Name: Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lb. bone-in chicken wings; 2 tablespoons olive oil or any vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning or Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste (omit salt if seasoning contains salt); 4 tablespoons melted butter (½ stick); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; Caesar or ranch dressing, for dipping

If you’re anything like me, chicken wings are a total game day essential, but sometimes you want something a bit more vibrant and fresh than your usual buffalo or BBQ. That’s where this Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe shines! The combination of zesty lemon, savory garlic, and that nutty parmesan creates a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s perfect for casual dinners, weekend get-togethers, or just whenever you want to treat yourself to something seriously tasty.

I’ve made these wings for all sorts of occasions — from watching the game to a relaxed Friday night snack — and they never disappoint. What I love most is how quick the recipe comes together without sacrificing flavor, making this Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe a go-to whenever I want wings with a little extra oomph.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a key role in layering those bright, savory flavors. You’ll find these ingredients are easy to grab at your grocery store, and prepping them is a breeze — which is always a win in my book!

Chicken wings: Bone-in for that classic wing experience and great flavor.
Olive oil or vegetable oil: Helps crisp the wings and carries the seasoning well.
Lemon pepper seasoning or Italian seasoning: Adds a fresh, zesty kick—choose your favorite blend!
Salt and pepper: Season to taste; if your seasoning is salty, you can skip extra salt.
Butter: Melted, it forms the base of that luscious sauce.
Garlic: Minced fresh for that punchy aroma and flavor—garlic powder just isn’t the same here.
Fresh parsley: Chopped finely to brighten up the sauce.
Lemon zest: Super important! It brings out the lemon flavor without adding extra juice.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for maximum nutty, cheesy goodness.
Caesar or ranch dressing: For dipping—because what’s wings without a good dip?

Variations

I like to switch things up depending on the mood or what I have on hand. The beauty of this Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe is how flexible it is, so feel free to make it your own!

Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the sauce—I love the kick it gives after the buttery, cheesy coating.
Herb swap: Try adding fresh thyme or oregano instead of parsley for a different herbaceous note.
Low-carb option: Skip the ranch or Caesar on the side, or use a low-carb homemade ranch to keep things keto-friendly.
Grilled wings: Instead of baking, grill the wings first for a smoky flavor, then toss them in the sauce.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Wings

Start by patting your chicken wings dry with paper towels—this is key to getting that crispy skin we’re after. Then toss them in a bowl with olive oil, your lemon pepper (or Italian) seasoning, and a bit of salt and pepper if needed. Make sure every wing gets a nice coating; I usually use my hands here because it’s easy to feel that everything’s evenly covered.

Step 2: Bake the Wings Until Crispy

Arrange the wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil for easy cleanup, spacing them out so they don’t steam. Pop them in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’re looking for golden, crispy skin — if they’re not there yet, give them another 5-10 minutes, watching closely so they don’t burn.

Step 3: Mix the Garlic Parmesan Lemon Sauce

While the wings bake, melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave, then stir in your minced garlic, freshly chopped parsley, lemon zest, and parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt into the butter and create a wonderfully rich sauce that’s packed with flavor. Feel free to taste and tweak—sometimes I add a pinch more lemon zest for extra zing!

Step 4: Toss Wings in Sauce and Serve

When the wings are perfectly crisp, transfer them straight into the bowl with your sauce and toss until they’re beautifully coated. The warmth of the wings helps the sauce cling just right. Serve immediately with your favorite dip—Caesar or ranch are top choices around here—and maybe a sprinkle of extra parmesan on top for good measure.

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe

The image shows a white dish in the center filled with raw chicken wings, pale pink with a slightly shiny texture. Surrounding the dish, there are small white bowls each containing different ingredients: one with finely chopped bright green parsley, one with a yellow square of butter, one with ground black pepper, one with grated pale yellow cheese, and one with a creamy white sauce. Next to the chicken and bowls are two brown eggs and a whole yellow lemon. A small glass bowl with golden olive oil and fresh parsley sprigs are placed casually on the white marbled surface around the main dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of adding a little fresh parsley right on top—it adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that balances the richness. Sometimes I’ll throw on a few thinly sliced green onions or a little extra lemon zest for brightness. It’s those little touches that make the dish feel extra special in presentation and taste.

Side Dishes

I tend to pair these wings with crunchy celery sticks and carrot batons for a classic combo. A crisp salad or garlicky roasted potatoes also complement the tangy parmesan sauce nicely. If I’m serving this for a bigger meal, creamy mashed potatoes or a warm pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs round things out wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to serve these wings arranged around a bowl of dip on a large platter, garnished with lemon slices and fresh herbs. It makes for a festive presentation and encourages sharing. Another fun idea is to serve them on skewers — perfect for outdoor gatherings or when you want to keep things casual but classy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep them from getting soggy, I separate the wings from the sauce if possible and toss them with fresh sauce just before reheating — it helps everything stay crisp and flavorful.

Freezing

These wings actually freeze quite well! I recommend freezing them plain (un-sauced) on a baking sheet first, then transferring to a freezer bag. When you want to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight and toss with freshly made garlic parmesan lemon sauce. This way, you get that freshly coated taste every time.

Reheating

I reheat wings in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes to get the skin crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you can because it tends to make the skin rubbery. Once warmed through, toss again with sauce and they’re ready to enjoy just like fresh!

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken for this Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless wings or even chicken tenders can work well. Just adjust the cooking time since boneless pieces cook faster and might require less time in the oven. You’ll still get those great flavors, just a slightly different texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe is naturally gluten-free, especially if you use gluten-free seasoning blends and ensure your Parmesan cheese is gluten-free. It’s a great option for those avoiding gluten!
How can I make the wings extra crispy?

Patting the wings dry before seasoning is essential. Also, make sure to space them out on the baking sheet so air can circulate around each piece. Baking at a high temperature (425°F) helps too! For even crispier wings, broil them for the last couple of minutes but watch carefully to prevent burning.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and gently rewarm it before tossing with the wings. Just keep it covered in the fridge for up to two days and give it a quick stir—it might thicken but will loosen up with a little warm butter or milk.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it’s so easy yet feels special every time. I love sharing it with friends who are surprised by how fresh and flavorful wings can be beyond the classic styles. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and discover just how simple it is to make wings that are crispy, tangy, and downright addictive — trust me, your taste buds (and guests) will thank you!

Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe

★★★★★ 4.9 from 57 reviews

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

These Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings combine crispy, juicy chicken wings with a zesty, buttery sauce packed with garlic, lemon, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, they’re bursting with flavor and complemented by creamy Caesar or ranch dressing for dipping.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Wings

2 lb. bone-in chicken wings
2 tablespoons olive oil or any vegetable oil
2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning or Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste (omit salt if seasoning contains salt)

Sauce

4 tablespoons melted butter (½ stick)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
1 teaspoon lemon zest
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

For Serving

Caesar or ranch dressing, for dipping

Instructions

Prepare the Wings: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness. Toss them in a large bowl with olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning or Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste, making sure each wing is evenly coated.
Bake the Wings: Arrange the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack for even heat circulation. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden brown and crispy.
Make the Sauce: While the wings bake, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and lemon zest in a small bowl. Mix well to infuse the flavors together.
Toss Wings in Sauce and Parmesan: Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the garlic lemon butter sauce over the wings, then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and gently toss to coat thoroughly.
Serve: Serve the wings hot, with extra Parmesan cheese on top if desired, alongside Caesar or ranch dressing for dipping.

Notes

For extra crispy wings, place them on a wire rack over the baking sheet during baking.
If you prefer spicy wings, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Make sure to pat the wings dry before seasoning to achieve maximum crispiness.
These wings can also be cooked in an air fryer at 375°F for 25 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.

Keywords: lemon garlic parmesan chicken wings, baked chicken wings, chicken wing recipe, appetizer, easy chicken wings, party wings