Crispy and Savory Oven-Baked Chicken Wings
Master the Art of Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Wings: A Deliciously Simple Recipe
I absolutely love chicken wings, especially those served as a side with delivery orders! When baked until perfectly crispy, they become incredibly savory and delicious. Today, we’re making oven-baked chicken wings with a simple salt-and-pepper style seasoning. The result is a wonderfully mild yet satisfyingly salty flavor. While this recipe focuses on oven baking for ultimate crispiness, feel free to adapt it for an air fryer or even a skillet. It’s a fantastic option for any occasion, from casual snacks to party appetizers.
Main Ingredients
- 15 chicken wings
Marinade & Seasoning
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce (jin ganjang)
- 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (like mirin)
- 0.5 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 200ml milk
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce (jin ganjang)
- 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (like mirin)
- 0.5 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 200ml milk
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing your chicken wings. Submerge them in milk for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial for tenderizing the meat and eliminating any gamey odors, resulting in a more succulent bite.
Step 2
After 30 minutes, drain the chicken wings and rinse them thoroughly under cool running water. This thorough rinsing helps remove any residual milk and further cleanses the wings, ensuring a fresh taste.
Step 3
Make 2-3 deep scores or cuts on each chicken wing with a sharp knife. These cuts will allow the marinade to penetrate deeply into the meat, ensuring even seasoning and faster, more thorough cooking.
Step 4
Gently pat the scored chicken wings dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is key to achieving a super crispy skin when baking.
Step 5
Now, let’s get them seasoned! Sprinkle the salt and pepper evenly over the wings. For a perfectly balanced flavor after baking, season the salt a little on the saltier side now, as some of the saltiness will mellow during cooking. (Adjust to your preference.)
Step 6
Add the sugar and distribute it evenly. Sugar not only adds a touch of sweetness but also helps in caramelizing the skin, giving it a beautiful golden-brown color and extra crispiness.
Step 7
To ensure there’s absolutely no hint of unwanted odor, add the cooking wine (like mirin). This ingredient is excellent for neutralizing any gamey smells in poultry. Be mindful not to add too much, as chicken can absorb alcohol flavors readily, and you don’t want an overpowering wine taste.
Step 8
Pour in the soy sauce (jin ganjang) for a rich umami depth. This classic ingredient adds a fundamental savory flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
Step 9
Next, add the Worcestershire sauce. Its complex savory, tangy, and slightly sweet notes will elevate the overall flavor profile of the chicken wings, making them irresistible.
Step 10
Finish with a drizzle of olive oil. Olive oil helps prevent the wings from sticking to the pan and contributes to a glistening, crispier finish once baked.
Step 11
Now, use your hands to thoroughly massage the marinade into the chicken wings. Ensure every piece is evenly coated to maximize flavor absorption and achieve consistent deliciousness.
Step 12
Cover the marinated chicken wings tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. This marinating time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. While the wings are marinating, preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) for about 10 minutes.
Step 13
Once the oven is preheated, arrange the marinated chicken wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are not overcrowded. Bake for 20 minutes at 200°C (390°F) until the tops are golden brown.
Step 14
After 20 minutes, carefully flip the chicken wings over. Continue to bake for another 20 minutes, or until the other side is also nicely browned and crispy. This ensures even cooking and crispiness on both sides.
Step 15
Your oven-baked chicken wings are perfectly done when they have a beautiful, even golden-brown color on both sides and the internal temperature is safely cooked. They should be wonderfully crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside!
Step 16
Serve immediately and enjoy! These crispy, juicy oven-baked chicken wings are sure to become a favorite. You might wonder why you didn’t make them sooner. Enjoy your delicious creation!
