Spicy garlic Parmesan wings are a delicious treat that combines crispy skin with a rich garlic Parmesan sauce. Made with butter and Parmesan, these wings can be grilled, oven-baked, or prepared in the air fryer for an extra crunchy texture that rivals your favorite restaurant wings.
You’ll need wings, garlic, butter, Parmesan, and a little spicy sauce to heat up this recipe. Serve them with buffalo sauce and top with chives for a satisfying appetizer that’s perfect for game day or any occasion. Golden, crispy, and full of flavor, they’re sure to be a hit!
How to Make Spicy Garlic Parmesan Wings
Prep and Seasonsmo
Preheat the oven and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with foil and a wire rack. Spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pat the chicken wings dry, season with baking powder, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika, and place in the fridge for 45 minutes or up to 24 hours.
Bake and Toss
Bake or grill the wings on medium heat, flipping them back and forth. In a small bowl, melt butter, add minced garlic, and parsley in the microwave for 30-60 seconds. Toss wings in garlic butter sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan until evenly coated. Serve with celery, carrots, and ranch dressing.
Finish and Fry
Set your smoker to 250F, add hickory wood chunks, and cook wings to an internal temperature of 165F. Heat frying oil to 325-350 F in a Dutch oven, then fry wings until golden brown. Toss in Spicy Garlic Parmesan Wing Sauce, garnish with and with fresh parsley, and enjoy!
How to get crispy chicken skin
I like mixing cornstarch into the seasoning to get crispy skin on your chicken wings. This trick helps pull out the moisture, making the skin crisp instead of turning rubbery. When grilling the wings, use high heat to tighten the skin, lock in flavors, and help prevent any sogginess.
Making the Spicy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Preparing the Sauce
Melt unsalted butter in a pan over medium heat to make the sauce. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Mix in shredded Parmesan Cheese, a splash of hot sauce, and some Italian seasoning, then stir well to combine everything.
Toss and Serve
Pour the sauce over your crispy wings in a bowl and toss until evenly coated. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately for a juicy, savory bite. This creamy, kicked-up version of garlic-parmesan sauce has a nice punch of spice from the thicker Garlic Goodness hot sauce, making it a true favorite.
Tips for Perfect Wings
- Pat dries the wings well, using paper towels to remove excess moisture and avoid oily skin. This helps achieve a crisp, golden brown
- Line a baking sheet with paper towels and shake off any excess oil before transferring the wings to prevent them from becoming greasy after frying.
- For added flavor, use hickory wood chips or your preferred wood chunks in the smoker. This will make the wings smoky and enhance their taste.
- Place the wings on a wire rack in the oven, allowing hot air to circulate evenly for maximum crispiness.
- For the best texture, let the seasoned wings dry on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator for at least 45 minutes or overnight, if possible.
Why Garlic Parmesan Wings Rock
These delicious wings are similar to hot honey garlic wings, with a spicy twist from the rich garlic and Parmesan sauce. Combining garlic and Parmesan creates a bold, cheesy flavor that packs a satisfying punch.
Whether smoked, fried, or buttery, wings make the perfect appetizer for any party or game day. This easy recipe can be made in less than two hours, and you’ll have a large platter of wings that will satisfy you completely.
Perfect Pairings for Garlic Parmesan Wings
These wings pair well with sides like garlic bread, potato wedges, or a fresh Caesar salad. Try ranch, blue cheese, or a zesty marinara sauce for dipping. To complete the experience, serve with a cold beer, lemonade, or sparkling water for a refreshing balance to the rich, savory flavors.
How to Store Leftovers & Reheat
To keep your leftover wings fresh, place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They’ll stay tasty for 3-4 days, so you can still enjoy them with the same maximum flavor as when freshly cooked.
Wrapping Up
Spicy Garlic Parmesan Wings are a hit for any occasion, thanks to their bold flavors, crispy texture, and versatility. Whether baked, fried, or grilled, they deliver a satisfying bite every time. Pair them with your favorite sides and dips for a complete experience your guests will love.
FAQS
- What is garlic Parmesan wing sauce made of?
Garlic Parmesan wing sauce is made of butter, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, and sometimes hot sauce or Italian seasoning. - Is Popeye’s garlic Parmesan wings spicy?
The added hot sauce gives them a slight spicy kick, but the garlic and Parmesan balance the heat. - What do Parmesan garlic wings taste like?
They taste savory, buttery, and garlicky with a rich Parmesan flavor. - Where did garlic Parmesan wings come from?
They originated in the United States and were popularised as an alternative to traditional Buffalo wings.
Spicy Garlic Parmesan Wings
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl For coating the wings with seasoning and cornstarch.
- Baking Tray or Wire Rack To bake the wings for even cooking and crispiness.
- Pan or Skillet Used for preparing the garlic-parmesan sauce.
- Air Fryer, Grill, or Oven For cooking the wings(choose based on preference).
- Tongs For flipping the wings and tossing them in the sauce.
- Meat Thermometer To check the internal temperature for doneness.
- Spatula or Whisk For stirring and combining the sauce ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 1–2 tablespoons poultry rub (Or bbq seasoning)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon Cholula hot sauce (Or your favorite)
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (garnish)
Instructions
- Place your wings into a bowl and drizzle on olive oil. Then season with poultry rub and cornstarch
- Mix wings with seasoning until they are evenly coated. Add more seasoning as needed to coat the wings.
- Place wings on a grill on medium high heat (about 350°F). Flip them back and forth to get grill marks on both sides and to get a nice char.
- Once the wings are close to being done (at least 165°F) increase the heat and finish cooking them to crisp up the skin. I like to cook my wings until an internal temperature of 185°F.
- Remove wings from the grill and set aside. Then start working on the sauce.
- In a pan on medium heat, add butter and minced garlic. Cook until garlic is fragrant and lightly toasted, about 2 minutes.
- Next add parmesan cheese, hot sauce and Italian seasoning. Stir together to combine well and remove off the heat.
- Toss wings with the sauce, then garnish with chopped parsley and more Parmesan Cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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