These zesty baked Italian chicken wings are baked until golden brown with a delightful crunch and flavor that's perfect for any gathering. Coated in a garlicky Italian dressing with fresh herbs, these wings come together quickly and make an ideal choice for game day, family dinners, or an easy weeknight meal.
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This chicken wings recipe has a zesty blend of Mediterranean flavors from oregano, rosemary, and cilantro, plus a touch of heat from crushed red pepper flakes. It’s easy to make with a few pantry staples and you can dip them in this easy romesco sauce or one of your favorite dipping sauces.
Enjoy these baked marinated chicken wings straight from the oven, or make them in the air fryer for extra crispiness. Pair them with a side of avocado basil pesto, ranch, blue cheese dressing, or a fresh green salad.
The wings are topped with herbs and garlic, so you don't have a sticky sauce like on these sticky baked sesame chicken wings. Don't get me wrong, I love super saucy BBQ style wings, but sometimes it's nice to use less napkins to clean up!
Eat these zesty Italian chicken wings as a tasty snack, main dish, or crowd-pleasing appetizer while watching the big game! Serve on a bed of rice or alongside my crunch cabbage salad.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for any occasion: This chicken wings recipe is the perfect finger food, ideal for game day, a family meal, or even a backyard BBQ.
- Baked, not fried: Enjoy crispy wings without the mess of frying. These baked marinated chicken wings are a light yet flavorful option. They can also be made in an air fryer in 16 minutes for super crispy wings!
- Quick and simple: Toss wings in Italian dressing and bake—no marinating required, though you can if you want marinated chicken wings with a deeper flavor!
Recipe Ingredients
You'll need the following ingredients to make zesty Italian chicken wings:
Ingredient Notes:
- Olive oil: Adds a smooth base for the dressing. You’ll also use extra virgin olive oil in the dipping sauce.
- Fresh garlic: Provides a robust, garlicky flavor that enhances the zesty Italian chicken taste. You can swap with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder if needed.
- Fresh herbs: A mix of oregano, rosemary, and cilantro adds vibrant Mediterranean flavors. You can swap for basil, thyme, parsley or Italian seasoning if you prefer.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Adjust for a bit of heat. Use more or less based on your spice preference. A dash of hot sauce will also work.
- White wine vinegar: Brings a tangy punch to the Italian dressing. Red wine vinegar, lemon juice, or balsamic vinegar can also work.
- Chicken wings: Choose drumettes and wingettes for easy handling and even cooking. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels for best results.
See recipe card below for all ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Zesty Italian Wings
- Heat Oven: Pre-heat oven to 400°F. Prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet or baking tray and set aside.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, fresh herbs, crushed red pepper flakes, white wine vinegar, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Dry the Wings: Thoroughly pat the wings dry with paper towels and add them to the bowl with the Italian dressing.
- Coat the Wings: Toss wings with Italian dressing.
- Bake the Wings: Place wings on prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the wings are golden brown and crispy.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix extra virgin olive oil, chopped fresh herbs, and extra crushed red pepper flakes for a dipping sauce or drizzle.
- Serve: Toss the wings in the dipping sauce or serve on the side.
To Use Air Fryer Option: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 16 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
Grilling Option: Grill the prepared wings over medium heat, turning occasionally, for 20-25 minutes or until crisp.
Expert Tips
- Coat completely: Toss wings thoroughly in the Italian dressing to ensure even coverage and flavor.
- For extra crispiness: Broil the wings for a few minutes at the end of baking, keeping an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Optional marinating: For deeper flavor, marinate the wings in the dressing for an hour or even overnight in the refrigerator.
Common Questions
For an extra crispy finish, broil the wings for a few minutes after baking. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
Yes, whole chicken wings will work just as well. Simply adjust the baking time to ensure they are cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic pairing: Serve with your favorite sauces like ranch or blue cheese dressing for a familiar pairing. Or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese before serving.
- On the side: Pair with a side of kale mango salad for a refreshing contrast to the zesty wings for dinner tonight.
- Perfect game day spread: These wings are perfect with other finger foods like these easy teriyaki chicken bites and maple sriracha roasted cauliflower for a mix of flavors.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store cooled wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Avoid leaving the wings at room temperature for more than 2 hours before storing.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked wings in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To enjoy later, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.
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📖 Recipe
Zesty Italian Chicken Wings Recipe
Equipment
- 1 large bowl
- 1 small bowl
- 1 rimmed baking sheet
Ingredients
Italian dressing for wings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh herbs, I use a mix of oregano, rosemary and cilantro
- 2 teaspoons crushed red peppers flakes
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 lb (900 grams) chicken wings, drumettes and wingettes
Dipping Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh herbs, I use a mix of oregano and cilantro
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional if you like it extra zesty
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 400°F. Prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet or baking tray and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, fresh herbs, crushed red pepper flakes, white wine vinegar, sea salt, and black pepper for Italian dressing.
- Thoroughly pat the wings dry with paper towels and add them to the bowl with the Italian dressing. Toss to coat each piece well.
- Place wings on prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the wings are golden brown and crispy.
- In a small bowl, mix extra virgin olive oil, chopped fresh herbs, and extra crushed red pepper flakes for a dipping sauce or drizzle.
- Toss the wings in the dipping sauce or serve on the side.
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Notes
- To Use Air Fryer Option: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 16 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
- Grilling Option: Grill the prepared wings over medium heat, turning occasionally, for 20-25 minutes or until crisp.
- Store: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Avoid leaving the wings at room temperature for more than 2 hours before storing.
Sage Scott says
These were a delicious alternative to the super saucy BBQ style wings we usually make. A tasty twist!
Jacqui Wilson says
Hi Sage, I'm so glad you enjoyed the wings!
Bob in Chagrin Falls,OH says
Very tasty. Crispy wings without sticky sauce.
Jacqui Wilson says
Hi Bob,
I'm so glad you enjoyed the wings. It's a favorite recipe at our house.