If you love the flavors of garlic, butter, and parmesan but want a lighter twist on traditional fried wings, these Baked Boneless Garlic Parmesan Wings are just what you need. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and tossed in a rich garlic-parmesan sauce, they’re perfect for game day, parties, or even a weeknight dinner.
What makes these wings stand out is the balance of textures and flavors. The chicken bakes up beautifully golden and crunchy thanks to a panko-parmesan coating, while the sauce is indulgent with garlic and butter, yet brightened with fresh parsley. They deliver all the satisfaction of classic wings without the fryer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Baked, not fried: A healthier option that still delivers crispiness.
- Big flavor: Garlic and parmesan are a timeless combination.
- Easy to make: With simple pantry ingredients, you’ll have them ready in about 30 minutes.
- Crowd-pleasing: Whether it’s family dinner or a party platter, these wings never last long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Toss the chicken pieces with olive oil in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Coat each chicken piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so it sticks. Arrange the coated chicken in a single layer on the baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked.
2. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
While the chicken bakes, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to burn it. Lower the heat, then stir in the grated parmesan until the sauce becomes smooth. Season with salt and pepper, and add parsley if desired.
3. Toss and Serve
Once the chicken is ready, place the crispy pieces in a large bowl. Pour the garlic parmesan sauce over the top and toss until every piece is coated. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan or parsley.
Variations
- Spicy Garlic Parmesan: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the butter sauce for a spicy kick.
- Air Fryer Version: Cook the breaded chicken at 375°F in the air fryer for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway. This makes them even crispier with less oil.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap the panko breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
- Herbed Parmesan Wings: Mix dried Italian herbs into the breadcrumb coating for extra flavor.
- Lightened Sauce: Substitute half the butter with olive oil for a lighter garlic parmesan glaze.
Tips and Tricks
- Cut chicken evenly: Keeping the pieces uniform ensures even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Space out the chicken on the baking sheet so it bakes crispy, not soggy.
- Use fresh parmesan: Pre-grated parmesan can be dry and doesn’t melt as well. Freshly grated cheese adds better texture and flavor.
- Make ahead: You can bread the chicken in advance and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Just wait to toss in the sauce until ready to serve.
- Double coat for extra crunch: Dip the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture twice for an even crispier coating.
Serving Suggestions
These wings are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides and dips:
- Serve with celery and carrot sticks for a classic wing platter.
- Offer dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or even marinara for variety.
- Pair with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Make it a party platter with other finger foods such as mozzarella sticks, onion rings, or potato wedges.
- For a lighter touch, serve alongside steamed vegetables or roasted asparagus.
Boneless Garlic Parmesan Wings
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Sauce:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Prepare Chicken: Toss chicken with olive oil. In another bowl, mix panko, parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken evenly.
- Bake: Arrange chicken on the sheet in a single layer. Bake 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
- Make Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan. Add garlic and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in parmesan, then season with salt, pepper, and parsley.
- Combine: Toss baked chicken in sauce until coated. Serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan or parsley.
