These Baked Garlic Parmesan Boneless Wings are a crispy, flavorful, and easy-to-make alternative to traditional buffalo wings. Coated in a light, crispy breading and tossed in a rich garlic parmesan sauce, they are perfect for game days, gatherings, or even a quick dinner. Serve them with homemade fries or a side salad for a complete meal!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
- Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the cubed chicken with smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the flour and grated parmesan, tossing again to coat. Drizzle with olive oil and mix well.
- Bake the Chicken: Spread the chicken pieces evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken is baking, heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it begins to brown slightly (3-5 minutes). Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, followed by the grated parmesan and cayenne pepper. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring until smooth.
- Coat the Chicken: Once the chicken is out of the oven, immediately toss it in the warm garlic parmesan sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with extra parmesan sauce, homemade fries, or a fresh side salad.
Nutrients (Per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 490 kcal
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 30g
- Sodium: ~700mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Without Frying: Baking the chicken at high heat gives it a golden, crispy coating without the need for deep frying.
- Rich Garlic Parmesan Flavor: The sauce is made with melted butter, fresh garlic, and Parmesan cheese, creating a savory, creamy coating.
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal prep and just one baking sheet, making it simple and hassle-free.
- Kid-Friendly: With no spicy ingredients, these boneless wings are great for kids and adults alike.
- Great for Meal Prep: Leftovers store well and can be reheated for a quick and delicious meal later in the week.
The Secret to Crispy Baked Boneless Wings
Achieving a crispy texture without frying can be tricky, but this recipe uses a few key techniques to get the perfect crunch:
- Use Parmesan in the Breading: Grated Parmesan adds texture and helps create a crispy, flavorful coating.
- Bake at High Heat: Cooking at 450°F (230°C) allows the chicken to develop a golden-brown crust.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil: Lightly coating the chicken in olive oil before baking helps the breading crisp up.
- Use a Wire Rack: Placing the chicken on a wire rack on top of a baking sheet allows heat to circulate evenly, making the chicken crispy on all sides.
The Rich and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
The garlic Parmesan sauce is what makes these wings irresistible. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with fresh garlic flavor. Here’s what makes it special:
- Browned Butter for Depth: Cooking the butter until slightly golden enhances the richness of the sauce.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic is sautéed until fragrant, infusing the sauce with bold flavor.
- Heavy Cream for Creaminess: This gives the sauce a smooth, velvety texture that clings to the chicken.
- Grated Parmesan for a Savory Kick: Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, adding a nutty, salty depth.
- Cayenne Pepper for a Subtle Heat: While not overpowering, a pinch of cayenne enhances the flavor balance.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Boneless Wings
These wings are packed with flavor, so pairing them with the right sides can elevate the meal even further. Here are some great options:
- Crispy French Fries: A classic pairing that soaks up the extra garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Garlic Bread: More garlic? Yes, please! Serve with warm garlic bread for extra indulgence.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp salad with romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and croutons balances out the richness of the wings.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts complement the flavors while adding nutrition.
- Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw helps cut through the creamy sauce.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
These wings are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored and reheated while maintaining their crispiness.
- Refrigeration: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked, uncoated wings for up to 2 months. Reheat and toss them in fresh garlic Parmesan sauce before serving.
- Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until warm and crispy.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 5-6 minutes.
- Microwave (Not Recommended): Microwaving can make the breading soft and soggy.
Tips for Customizing This Recipe
This recipe is easy to adapt based on your taste preferences. Here are some variations to try:
- Make It Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Use Different Cheeses: Try Asiago, Romano, or a sharp white cheddar for a different cheese profile.
- Add Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary can add an extra layer of flavor to the sauce.
- Try a Different Protein: Swap the chicken for turkey, shrimp, or even cauliflower for a vegetarian version.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the breading.
Why This Recipe is a Crowd Favorite
Baked Garlic Parmesan Boneless Wings are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They offer everything people love about wings—crispy coating, flavorful sauce, and satisfying texture—without the mess and hassle of deep-frying. Their rich, cheesy, garlicky flavor makes them an instant hit for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner, game night, or party appetizer.
Kids love them because they’re cheesy and not spicy, while adults appreciate the bold garlic and Parmesan flavors. Plus, they’re an easy dish to prepare, making them perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these wings ahead of time? Yes! Bake the wings and store them separately from the sauce. When ready to serve, reheat and toss in fresh sauce.
- Can I air-fry these wings instead of baking? Absolutely! Cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- What dipping sauces pair well with these wings? Ranch, blue cheese dressing, or even a simple marinara sauce can be great options.
- Can I use bone-in wings instead of boneless? Yes, but adjust the cooking time to ensure they cook through properly. Bone-in wings may take 30-35 minutes to bake.
- How do I make the sauce thicker? If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of heavy cream or let it simmer for a few extra minutes.
Conclusion
Baked Garlic Parmesan Boneless Wings are a delicious, easy-to-make alternative to traditional wings. With their crispy coating, rich garlic Parmesan sauce, and oven-baked convenience, they offer all the flavor without the extra oil from frying.
Perfect for game nights, family meals, or entertaining guests, these wings are a fantastic addition to any menu. Serve them with crispy fries, a fresh salad, or even on their own for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.