If you love crispy, juicy chicken wings but want an easy, quick way to make them at home without deep frying, broiling is your answer. Broiling chicken wings in the oven gives you that perfect char and crunch, just like grilled wings, but with less mess and fuss. In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to broil chicken wings, from prepping and seasoning to cooking tips and serving ideas.
Why Broil Chicken Wings?
Broiling uses high heat from your oven’s top heating element to cook food quickly and create a crispy exterior. It’s a fantastic way to get wings that are:
– Crispy on the outside
– Juicy and tender inside
– Slightly charred for extra flavor
– Ready in under 20 minutes
Plus, broiling is healthier than deep frying since you use little to no oil, and it’s easier to clean up afterward.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
– Chicken wings (whole or cut into flats and drumettes)
– Olive oil or another cooking oil
– Salt and pepper
– Garlic powder
– Paprika or smoked paprika
– Optional: brown sugar, onion powder, cinnamon, lime juice for marinade
Equipment
– Oven with broiler function
– Rimmed baking sheet
– Wire rack (to elevate wings for even cooking)
– Aluminum foil or parchment paper (for easy cleanup)
Step-by-Step Guide to Broiling Chicken Wings
1. Prep Your Oven and Rack
Start by lowering your oven rack to about 6 to 10 inches from the broiler element. Preheat your broiler on high for about 15-20 minutes to get it nice and hot.
Line your baking sheet with foil or parchment paper, then place a wire rack on top. This setup allows the heat to circulate around the wings, helping them crisp evenly without sitting in their own fat.
2. Season or Marinate Your Wings
For simple seasoning, toss the wings in olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. If you want to add a bit more flavor complexity, try a marinade with ingredients like brown sugar, lime juice, onion powder, cinnamon, and olive oil. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor.
3. Arrange the Wings
Place the wings in a single layer on the wire rack, making sure they aren’t touching. This spacing helps air circulate and crisps the skin evenly.
4. Broil the Wings
Broil the wings for about 10 minutes on one side, then flip them over and broil for another 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them during the second side-they can cook quickly and go from perfectly crispy to burnt in minutes.
The wings are done when their internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.
5. Optional: Add Sauce
If you like saucy wings, brush your favorite barbecue or buffalo sauce on the wings after flipping them, then broil for the remaining time. This helps the sauce caramelize and stick to the wings perfectly.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your broiled wings hot with dips like blue cheese or ranch dressing. They’re perfect for game day, parties, or a tasty weeknight dinner.
Expert Tips for Perfect Broiled Wings
– Use a wire rack: Elevating the wings helps fat drip away and crisps the skin all around.
– Don’t overcrowd: Give each wing space to cook evenly.
– Try baking powder: Tossing wings in baking powder (not baking soda) before seasoning helps draw out moisture for extra crispiness.
– Grease the rack: Spray the wire rack with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
– Watch closely: Broilers vary in heat intensity, so keep an eye on your wings to avoid burning.
– Rest before serving: Let wings rest for a few minutes after broiling to lock in juices.
Flavor Variations to Try
– Classic Buffalo: Toss wings in a mix of melted butter and hot sauce after broiling.
– Sweet and Spicy BBQ: Brush with barbecue sauce mixed with a touch of honey or brown sugar.
– Garlic Parmesan: Toss wings with melted butter, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese.
– Citrus Herb: Marinate wings in lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs before broiling.
Broiling chicken wings is a quick, easy way to get restaurant-quality wings at home without the hassle of frying. With simple ingredients and a few handy tips, you can enjoy crispy, flavorful wings any time.
Give it a try tonight-you’ll love how easy and delicious broiled chicken wings can be!