Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken Wings
These Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken Wings are a quick, easy, and delicious dish that combines the tang of lemon with the richness of garlic.They're perfect for game day, parties, or as a weeknight treat. The wings bake up crispy and golden without the need for frying, making them a healthier option that's still full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings about 12-16 wings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic minced (or 2 teaspoons garlic powder)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley optional, chopped for garnish
- Lemon wedges optional, for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Wings:
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them get crispy when baking.
- If using whole wings, separate them into flats and drumettes. Discard or save the tips for making stock (optional).
Marinate the Wings:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss them until evenly coated with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the wings marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (overnight for deeper flavor).
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature helps the wings cook quickly and become crispy.
Prepare the Baking Sheet:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This will prevent the wings from sticking and make cleanup easier.
- For extra crispiness, place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet and arrange the wings in a single layer. The rack allows air to circulate around the wings, helping them crisp evenly.
Bake the Wings:
- Arrange the marinated chicken wings on the prepared baking sheet (or rack) in a single layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through. The wings should be golden brown and crispy on the outside and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the wings for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of baking. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
Serve:
- Remove the wings from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for added freshness.