When I need a low-effort dinner that still feels like a real treat, these 5-ingredient oven chicken wings are one of my go-to meals. Using raw whole chicken wings keeps the prep simple and budget-friendly, and the oven does most of the work while I catch up on the rest of the evening. This kind of recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or anytime you want something crispy, savory, and satisfying without a long ingredient list.
Serve these wings with easy sides like roasted potatoes, coleslaw, corn on the cob, mac and cheese, or a simple green salad. They also pair well with classic dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard, or extra barbecue sauce on the side. For a casual dinner spread, I like adding cut celery and carrot sticks to round everything out.
5-Ingredient Oven Chicken Wings
Servings: 4
Ingredients
2 1/2 pounds raw whole chicken wings
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Pat the whole chicken wings dry with paper towels, then place them directly on a large metal baking sheet in a single layer.
2. Drizzle the olive oil over the wings. Sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, and salt, then toss everything right on the baking sheet until the wings are evenly coated.
3. Spread the wings back into a single layer with a little space between them. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the skin is browned and crisp and the chicken is cooked through.
4. Let the wings rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy them as-is or with your favorite dipping sauce on the side.
Variations & Tips
Add black pepper: If you want one more pantry staple in the mix, add 1/2 teaspoon black pepper for a little extra savory bite. It rounds out the seasoning nicely without changing the simplicity of the recipe.
Use a wire rack: For even crispier skin, set the wings on a wire rack placed inside the baking sheet. The hot air can circulate better around the wings, which helps them cook up with more crisp edges.
Try a sauce finish: Once the wings are fully baked, toss them in barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce, or a little melted butter and hot sauce. This is an easy way to change the flavor without changing the basic method.
Meal prep tip: You can season the wings a few hours ahead of time and keep them covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. This is especially helpful on busy workdays when you want dinner to move fast.
Check doneness: Whole wings should reach an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part. If the wings are crowded on the pan, they may steam instead of roast, so use a large enough baking sheet to keep them in a single layer.