Garlic Butter Chicken Wings are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. These wings are cooked until tender and then tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce that’s both savory and satisfying. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or main course, these wings are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings, tips removed and wings separated
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season Wings: In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Ensure the wings are evenly coated with the seasoning.
Step 2: Bake the Wings
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the seasoned wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Arrange them in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other.
- Bake: Bake the chicken wings in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Turn the wings halfway through the cooking time to ensure even baking.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Melt Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter.
- Add Lemon Juice: Stir in the lemon juice and continue to cook for another minute, mixing well to combine the flavors.
Step 4: Toss the Wings in Sauce
- Coat Wings: Once the wings are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Transfer the wings to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce.
- Toss to Coat: Toss the wings in the garlic butter sauce until they are evenly coated.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish: Transfer the sauced wings to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve: Serve the garlic butter chicken wings hot, with extra sauce on the side for dipping. They pair well with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Cooking Notes
- Crispy Wings: For extra crispy wings, you can broil them for the last 5 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few extra minutes. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) to thicken the sauce further.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by adding a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce.
Variations
Low-Carb/Keto Version:
- Ensure all ingredients, particularly the butter, are low-carb and keto-friendly.
Gluten-Free Version:
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Ensure all ingredients, particularly the butter, are certified gluten-free if necessary.
Vegan Version:
- Substitute the chicken wings with cauliflower florets or tofu. Use a plant-based butter alternative and adjust the cooking times as needed.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Wings
- Pat Dry: Pat the wings dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps them get extra crispy in the oven.
- Even Cooking: Make sure the wings are arranged in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding the pan can lead to uneven cooking.
- Flavor Infusion: Let the wings sit in the sauce for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Garlic Butter Chicken Wings are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any meal. The combination of crispy baked wings and a rich, savory garlic butter sauce creates a flavor explosion that’s irresistible. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a main course, these wings are guaranteed to impress. Enjoy the finger-licking goodness of these garlic butter chicken wings and watch them disappear in no time!
Enjoy your Garlic Butter Chicken Wings!