There’s something magical about crispy, golden-brown chicken wings coated in a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce with just the right amount of heat. The first time I made these Spicy Garlic Parmesan Wings, I wanted something different from the usual Buffalo wings—something buttery, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors. And trust me, this recipe delivers!
Whether baked, grilled, or fried, these wings come out perfectly crispy, making them a must-have for game nights, parties, or just a delicious weekend treat. If you love cheesy flavors, you might also enjoy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta for a satisfying meal.
What You’ll Need
Before diving in, gather these simple ingredients:
- Chicken wings
- Minced garlic – The star ingredient for that rich aroma
- Unsalted butter – Adds a creamy texture to the sauce
- Parmesan cheese – The key to a bold, cheesy kick
- Hot sauce – For that spicy punch
- Seasonings – Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika
Toss in some fresh parsley and ranch or blue cheese for the ultimate flavor combo.
How to Make Spicy Garlic Parmesan Wings
1. Prep & Season
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and a wire rack, then spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
Pat your wings dry with a paper towel—this is the secret to extra-crispy skin. Toss them in a mix of baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. For best results, let them rest in the fridge for 45 minutes or overnight.
2. Bake, Grill, or Fry
- Oven Method: Arrange wings on a wire rack and bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Grill Method: Grill over medium heat, flipping occasionally for even cooking.
- Frying Method: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry wings until crispy and golden brown.
While the wings cook, it’s time to make the irresistible Garlic Parmesan Sauce.
Tips for Extra-Crispy Wings
Want that restaurant-style crunch? Here are some pro tips:
- Use baking powder in the seasoning—it draws out moisture for crispier skin.
- Let wings dry in the fridge before cooking for at least 45 minutes.
- Fry after baking for an extra crispy finish.
- Use high heat on the grill to lock in flavors and tighten the skin.
Perfect Pairings for Garlic Parmesan Wings
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which rarely happens!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat:
- Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Skillet: Toss in a dry pan over medium heat until warm.
Wrapping Up
Spicy Garlic Parmesan Wings are crispy, buttery, cheesy, and packed with heat—a must-try for wing lovers. Whether grilled, baked, or fried, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.
So, what are you waiting for? Fire up the oven (or grill), and get ready to enjoy some of the best wings you’ll ever make!
FAQs
- What is garlic Parmesan wing sauce made of?
It’s a mix of butter, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, and sometimes hot sauce or Italian seasoning. - Are Popeye’s garlic Parmesan wings spicy?
They have a mild kick, but the garlic and Parmesan balance it out. - What do Parmesan garlic wings taste like?
They’re savory, buttery, and garlicky with a rich Parmesan flavor. - Where did garlic Parmesan wings originate?
They became popular in the U.S. as a flavorful alternative to Buffalo wings.
Spicy garlic parmesan wings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking.
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Place the wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and let them rest in the fridge for 45 minutes or up to 24 hours for maximum crispiness.
- Oven Method: Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
- Grill Method: Grill over medium heat, flipping occasionally until fully cooked.
- Frying Method: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the wings until golden brown and crispy.
- In a small saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, hot sauce, and Italian seasoning, mixing well until smooth.
- Transfer the cooked wings to a large mixing bowl and toss them in the warm garlic Parmesan sauce until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley for garnish.
- Serve immediately with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing.