to avoid a metallic taste. Do not skip the low-temperature step; it renders the fat for a crispy texture. If using multiple sauces, keep wings plain and let guests sauce their own to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy baked chicken wings, game day wings, oven baked wings, buffalo wings, party wings

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/crispy-baked-chicken-wings-the-best-game-day-recipe/