Craving a delicious and easy appetizer or main course that's guaranteed to impress? Look no further! These Garlic Butter Chicken Wings are the perfect blend of savory, sweet, and spicy, making them ideal for game day gatherings, family dinners, or a simple weeknight meal. This recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, delivering restaurant-quality flavor without the restaurant-quality price tag. Get ready to experience the ultimate flavor explosion!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels; this helps them crisp up nicely.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and black pepper. Make sure everything is well combined.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Wings
Add the chicken wings to the bowl with the garlic butter sauce and toss gently to ensure all the wings are evenly coated.
Step 4: Bake the Wings
Arrange the chicken wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, remove the wings from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, easy garlic butter chicken wings!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Wings:
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: This ensures even cooking and crispy wings. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
- Pat the wings dry: Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
- Flip the wings: Flipping halfway through the baking process ensures even browning and cooking.
- Adjust the spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. For a milder flavor, omit it altogether.
Variations:
- Lemon Garlic Butter Wings: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the sauce for a bright, citrusy twist.
- Spicy Garlic Butter Wings: Increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Honey Garlic Glazed Wings: Reduce the soy sauce slightly and increase the honey for a sweeter glaze.
Nutritional Information (per wing, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
These quick dinner ideas are perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. This healthy meal option is surprisingly easy to make and is always a crowd-pleaser, making it one of the best recipes you'll ever try. Enjoy!