Craving crispy, savory wings? My easy baked salt and pepper chicken wings are a game changer! Ready in 35 minutes with minimal effort, they’re the perfect healthy-ish appetizer or weeknight meal.
Table of Contents
The recipe isn’t just about feeding a hungry family; it’s about finding those little moments of joy and ease in our busy lives. It’s another proof that you don’t need complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create something genuinely satisfying. So, if you’re looking for a foolproof dish that supports your wellness goals while still feeling like a treat, you’ve come to the right place. These wings are naturally low-carb, packed with protein, and so simple to throw together, you’ll wonder where they’ve been all your life.
Why You’ll Adore These Salt Pepper Chicken Wings
As a matter of fact, I could list a hundred reasons why this is my go-to wing recipe, but we’re all busy women here! So, I’ll get straight to the good stuff. These aren’t just any wings; they’re a simple solution to so many of our daily challenges.
- Unbelievably Easy: This recipe is the definition of “no sweat.” You just toss, bake, and toss again. There’s no deep-frying, no messy batter, and the cleanup is a breeze. It’s perfect for those evenings when you’re running on empty but still want a home-cooked meal.
- Minimal, Everyday Ingredients: You probably have everything you need in your pantry right now. We’re talking basic staples like olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic. Nothing fancy or hard to find, which is a total lifesaver.
- Healthy-ish and Satisfying: Baked instead of fried, these wings are much lighter but still deliver that crispy skin we all crave. They are high in protein and naturally gluten-free and low-carb, making them a fantastic choice for supporting healthy weight management without feeling like you’re “on a diet.”
- A Total Crowd-Pleaser: From picky toddlers to hungry husbands, everyone loves these wings. They’re savory and flavorful without being spicy, making them a safe bet for family dinners, game day parties, or casual get-togethers with friends. Honestly, my kids call them ‘flavor bombs,’ and I’m not about to correct them!
What You’ll Need: The Magic Behind These Salt Pepper Chicken Wings
One of the best things about this recipe is its beautiful simplicity. You don’t need a long, complicated list of ingredients to create something truly delicious. Here’s what you’ll need to work your magic.
Simple Ingredients for the Perfect Wings
- Chicken Wings: You’ll need about one pound of chicken wings. You can use whole wings, or if you prefer, buy them already separated into “drumettes” and “flats.” I find the pre separated ones are just easier, which is always a plus in my book. Make sure to pat them completely dry with a paper towel before you start this is a non-negotiable step for getting that super crispy skin!
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon is all you need to help the skin get golden brown and delicious in the oven. It also helps the salt and pepper stick to the wings.
- Salt and Pepper: The stars of the show! For the salt, a good quality sea salt makes a world of difference. In fact, learning more about the benefits of different salts, like in my post about a DIY Celtic Sea Salt blend, can be a game-changer for your cooking. For the pepper, always use freshly cracked black pepper if you can. The pre-ground stuff just doesn’t have the same punchy, aromatic flavor.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: This is the secret weapon! Its nutty, toasty flavor is what gives these wings their signature taste. A little goes a long way, so don’t be tempted to overdo it.
- Fresh Garlic: Please, use fresh minced garlic! It provides a pungent, aromatic flavor that you just can’t get from a jar. We’ll gently toast it to bring out its sweetness.
- Green Onions: Also known as scallions, these add a mild, fresh oniony bite and a beautiful pop of color. We’ll dice them finely and toss them with the garlic and sesame oil.
Tools I Use
You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe, which is another reason I love it. Here’s the simple gear I used:
- A Large Bowl: You’ll need one for tossing the wings with the oil and seasonings, and then again for tossing them in the final garlic-onion mixture.
- A Baking Sheet: A standard half-sheet pan works perfectly. For the easiest cleanup ever, I highly recommend lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Trust me on this one!
- A Small Skillet: This is for heating the sesame oil, garlic, and green onions. Anything small will do the trick.
- Tongs: Super helpful for flipping the wings halfway through baking and for tossing them in the sauce.
Step-by-Step Salt Pepper Chicken Wings
Alright, let’s get cooking! This process is so straightforward. I’m going to walk you through it step-by-step. Before you know it, your kitchen will smell like heaven on a Tuesday.
Preparing and Baking the Crispy Wings
- Get That Oven Ready: First things first, preheat your oven to a nice and hot 400°F (about 200°C). This high heat is crucial for getting the chicken skin irresistibly crispy without having to fry it. While it’s heating up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This little step will make cleanup so much easier later—you can thank me then!
- Season the Wings: Grab your pound of chicken wings. If you haven’t already, pat them completely dry with a paper towel. Seriously, don’t skip this! Dry skin equals crispy skin. Place them in a large bowl, drizzle with the tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, and then generously sprinkle on the two teaspoons of salt and two teaspoons of freshly cracked black pepper. Use your hands or a pair of tongs to toss everything together until each wing is evenly coated.
- Arrange and Bake: Now, lay the seasoned wings out on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Here’s another key tip: give them some space! Don’t let them touch. Crowding the pan will cause the wings to steam instead of roast, and we are definitely aiming for crispy here. Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes.
- The Halfway Flip: After 15 minutes, pull the baking sheet out of the oven. Using your tongs, carefully flip each wing over. This ensures that both sides get equally crispy and golden brown. It’s like giving them a little suntan on each side! Place them back in the oven to bake for another 15 minutes. By the end, they should be beautifully browned and fully cooked.
Creating the Aromatic Salt Pepper Chicken Wings Topping
- Toast the Aromatics: While the wings are finishing their last few minutes in the oven, it’s time to make the fragrant topping that takes this dish to the next level. Place a small skillet over medium heat. Add the two tablespoons of sesame oil. Once the oil is warm (it won’t take long!), add the two tablespoons of minced garlic and the 1/4 cup of finely diced green onions.
- Sizzle and Stir: Sauté the garlic and onions, stirring frequently, for just a minute or two. You’re looking for the garlic to become fragrant and just start to turn a light golden brown. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. As soon as you see that beautiful color and smell that amazing aroma, immediately remove the skillet from the heat.
The Final Toss for the Ultimate Salt Pepper Chicken Wings
- Bring It All Together: By now, your wings should be perfectly crispy and done baking. Carefully take them out of the oven. Using your tongs, transfer the hot wings from the baking sheet into a large, clean bowl. Now for the grand finale! Pour that warm, fragrant sesame oil, garlic, and green onion mixture directly over the hot wings.
- Toss and Serve Immediately: Use your tongs or a large spoon to gently toss the wings until they are all evenly coated in that glorious, savory mixture. The heat from the wings will bloom the flavors of the garlic and onion even more. Serve them immediately while they are hot and at their crispiest. And there you have it no, really, that’s it! Simple, right? Enjoy every single bite.
Pro Tips for Wing Perfection
Over the years, I’ve made these wings more times than I can count, and I’ve picked up a few little tricks along the way. Think of these as my kitchen secrets, shared just with you!
- The “Pat Dry” Mantra: I know I’ve said it before, but it’s the single most important tip for crispy baked wings. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! So, before you do anything else, pat those wings down with a paper towel until they are as dry as possible.
- Add a Little Baking Powder: Okay, this is a next-level trick for the serious crispy-skin fanatics out there. For one pound of wings, toss them with about a teaspoon of baking powder (not baking soda!) along with the salt and pepper. Baking powder raises the pH level of the skin, helping it brown better and get unbelievably crunchy. Just make sure you use aluminum-free baking powder to avoid any metallic taste.
- Don’t Be Shy with Seasoning: The recipe calls for two teaspoons each of salt and pepper, which is a great starting point. But honestly, feel free to adjust to your taste. I sometimes add a little extra freshly cracked pepper at the end because I love the spicy kick.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Hosting a party and want to get ahead? You can! Bake the wings as directed in steps 1-4. Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat them on a baking sheet in a 400°F oven for 10-15 minutes until hot and re-crisped. Then, make the fresh garlic-onion topping and toss it all together right before serving. It’s a lifesaver for stress-free entertaining.
Let’s Talk Variations!
While the classic salt and pepper chicken wings are fantastic as is, this recipe is also a wonderful blank canvas. Sometimes you just need to switch things up, right? Here are a few of my favorite ways to add a little twist.
- Spicy Salt and Pepper Wings: For those who like a little heat, add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the salt and pepper mixture before baking. You could also add some thinly sliced fresh chili, like a jalapeño or serrano, to the skillet with the garlic and onions for an extra kick.
- Five-Spice Wings: To give the wings a warmer, more complex flavor reminiscent of authentic Chinese-style wings, add about a teaspoon of Chinese five-spice powder to the initial seasoning blend. Its combination of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel is absolutely divine.
- Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Wings: Yes, you can totally make these in an air fryer! It’s even faster and gets them incredibly crispy. Season the wings as directed, then place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 380°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through. While they cook, prepare the garlic-onion mixture and toss it all together at the end. Easy peasy.
Serving Suggestions: What Goes With These Salt Pepper Chicken Wings?
These wings are so flavorful they can easily be the star of the meal, but they also play very nicely with others! If you’re wondering what to serve alongside them, here are a few ideas that fit our balanced living philosophy.
A simple, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette is always a perfect companion. It provides a fresh, cooling contrast to the savory, rich wings. For a more substantial meal, serve them with a side of steamed rice or quinoa.
If you’re looking for a delicious and elegant vegetable side, my recipe for simple roasted White Asparagus would be an absolutely perfect pairing. The tender spears and delicate flavor complement the wings beautifully.
And if you’re on a roll with easy, protein-packed meals, you might also love my High Protein Salmon Rice Bowl. It’s another one of my go-to recipes for a quick, healthy, and satisfying dinner that the whole family enjoys
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I get a lot of questions about this recipe, so I’ve gathered the most common ones here. Hopefully, this helps you on your wing-making adventure
How do you make a lemon pepper sauce for wings?
Oh, that’s a fantastic question and a delicious variation! If you want to switch things up and make a zesty lemon pepper version, it’s super easy. After you bake the wings with just salt (hold the pepper for now), you’ll make a simple sauce. In a bowl large enough to hold the wings, melt about 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Whisk in the zest of one lemon and 1-2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Then, add a generous amount at least 2 teaspoons, or more to taste of coarsely ground black pepper and a pinch of salt. Toss the hot, crispy wings in this lemon butter sauce until they’re fully coated. It’s a bright, peppery, and completely addictive alternative
What are some other variations of salt and pepper chicken wings?
The sky is the limit! Besides the spicy and five-spice versions I mentioned earlier, you could try a garlic-parmesan twist. After tossing the wings in the sesame oil and garlic mixture, sprinkle them with a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese and some fresh chopped parsley. The cheese will melt slightly onto the hot wings. Another idea is to add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the sesame oil mixture for a touch of sweetness to balance the saltiness, creating a sweet and savory glaze.
What is the origin of salt and pepper chicken wings?
That’s a great question with a tasty history! The “salt and pepper” flavor profile, particularly with fried items, has deep roots in Cantonese cuisine, especially from the Guangdong region of China. You’ll often see salt and pepper squid, shrimp, or pork chops on the menu at Cantonese restaurants. The traditional restaurant-style version often involves a light cornstarch coating, deep frying, and then a quick toss in a wok with salt, ground Sichuan peppercorns, and fresh chilies. My recipe is a much-simplified, healthier, home-cook-friendly version that captures the essence of that incredible savory flavor by baking the wings and using a simple garlic and green onion topping. It gives you all the deliciousness with none of the fuss.
What are the nutritional facts for salt and pepper chicken wings?
The full nutritional information is in the recipe card above, but let’s break it down in a way that relates to our wellness goals. Per serving, this recipe is quite high in protein (around 30 grams), which is fantastic for keeping you full and satisfied and for supporting muscle health. It’s also very low in carbohydrates (only 2 grams) and contains zero sugar, making it an excellent option for anyone following a low-carb or keto-friendly lifestyle. While the fat content is higher (around 32 grams), much of it comes from the chicken itself and the heart-healthy olive and sesame oils. It’s all about balance, and these wings can absolutely be part of a healthy, balanced eating plan.
Conclusion
I truly hope you and your family fall in love with these easy, crispy, and flavorful salt and pepper chicken wings. They are a testament to the fact that simple food, made with love, is often the most memorable. This recipe has saved me on countless busy evenings, and I hope it brings a little bit of ease and a whole lot of deliciousness to your table, too.
If you give them a try, I would be thrilled to hear how they turned out! Drop a comment below or tag @SavoringDish on social media Instagram or comment below with your wing wins. I love seeing your creations it makes my day. Happy cooking dears
Print
Salt Pepper Chicken Wings That Fit Your Busy Life
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
These easy baked salt and pepper chicken wings are incredibly crispy, savory, and ready in just 35 minutes! Tossed in a fragrant garlic and sesame oil mixture, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a perfect healthy-ish appetizer or weeknight meal.
Ingredients
1 pound chicken wings
1/4 cup finely diced green onions
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch.
4. Bake for 15 minutes, then flip the wings over and bake for another 15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
5. A few minutes before the wings are done, heat the sesame oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced green onions.
6. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and just beginning to brown. Remove from heat immediately.
7. Once the wings are done, transfer them to a large, clean bowl. Pour the warm sesame oil mixture over the hot wings.
8. Toss everything together until the wings are evenly coated. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For extra crispy wings, pat the chicken wings completely dry with a paper towel before seasoning.
For easy cleanup, don’t forget to line your baking sheet with parchment paper!
You can make these wings in an air fryer at 380°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner
- Method: Baking, Roasting
- Cuisine: American, Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 pound
- Calories: 423
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
