Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe: Crispy, Buttery and Cheesy

If you are looking for a chicken wing recipe that is crispy, savory, garlicky, and packed with cheesy flavor, these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings are a delicious choice. Each wing is coated in a light, crunchy cornstarch crust, fried until golden, then tossed in fragrant garlic butter and Parmesan cheese. The result is crispy chicken on the outside, juicy meat inside, and a rich coating that makes every bite satisfying.

Unlike spicy buffalo wings, this recipe does not rely on chili sauce for its flavor. Instead, garlic, butter, and Parmesan create a savory combination that works well for family meals, snacks, parties, and weekend gatherings. The wings are also easy to customize with your favorite dipping sauce or side dish.

What Are Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings?

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings are crispy fried chicken wings coated in a buttery garlic and Parmesan mixture. The chicken is first seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, baking powder, and all-purpose flour. A small amount of cold water helps the coating cling to the wings before they are dredged in cornstarch.

The coated wings are fried twice. The first fry cooks the chicken and develops a golden crust, while the second fry makes the exterior even crispier. After frying, the wings are tossed with melted butter, sautéed garlic, and Parmesan cheese.

The combination of crunchy chicken, aromatic garlic, creamy butter, and salty Parmesan makes this a flavorful alternative to traditional spicy wings.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings are easy enough for a dinner but special enough for parties and celebrations. The double-frying method gives the chicken a wonderfully crisp exterior without requiring a complicated batter.

The garlic butter coating is another highlight. Cooking the garlic gently in butter allows its aroma and flavor to infuse the butter without burning it. Parmesan is then added for a rich, cheesy finish.

You can also serve these wings in different ways. Pair them with ranch or blue cheese dressing, French fries, potato wedges, mashed potatoes, or steamed rice. They work equally well as a finger food or as part of a meal.

Ingredients

• 500 grams chicken wings
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2–3 tablespoons cold water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• Oil, for deep frying

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How to Prepare the Chicken Wings

Start by preparing the chicken wings. Separate the drumettes and wingettes by cutting through the joints. If you prefer, you can leave the wing tips for making stock later or discard them.

Place the chicken pieces in a bowl. Add salt, ground pepper, garlic powder, baking powder, and all-purpose flour. Toss everything together until the seasonings are evenly distributed.

Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of cold water and mix again. The mixture should lightly coat the chicken without becoming overly wet. The small amount of water helps the flour mixture cling to the wings.

Place the cornstarch on a separate clean plate. Dredge each chicken wing in the cornstarch, making sure all sides are coated. Shake off any excess. Repeat until all the wings are ready for frying.

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How to Fry Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

1. First Fry

Heat enough cooking oil in a deep, heavy pan for frying. Use medium-low heat rather than very high heat. Carefully add the coated chicken wings without overcrowding the pan.

Fry the wings for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning them occasionally so they cook evenly. Work in batches if necessary. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature and can result in unevenly cooked or less crispy chicken.

Once the wings are golden and cooked through, transfer them to a strainer or a plate lined with paper towels. Let them rest for about 10 minutes.

For food safety, chicken should reach an internal temperature of 74°C or 165°F at the thickest part.

2. Double-Fry the Wings

After the wings have rested, increase the heat to medium-high. Return the chicken to the hot oil and fry for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the coating becomes deeply golden and crisp.

Remove the wings and drain them again. Double-frying helps drive off surface moisture and gives the chicken a crunchier exterior that holds up better when coated with garlic butter.

3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter

Use a separate clean pan. Add the unsalted butter while the pan is still cool, then turn the heat to low.

Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic. Stir gently and cook over low heat until the garlic becomes fragrant. Avoid high heat because garlic and butter can burn quickly, leaving a bitter flavor.

Add about half of the Parmesan cheese and stir gently to combine. Keep the heat low so the cheese does not scorch or stick.

4. Coat the Chicken

Add the freshly fried chicken wings to the garlic butter mixture. Toss or stir gently until every piece is coated with the fragrant butter and garlic.

Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the wings and toss again. Transfer the finished wings to a serving platter and serve while hot.

Tips for Crispy Chicken Wings

Do not overcrowd the frying pan. Give the wings enough space so the oil temperature can recover quickly after each batch.

Keep the first frying temperature moderate. If the oil is too hot, the outside may brown before the chicken is fully cooked. The second fry can be done at a higher temperature for a crispier crust.

Pat the chicken dry before seasoning if it is wet. Excess moisture can cause oil to splatter and may make the coating less crisp.

Use freshly minced garlic for the garlic butter. It gives the sauce a stronger aroma and flavor than pre-minced garlic.

Freshly grated Parmesan can melt and cling more easily to the butter coating, although packaged grated Parmesan can also be used.

Do not cook the garlic over high heat. Low heat is enough to release its flavor while reducing the chance of burning.

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What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

These wings are delicious with creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing. For a more filling meal, serve them with French fries, potato wedges, or mashed potatoes.

For a Filipino-style meal, you can also enjoy them with steamed white rice. A vegetable side or fresh salad can balance the richness of the fried chicken and garlic butter.

They are also great for parties and gatherings. Arrange the wings on a platter and serve the dipping sauce separately so everyone can choose how much sauce they want.

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Can You Bake the Wings?

If you prefer not to deep-fry, you can adapt the recipe for the oven. Arrange the coated wings in a single layer on a greased baking rack or baking sheet and bake until cooked through and crisp, turning them as needed. Cooking time will depend on the size of the wings and your oven, so use an instant-read thermometer to confirm that the chicken reaches 74°C or 165°F.

The baked version may not have exactly the same crust as the double-fried wings, but it is a convenient alternative when you want to reduce the amount of frying oil.

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Storage and Reheating

For the best texture, enjoy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings immediately after tossing them in the garlic butter and Parmesan. If you have leftovers, let them cool and refrigerate them in a covered container.

Reheat the wings in an oven or air fryer until heated through and crisp. Avoid repeatedly microwaving them because the coating can become soft.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings are a flavorful way to enjoy crispy chicken without relying on a spicy buffalo-style sauce. The seasoned cornstarch coating creates a crunchy exterior, while the double-frying method helps keep the wings crisp. Once they are tossed in fragrant garlic butter and Parmesan cheese, they become rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying.

This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight meal and festive enough for parties, movie nights, and family gatherings. Serve the wings hot with your favorite dipping sauce, potatoes, or steamed rice, and enjoy the combination of crispy chicken, buttery garlic, and Parmesan in every bite.