If you thought deep frying was the only way to get crispy chicken wings, think again. Broiling in a hot oven yields crispy, flavorful wings.
Do you include chicken wings in any of your foodie traditions? Many people enjoy eating them while their favorite sports game is on TV or as an appetizer at dinner parties. Personally, I am happy to eat well-seasoned chicken wings any day, any time. The snap of the crispy skin and the flavor of the moist meat sometimes make it hard to stop. Thankfully, broiled chicken wings are a simple, lighter take on a classic chicken wing recipe that quickly feeds a crowd… or just your hungry self.
Chicken wings are full of interesting facts. Did you know that Americans, on average, eat about 90 chicken wings each year? On Super Bowl Sunday alone, we consume over one billion chicken wings! And, on average, we indulge in about a dozen wings at a time when we sit down to consume them. Americans love their chicken wings, and broiling them is one of the best ways to get the job done.
It’s common to assume that frying is necessary to make most foods crispy. However, that’s not the case. Broiling your wings is a healthier option than deep-frying since frying requires quite a bit of oil—and often, it’s an oil that isn’t a healthy fat. So, let the fryer sit this one out. Your oven is here to save the day.
Are Broiled Chicken Wings Healthy?
Chicken wings do naturally contain some fat, and there’s some additional fat in this recipe in the form of melted butter. However, you will not get near the same fat content as a deep-fried wing. In that regard, they are a healthier option.
Chicken is a high-protein food, and the dark meat of the wing is rich in iron, so they do have some nutritional benefits. These wings also work for keto, low-carb, and gluten-free diets. If you want to make them dairy-free, you can rub the wings with olive oil or avocado oil instead of butter, though note you may not achieve as deep a flavor.
Dressing Up The Spice Blend
The flavors are simple and perfect, and the chicken turns out crisp and juicy. The combo of melted butter with salt and pepper, garlic powder, and paprika is a general palate-pleaser that most people enjoy. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t experiment with other flavors!
Additions like onion powder, cayenne (if you like a little kick), chili powder, lemon pepper seasoning, and even a little brown sugar can elevate these wings to even higher heights. Play around with your favorite spices and seasonings to see what tastes best!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Grab an airtight container or zip-top storage bag to hold your leftover broiled chicken wings. They will keep for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the wings for up to 4 months. To keep them from sticking together while freezing, first lay the cooled leftover chicken wings in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer until frozen (about 1 hour). Once frozen, you can put the chicken wings in freezer-safe storage bags.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chicken wings on a plate or platter, piled high to impress guests (or yourself!). Since broiled chicken wings are a simple dish, serving them with something else makes them the perfect side or the main event. On a cool night, I love a plate of broiled chicken wings next to a steaming bowl of Easy Homemade Crock-Pot Vegetable Soup. On summer nights, I’d rather have Baked Corn On The Cob with my chicken wings or a fresh Mediterranean Cucumber Salad.
Even though these wings don’t need any help with the seasoning, if I’m serving them to guests, I like to offer a Low-Carb Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce or Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce for those who love to dip everything. And let’s face it, if you’re going to go for it, just go for it: Onion Rings or Battered Fries are a wonderful treat with broiled chicken wings.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds chicken wings split and tips removed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
Instructions
- Set your broiler to high and let it preheat for 5 minutes. Move the oven rack to the upper-middle position.
- Line two baking sheets with foil and place a wire rack on top of each one.
- Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel. In a large bowl, mix the chicken wings with melted butter until evenly coated.
- Arrange the wings on the wire racks in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. Season the wings with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Broil for 15-20 minutes or until the wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If you are not using a wire rack and the wings are sitting on top of foil, flip them halfway through their cook time.
- Serve the broiled chicken wings hot with your choice of dipping sauce.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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