Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel to ensure they crisp up well.
In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder.
Arrange the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden brown and crispy.
Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
While the wings are baking, heat butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3–5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cream cheese (if using), and continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
Coat the Wings:
Once the wings are done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
Pour the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce over the wings and toss them until evenly coated.
Serve:
Garnish the wings with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Serve immediately while hot.
Tips for Serving and Storing
Serving Suggestions:
These wings pair wonderfully with a side of crisp vegetables, such as celery and carrots, and a tangy dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese.
For a more complete meal, serve the wings alongside a fresh salad or creamy mashed potatoes.
Storing Leftovers:
If you have leftovers, store the wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the wings on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to bring back their crispiness.
Variants
Spicy Garlic Parmesan Wings: For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. You can also toss the wings with a bit of cayenne pepper or chili powder before baking.
Lemon Garlic Parmesan Wings: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the sauce for a zesty twist. Garnish with lemon zest and extra lemon wedges when serving.
Baked vs. Fried: You can also fry the wings for extra crispiness instead of baking them. Fry them in hot oil at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until golden brown, then coat them in the creamy sauce.
FAQ
Can I use frozen wings? Yes, frozen wings work well for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them fully before seasoning and baking for the best texture.
Can I use a different cheese in the sauce? While Parmesan cheese is the star of the sauce, you can add a little mozzarella or Asiago for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
How do I make the wings extra crispy? For crispier wings, pat them dry with a paper towel before seasoning. Additionally, you can bake them on a wire rack placed over the baking sheet, allowing the heat to circulate around the wings for maximum crispiness.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce ahead of time. Simply store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove and toss with freshly baked wings.
Enjoy this creamy, flavorful twist on chicken wings and treat your guests to a dish they’ll be craving again and again!
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