The secret to making crispy baked chicken wings in the oven is cornstarch! Make restaurant worthy wings at home with this simple cornstarch, brown sugar and chili powder spice rub.
I have so many thoughts rushing through my head right now that coming up with a coherent sentence is proving to be a huge challenge. But I want to write about these Crunchy Baked Chicken Wings and how good they are. And how they are healthier than your favourite fried chicken wings. And how they are so easy. But it would be nice if I could put that all in a fluffy, beautiful, compound sentences. Maybe I could even throw a few metaphors and similes in there…
Hmm, not today, my friends.
I have a serious addiction to all things chicken wings, which you probably already know if you’ve been reading Living Lou for a while. I’ve shared recipes for buffalo chicken wings baked in the oven and my all time favourite, “Lou’s own” chicken wings (complete with a unique spice rub and sauce). I knew that the next type of chicken wing I wanted to make was a crunchy, baked chicken wing. I love the deep fried variety of chicken wings, the crisp and crunchy skin and tender and juicy meat. I always have the medium buffalo style at the local pub, but I wanted to create a crispy baked version that can be made at home and that is healthier than the deep fried variety. I did a bit of research and turned to corn starch to create the crunch. I’ve also tried using baking powder to help crisp up the skin, which is another useful method for getting crunch pub-style wings. For this recipe, I’ve turned to a couple of my favourite spices for flavour. You’ll find chili powder and cumin to add a bit of spice to the dish. This recipe is simple and I have a feeling that kids and adults alike will go crazy for these wings.
When it comes to watching sports, these crunchy baked chicken wings have become my new go-to chicken wing. Whether it’s March Madness, the Superbowl or the Stanley Cup final, I always have a few pounds of wings ready to go. These Crispy Baked Chicken Wings taste like they’ve been fried without all that added fat. Like I said, I have a soft spot for the very unhealthy, but delicious deep fried variety. But this cornstarch method seems to be one the best ways to get this similar texture at home using the oven. I’m actually wondering what a combination of baking powder and cornstarch would be like – perhaps that’s the secret to the ultimate crispy baked wing. I think that’s next on the agenda for my on-going chicken wing experiment. That’s one of the things I love about cooking, it’s kind of like putting a puzzle together to crack the code, and once you get it, there’s no better feeling in the world.
Anyways, I have so many thoughts rushing through my head right now that don’t have anything to do with chicken wings. I’m finding that when I’m really overwhelmed and stressed out, my brain does not work very well. This semester is turning out to be quite the beast, but, what can you do. I’m just trying to keep my head above water here and continue creating the best content I possibly can. And when it comes to these baked chicken wings, all I can tell you is that this recipe is incredibly simple and yields a crunchy, satisfying result. What else could you possible want in a homemade, oven-baked wing? Oh right, maybe some flavour? Well, check off all the boxes, this is the ultimate crispy and crunchy baked chicken wing.
Louisa Clements
Yields 4-6
The secret to having crispy wings without deep frying!
15 minPrep Time
40 minCook Time
55 minTotal Time
Ingredients
- 2 ½ lbs chicken wings
- ¼ cup corn starch
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350. Prepare a baking dish with a piece of tinfoil.
- Combine corn starch, brown sugar, chili powder, salt and garlic powder in a large bowl.
- Add chicken wings and toss. Allow to sit for 10 minutes, allowing the spice mixture to absorb into the wings. Toss again, letting to sit another 5 minutes.
- Place wings on the baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven and flip over. Cook for another 20 minutes.
Chicken wings are a great way to make something different and delicious for dinner and these Crispy Baked Chicken Wings taste like they’ve been fried without all that added fat.
Shurik