Name: Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Wings Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-490211H30M36S
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds party chicken wings (908 grams); 1 Tablespoon aluminum-free baking powder (14 grams); 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt, plus more to taste; 1/2 teaspoon white pepper or freshly-ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1-2 pinches cayenne pepper, to taste; Neutral oil or cooking spray (such as avocado oil); 1/4 cup good-quality salted butter (60 grams); 1 Tablespoon minced garlic (9 grams); 2 Tablespoons chopped chives (6 grams); Ranch or bleu cheese dressing

Print Recipe· 4.1 from 11 reviews

If you’re a fan of wings that are perfectly crispy on the outside and incredibly flavorful inside, you’re going to absolutely adore this Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Wings Recipe. This dish takes everyday chicken wings to a sensational level with a simple yet magical combination of a crispy baking powder coating and a rich, garlicky butter glaze. Each bite offers a delightful crunch followed by the buttery garlic goodness that makes these wings unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting a game day, a casual get-together, or just craving something special for dinner, this recipe hits all the notes for flavor, texture, and easy preparation that will keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large white bowl filled with many raw chicken wings, showing light pink and pale beige skin layers, placed at the center on a white marbled surface; around it are several small ceramic bowls—one with pale yellow minced garlic, another with a mix of red, white, and beige powdered spices, a third with white powder, and a fourth bowl holding two square yellow butter pieces; a decorative bowl filled with chopped fresh green herbs sits at the bottom, with a clear glass bottle filled with light yellow liquid positioned on the left side; all items are neatly arranged and the scene is well-lit with natural light, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Wings Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each component brings something crucial to the table, whether it’s the crispiness from the baking powder or the depth of flavor from the smoked paprika and fresh chives. These ingredients are pantry-friendly and combine to create that irresistible wing experience.

2 pounds party chicken wings: The star of the show, party wings are the perfect size for crispy, juicy bites.
1 Tablespoon aluminum-free baking powder: This is the secret weapon for achieving that crispy skin without frying.
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and seasons the wings perfectly.
1/2 teaspoon white pepper: Adds a subtle, earthy heat without overpowering the garlic butter sauce.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Guarantees a robust garlic flavor that permeates through the wings.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Builds a savory backbone to complement the garlic’s punch.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a smoky depth and beautiful color to the seasoning.
1-2 pinches of cayenne pepper: Provides an optional gentle heat to warm up the palate.
Neutral oil or cooking spray: Used to grease racks or air fryer baskets for even cooking and crispiness.
1/4 cup good-quality salted butter: Melts into a rich, velvety garlic sauce that coats the wings marvelously.
1 Tablespoon minced garlic: Fresh garlic is key to making that garlic butter sauce truly irresistible.
2 Tablespoons chopped chives: For a fresh, mild onion flavor and popping green color as garnish.
Ranch or bleu cheese dressing: An optional but delightful dip to balance the savory wings.

How to Make Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Wings Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Wings

Start by drying your chicken wings thoroughly with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so this step is crucial. In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder and all your seasonings—salt, white pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne. This dry rub forms a flavorful, crisp crust as the wings cook.

Step 2: Cook the Wings

For oven cooking, preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Set up a wire rack on a lined baking sheet and grease it well with neutral oil or cooking spray. Layer the wings skin-side up in a single layer; it’s okay if they touch as they’ll shrink while baking. Bake for 20 minutes, flip, then bake for another 20-25 minutes until golden, crispy, and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

If you prefer air frying, grease the basket and arrange the wings skin-side up in a single layer. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 10 minutes, flip, then air fry for another 6-8 minutes until perfectly crispy and cooked through.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

While the wings are cooking, melt the butter over medium low heat in a small saucepan with the minced garlic. Keep stirring and swirling until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. This sauce is the luscious finishing touch that elevates these wings beyond ordinary.

Step 4: Toss Wings in Garlic Butter and Garnish

Once the wings have rested a few minutes post-cooking, transfer them to a large bowl and drizzle the warm garlic butter over them. Toss using tongs to make sure every wing is luxuriously coated. Finish with fresh chopped chives for color and a hint of freshness. Taste and add a final sprinkle of salt or pepper if needed before serving.

How to Serve Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Wings Recipe

The image shows a metal wire rack placed on a baking tray covered with foil, holding three rows of raw chicken wings evenly spaced. Each wing is coated with a reddish-brown dry seasoning, speckled with white granules, giving a textured appearance. The metal wire rack has a shiny silver look, and the baking tray edges are visible. The tray rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Chopped chives add a subtle onion flavor and a vibrant green color that brightens the plate. A sprinkle of extra smoked paprika or crushed red pepper can also add visual interest and an additional flavor kick if you’re feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

These wings pair beautifully with classic sides like creamy ranch or bleu cheese dressing for dipping. Crispy celery sticks or carrot sticks offer a refreshing crunch and balance, while a simple green salad or coleslaw can add a fresh contrast to the richness of the garlic butter wings.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleasing spread, serve the wings on a large wooden board surrounded by ramekins of different dipping sauces—think honey mustard, spicy sriracha mayo, or tangy BBQ. Garnish the serving board with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a gourmet touch. You can also skewer a few wings each on sticks for easy grabbing at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them in a shallow layer helps maintain their crispiness.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked wings in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. Freeze them flat to save space and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To bring back that glorious crispness, reheat wings in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes on a wire rack or baking sheet. Avoid the microwave which will make them soggy. You can also warm them again in the air fryer for a few minutes for a quick crisp-up.

FAQs

Can I use regular baking powder for this recipe?

It’s best to use aluminum-free baking powder here as it won’t add a metallic taste to the wings, ensuring crispiness and pure flavor.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No worries! This Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Wings Recipe works beautifully baked in the oven, delivering comparable crispiness and juicy texture.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely. Adjust the cayenne pepper to your heat preference or add a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter for an extra kick.

How do I know when the wings are done?

The safest way is to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Visually, they should be golden and crispy on the outside.

Can I use frozen wings for this recipe?

You can, but make sure to thaw them completely and dry them well to ensure the skin crisps up nicely during cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Wings Recipe is one of those culinary treasures that combines ease and sophistication in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just indulging yourself, these wings deliver unbeatable flavor and texture that will make them a regular request on your menu. Don’t hesitate to whip up a batch and watch how quickly they disappear!