Crispy Baked Ranch Chicken Wings

This crispy baked ranch chicken wings recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the classic wing flavor without frying. The wings come out golden and crunchy with a zesty ranch kick that hits just right for game night or anytime your snack cravings strike.

I first made this on a whim for a weekend get-together and the wings disappeared fast. It quickly became my go-to for casual entertaining.

Ingredients

• Chicken wings: two pounds divided into drumettes and flats for even cooking and bite-sized pieces
• Baking powder: aluminum-free helps dry out the skin so it crisps up beautifully in the oven be sure not to skip this step
• Salt: balances the flavors well
• Black pepper: adds a mild peppery kick chose freshly ground for best taste
• Olive oil: lightly coats the wings keeps them moist without compromising crispiness opt for extra virgin for richness
• Ranch seasoning mix: brings that classic tangy, herby ranch flavor pick a good quality mix or use your own homemade blend for freshness

Instructions

Build The Crisp Base:

Preheat the oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place an oven-safe wire rack on top. This setup lets hot air circulate for a crispy crust on all sides.

Dry The Wings Thoroughly:

Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. Removing moisture from the skin is critical to getting the crisp texture you want.

Coat With Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl, toss the wings evenly with baking powder, salt, and pepper. The baking powder works behind the scenes to break down proteins on the skin surface aiding in crispiness when baked.

Add Olive Oil:

Drizzle olive oil over the wings and toss them so every piece has a light coating of oil. This helps the wings brown evenly while sealing in flavor.

Arrange For Baking:

Place the wings spaced apart on the wire rack in a single layer ensuring air flows freely around each piece. Crowding them would lead to soggy spots.

Bake To Crispy Perfection:

Bake for forty-five to fifty minutes, turning the wings halfway through the cooking time for even crisping and color. During the last ten minutes raise the oven temperature to four hundred twenty-five to intensify the crisp crust.

Season With Ranch:

Remove the wings from the oven and place them in a clean large bowl while they are still hot. Sprinkle ranch seasoning over the wings and toss until each wing is coated with that delicious zesty flavor.

Serve Immediately:

Enjoy your crispy baked ranch chicken wings fresh and hot.

My favorite part is tossing the hot wings in ranch seasoning which clings perfectly to the crispy skin. This dish always brings back fun memories of cheering on the game with friends and sharing a big plate of wings.

Storage Tips

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to four days. To reheat, place them on a wire rack in a hot oven for a few minutes to restore crispiness instead of microwaving which makes them soggy.

Ingredient Swaps

If you do not have ranch seasoning mix try using a combination of dried parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, and a touch of dried dill for a homemade ranch flavor. Baking powder can be replaced by baking soda but reduce the amount as it is stronger baking powder gives the best crispy result though.

Serving Ideas

Serve wings with classic sides like celery sticks and carrot sticks with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dunking. They also pair well with a fresh green salad or crunchy slaw to balance the richness.

This recipe is perfect for game day or casual get-togethers and delivers crispy, flavorful wings every time.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ How do I make the wings crispy without frying?

Pat the wings completely dry and coat them lightly with baking powder before baking. Using a wire rack allows air to circulate, creating a crispy skin without frying.

→ Can I adjust the ranch seasoning to my taste?

Absolutely, feel free to increase or decrease the amount of ranch seasoning to suit your flavor preference.

→ Why is it important to bake the wings at a higher temperature at the end?

Raising the oven temperature near the end helps develop an extra crispy, golden exterior for the wings.

→ What is the purpose of the baking powder in this method?

Baking powder helps draw moisture from the skin, which crisps it up during baking without altering the flavor.

→ Can I prepare these wings ahead of time?

You can season the wings in advance and store them in the fridge. Bake fresh for best crispiness and flavor.