Description
Crispy and flavorful Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken Wings marinated in zesty lemon juice, garlic, and Italian seasoning, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a delicious appetizer or main dish that’s easy to prepare and bursting with fresh citrus and herb flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds chicken wings (about 12-16 wings)
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced (or 2 teaspoons garlic powder)
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish & Serving
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve crispiness when baking. If the wings are whole, separate them into flats and drumettes, discarding or saving the tips for stock if desired.
- 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 and toss them until evenly coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure the wings cook quickly and develop a crispy skin.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup. For extra crispiness, place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet and arrange the wings in a single layer, allowing air to circulate around them.
- Bake the Wings: Arrange marinated wings evenly on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through to ensure even browning. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Optional Broil for Crispiness: For extra crispy skin, broil the wings for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove the wings from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side to add a fresh citrus punch.
Notes
- Patting the wings dry before marinating is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
- Marinating overnight intensifies the lemon-garlic flavor.
- Using a wire rack on the baking sheet helps the wings crisp evenly by allowing air circulation.
- Ensure wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Broiling the wings briefly at the end enhances crispiness but requires close attention to prevent burning.
- Leftover wings can be reheated in the oven to retain crispiness better than a microwave.
