Crispy Baked Chicken Wings With Homemade Ranch Dip
1 h 5 min
|
easy
|
high-protein,
Mediterranean diet
Recipe by Eunice
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 20 min | 45 min | 1 h 5 min |
Introduction
These crispy baked chicken wings come out golden, juicy, and packed with flavor, no deep-fryer needed.
They’re perfect for game day snacking, casual parties, or an easy weeknight dinner everyone can eat with their hands.
A quick homemade ranch dip with fresh-tasting herbs and a hint of lemon makes every crunchy bite even better.
Ingredients (4 servings)
Ingredients for the Chicken Wings
Ingredients for the Homemade Ranch Dip
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How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Wings With Homemade Ranch Dip
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Preheat the oven and prep the pan
Preheat your oven to 425°F with a rack in the upper middle position.
Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top.
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Prep and dry the chicken wings
If needed, separate wings into drumettes and flats, and discard wing tips or freeze for stock.
Pat the wings very dry with paper towels so the skin can crisp in the oven.
Transfer wings to a large bowl and toss with olive oil until lightly coated.
-
Season the wings
In a small bowl, mix the salt, chicken bouillon, pepper, garlic, onion, paprika, parsley, and baking powder.
Sprinkle the seasoning over the oiled wings and toss until every piece is evenly coated.
Let the wings sit for 5 to 10 minutes while you make the ranch dip.
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Bake the wings until crispy
Arrange the wings skin side up on the rack, leaving a little space between each piece.
Bake for 30 minutes, then flip the wings and bake 10 to 15 minutes more.
The wings are done when the skin is deep golden and an instant read thermometer hits 165°F.
For extra crunch, broil on high for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
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Stir together the homemade ranch dip
In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream and mayonnaise until the mixture looks smooth and creamy.
Stir in the dill, parsley, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with a pinch more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if you like.
Cover and chill the dip for at least 20 minutes so the flavors can blend.
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Serve the wings with ranch
Let the wings rest for 5 minutes so the juices settle and the skin stays crisp.
Transfer to a platter and serve warm with the chilled ranch dip and crunchy veggies, if desired.
Substitutions
- Instead of sour cream, use plain full fat Greek yogurt
- Greek yogurt gives the ranch a tangy flavor and similar creaminess with a little extra protein. The dip may taste slightly sharper, which works nicely with rich, salty chicken wings.
- Instead of regular mayonnaise, use avocado oil mayonnaise
- Avocado oil mayonnaise keeps the dip creamy while bringing a cleaner flavor and often fewer additives. The ranch will taste a bit lighter but still pair beautifully with the crispy wings.
- For a fun twist, swap the wings for cauliflower florets
- Toss the florets in the same oil and seasoning blend, then roast until browned and tender crisp. You get a vegetarian party snack with big flavor and the same irresistible dipping situation.
Tips
- Dry wings make the crispiest skin
- Moisture is the enemy of crisp skin, so really press the wings with paper towels on all sides. You can even leave them uncovered in the fridge for an hour for extra drying time.
- Use aluminum free baking powder for clean flavor
- Baking powder raises the skin slightly and helps it crisp, but aluminum can leave a metallic taste. Check the label and avoid anything that lists aluminum as an ingredient.
- Do not crowd the pan
- If the wings touch, they steam instead of roast, and the skin never fully crisps. Use two pans if needed so every wing has a little breathing space.
- Let the ranch dip chill before serving
- The dried herbs need a bit of time in the fridge to soften and flavor the creamy base. If you rush this step, the dip tastes flat and the herbs feel dry on your tongue.
- Warm the wings, keep the ranch cold
- Serve the wings hot from the oven while the ranch is well chilled for the best contrast. That temperature difference makes every bite feel more interesting and satisfying.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 685 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 38 | g |
| Total Fat | 49 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 9 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- Why are my baked chicken wings not getting crispy?
- Most often, the wings were still damp when they went into the oven. Next time, dry them very well and toss with baking powder, not baking soda. Also check that your oven is truly at 425°F and that the pan is not overcrowded.
- Can I cook these wings in an air fryer instead of the oven?
- Yes, the recipe works great in an air fryer with a few timing adjustments. Cook the seasoned wings at 400°F for about 20 to 25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
- Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?
- You can, but they need to be fully thawed before you start seasoning. Thaw the wings overnight in the fridge, then drain and pat them very dry. If you cook them from frozen, they release water and never get truly crispy.
- How far in advance can I make the homemade ranch dip?
- The ranch dip tastes even better after a night in the fridge. You can make it up to three days ahead and keep it covered and chilled. Give it a quick stir before serving, and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy baked wings with cool ranch dip make such a crowd pleasing snack for any casual gathering.
For extra fun, add a platter of carrot sticks, celery, and cucumbers to bring crunch and color.
If you want some heat, toss half the wings in buffalo sauce and keep the others simple for dipping.
More pairings:
Reviews
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Mary: Yummy, but flip timing unclear.
: Glad you enjoyed them, Mary! Flip the wings about halfway through baking, then finish until they’re deeply golden and crisp. 😊
Made this recipe? How did it go?
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