Why You’ll Love These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
Whether you’re hosting game day or just craving something crispy and savory, these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings will quickly become your new obsession.
I’m honestly addicted to that perfect combination of crunchy coating, garlicky flavor, and generous sprinkle of fresh parmesan.
What makes these wings so special? For starters, they’re ridiculously easy to make.
The Shake-n-Bake creates that golden crunch we all fight over, while the caesar dressing infuses each bite with garlic goodness.
And who can resist hot wings tossed in parmesan? Not me, that’s for sure.
The best part? No deep-frying mess to clean up afterward.
What Ingredients are in Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings?
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings deliver that perfect harmony of crunchy, savory, and cheesy that makes wing lovers weak at the knees. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of ingredients that transform ordinary chicken wings into something truly crave-worthy. I’m constantly amazed at how something so impressive can come together with so few components. And trust me, your guests won’t believe how easy these were to make.
- 20 fresh chicken drummettes and wings
- 2 cups Shake-n-Bake original coating mix
- 2 cups garlicky caesar salad dressing
- 2 cups fresh grated parmesan cheese
When shopping for these ingredients, quality really does matter. Try to find plump, meaty wings for the best results—they’ll stay juicier during baking. As for the parmesan, freshly grated makes all the difference compared to the pre-shredded stuff in bags. The moisture content and flavor are miles apart. And while any caesar dressing will work in a pinch, look for one that proudly announces its garlic content right on the label. Those extra garlic notes are what takes these wings from good to “can’t-stop-eating-them” territory.
How to Make These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
Making these wings couldn’t be simpler, which is perfect when you’re juggling other party preparations or just craving something delicious without the fuss. Start by tossing your 20 fresh chicken drummettes and wings in 2 cups of Shake-n-Bake original coating mix.
The easiest way to do this is to place the coating mix in a large plastic bag, add the wings in batches, and give them a good shake until they’re thoroughly coated. This method guarantees each wing gets an even coating while keeping your hands relatively clean—a win-win in my book.
Once your wings are coated, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Some people like to use a wire rack on top of the baking sheet to allow air circulation underneath the wings, but it’s not strictly necessary.
Pop them into a preheated 400°F oven for 30-35 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. You’ll know they’re done when the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. During the last 5 minutes, I like to switch the oven to broil for an extra crispy finish, but keep a close eye on them—they can go from perfect to charred in moments.
The magic happens in the final step. While the wings are still hot from the oven, transfer them to a large bowl and toss them with 2 cups of garlicky caesar dressing until they’re evenly coated.
The heat from the wings helps the dressing cling to every nook and cranny. Immediately sprinkle 2 cups of freshly grated parmesan cheese over the wings and give them another gentle toss. The residual heat will slightly melt the cheese, creating that irresistible garlic-parmesan coating that makes these wings so addictive.
Serve them right away while they’re still warm, perhaps with some extra parmesan on the side for those who can never get enough cheese. Who could blame them?
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Substitutions and Variations
While the classic garlic parmesan wing recipe is absolutely delicious as written, I’ve experimented with countless variations over the years that might suit your taste preferences or pantry limitations.
No Shake-n-Bake? Try panko breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning for that crispy exterior. The dressing can be swapped with melted butter mixed with minced garlic and herbs—just as flavorful but lighter.
Sometimes I use pecorino romano instead of parmesan for a sharper flavor profile, or mix in asiago for complexity.
For heat lovers, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mix. Trust me, these wings are forgiving.
What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
When it comes to serving these crispy, garlicky wings, I’ve found that complementary sides make all the difference.
I love pairing them with cooling ranch dip or blue cheese sauce to balance the richness.
For sides, crisp celery and carrot sticks are classics for good reason—that fresh crunch cuts through the savory wings perfectly.
Want something heartier? Try a simple Caesar salad (keeping with that garlic theme), crispy potato wedges, or corn on the cob.
For drinks, an ice-cold beer works wonders, but lemonade or sweet tea offers a nice contrast if you’re not into alcohol.
Final Thoughts
These garlic parmesan wings have become my go-to recipe whenever I’m hosting friends or just craving something indulgently savory.
There’s something magical about that combination of crispy coating, pungent garlic, and nutty parmesan that keeps everyone coming back for more.
I love how simple they’re to prepare, too.
Just shake, bake, and toss—perfect for those nights when you want something impressive without the fuss.
The Shake-n-Bake creates that ideal crunch while the caesar dressing delivers a creamy garlic punch.
And honestly, can you ever have too much parmesan? I think not.
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Wings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Place the Shake-n-Bake coating mix in a large plastic bag.
- Add chicken wings to the bag in batches and shake until thoroughly coated.
- Arrange the coated wings in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and crispy, with internal temperature reaching 165°F.
- Optional: Switch oven to broil for the last 5 minutes for extra crispiness, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Transfer the hot wings to a large bowl and immediately toss with the garlicky caesar dressing until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan cheese over the wings and gently toss again, allowing the residual heat to slightly melt the cheese.
- Serve immediately while still warm.
