You Can Make Finger-Licking Good Crispy Chicken Wings
If you are having people over to watch football or host an appetizer party, you are probably planning on making chicken wings of some sort.
I think that is a great idea. Most people love them, so you can’t go wrong.
I mean what’s not to like?

However, I know if you have never made your own chicken wings, it can seem pretty daunting and can seem like a lot of work. It would be much easier to slice up some salami and cheese and throw in some crackers, right?
Believe me, I get it. Even if you really like to cook like I do, with chicken wings there are so many ways to cook them, so many sauces and rubs, you may just throw in the towel before you even start.
Don’t worry, with a few good pieces of advice, I promise your next batch of chicken wings will be more than finger-licking good.
(This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy for details.)
SHOP Holiday Dash Deals On AMAZON HERE
If I can do this, so can you.
Before deciding which chicken wings you want to serve there are a couple of things you need to know.
First of all, when it comes to making chicken wings, one thing I know for sure, no matter what recipe I use, the skin needs to be crispy!!!
To make really good crispy wings, you have to understand the different cooking methods out there.
I have tried all of the cooking methods and what I have discovered is that baking is my top choice for cooking chicken wings
Chicken Wing Cooking Methods
Deep Frying for me is just too greasy and you lose some of the chicken flavors. Personally, I never go this route.
Slow cooking wings in a slow-cooker will make sure you have tender, fall off the bone wings, but they won’t be crispy. That’s ok, you aren’t done.
There are some delicious recipes that start wings in a slow cooker.
When the wings are done in the slow cooker, carefully place them on a cooling rack on a sheet pan. Then, broil the wings for about 10 minutes on each side or until they are crispy.
Baking wings is my favorite cooking method.
Baked wings are less greasy, tender, juicy and crispy.
Tips for Baking Crispy Wings:
- Before baking place chicken wings on a single layer and pat dry with a paper towel.
- If you’re using frozen wings (I usually do), make sure they’re completely thawed.
- First be sure to bake your wings at a high temperature, like 425 degrees for about 40-45 minutes, flipping about ½ way through.
- It’s a good idea to use a baking rack if you have one, if not line a cookie sheet with foil.I
- Do not add sauce before baking unless moving to a broiler at the end.
- In a large baggie, add one tsp of BAKING POWDER ( NOT SODA) and ½ tsp of salt for every pound of chicken wings. ( When you are baking dry wings)
- Now you can get out your favorite sauces, BBQ, Buffalo, Blue Cheese, and Ranch dressing are all pretty popular.
- For the most even cooking (and easy cleanup), line a baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil (or two sheets of regular), then top that with an oven-safe metal cooling rack
If you have someone who doesn’t like really spicy but wants great flavor, this is the recipe to start with. Everyone will ask for the recipe.

Ranch Chicken Wings With a Kick
Crispy buttery chicken wings loaded with spicy ranch flavor. Perfect as an appetizer or top of the list on game day.
Ingredients
- 6 lbs frozen chicken wings
- 1 cup Franks Hot Sauce
- 1 cup melted butter
- 2 packages dry original Ranch Dressing
- Paprika.
Instructions
- Heat oven to 425º
- Heat oven to 425°F. Line 15x10x1-inch pans with foil, and spray with cooking spray.
- Thaw chicken wings and pat dry.
- In a large bowl, mix melted butter and Frank's Hot Sauce
- Add wings and mix until well coated.
- Place wings single layer on the baking pan
- Sprinkle with 2 packages of Ranch dressing, sprinkle with paprika.
- Bake for 35 minutes
- Carefully drain all liquid off wings
- Place wings under broiler for about 5 minutes on each side or to desired crispiness.
Notes
- The wings will seem crowded on the pan and you sure can use 2 pans if needed.
- Baking the wings in the butter and hot sauce before draining really cooks the flavor in the meat.
- The wings can be baked on a cooling rack placed in the baking pan before baking.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 24 Serving Size: 4 pcs.Amount Per Serving:Calories: 446Total Fat: 36gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 114mgSodium: 769mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 19g
Baked Buffalo Wings - Spend With Pennies
Baked crispy in the oven first and then dredged with homemade Buffalo Sauce.Yum Perfect for any party
Sweet and Spicy Sriracha Baked Chicken Wings
When I saw Sriracha, I knew these wings had my name all over them. Add in a little butter, soy sauce, and sesame seeds. I liked the cooking method by baking first and then finishing under the broiler. Delicious & Spicy.
Dry Rub Fall Off the Bone Chicken Wings Recipe
My husband loves DRY wings and usually, they are bland. These wings are perfectly seasoned with a dry rub so they are delicious with and without the special sauce!
Best Chicken Wing Marinade Recipe - How To Make Chicken Wing Marinade
What made these wings stand out to me was the marinade recipe. The wings soak up the delicious marinade including soy sauce and chili garlic sauce. Next, they are baked and then become caramelized and sticky under the broiler.
Best Bloody Mary Wings Recipe - How to Make Bloody Mary Wings
Seriously, check out the Bloody Mary ingredients that these wings soak in before baking.
For Bloody Mary lovers you know you need Vodka, Tomato Juice, and Horseradish, right? Next, bake until they are crispy dip them in sour cream and horseradish sauce.
Best Pickleback Chicken Wings - How to Make Pickleback Chicken Wings
No kidding these wings are soaked in pickle juice! Then make a special sauce that includes bourbon and bake until crispy. The reviews are amazing!
Grilled Spicy Chicken Wings recipe from A Gouda Life
What stands out with these wings??? Jack Daniels of course. Then you throw in Franks Buffalo Sauce, Soy Sauce, and garlic! After soaking the wings in the yummy sauce, they go on the grill! If you live in a cold climate, you either wear a coat while grilling or bake them in the oven following with a little broiler time.
Chinese Chicken Wings
Start with Sriacha, add in Soy Sauce, Balsamic Vinegar and curry. The vinegar naturally enhances flavors in cooking but balsamic adds a depth of flavor all of its own.
The secret ingredient to bake crispy wing? Make sure the chicken is dry and use Baking Powder.
Smoked Chicken Wings Recipe
The secret to these amazing wings is using a smoker with just the right combination of flavored wood chips. Crispy skin and the right ingredients for the rub makes these wings delicious.
Crock Pot Sweet and Spicy Sticky Wings
Use a crockpot to cook wings? Absolutely if you like them juicy and fall of the bone tender. The flavor in the meat is crazy good after cooking on low for 5-6 hours. You still want them crispy, so before serving, stick them under the broiler a few minutes on each side. A big hit with the family!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
So you want really crispy wings with less fat? These wings are really "Finger Licken Good! These wings are parboiled in hot, salted water for a couple of minutes ahead of time. Next, they are baked crispy. The parmesan cream sauce is super delicious and easy to make. Pour the tasty garlic cheese cream sauce over the wings and eat up!
Extra Crispy Baked Chicken Wings
To have crispy juicy and tender wings, don't salt them ahead of time. Bake at extra high heat for a shorter period of time results in perfect wings for all your dipping sauces.
Cajun Marinated Chicken Recipe
These Cajun-spiced wings are loaded with flavor. Marinate the wings in a perfectly spiced cajun sauce and then grill for about 15 minutes. Totally delicious and easy.
Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Are you craving wings but want something healthier. It has been proven you can make crispy delicious wings right in your air fryer and then start dipping.
More for Your Party- You’ll Also like:
The Only Hot Cheese Dip You Need to Make
10 Best Slider Recipes On My List
9 Best Charcuterie Boards For Every Occasion
20 of the Best Appetizers for Your Party
6 Macaroni & Cheese Recipes for Your Next Party
6 Detailed Steps for Planning a Wine Tasting Party
So, head out to Costco or wherever you can buy plump chicken wings, turn up your oven and give maybe even a couple of these new recipes a try. – Enjoy

Check out more tips for grilling wings from Traeger- Click on the image!
Image Source: Traeger Grills.
As always, let me know what you try and how they tasted in the comments below!
Leave a Reply