Garlic butter chicken wings is a quick and simple snack that can be prepared in just 30 minutes. This recipe is ideal for game day, a party, or movie night!
I never need an excuse to make butter garlic wings, but during special occasions like football season, I feel a little less guilty eating them. They're already amazing straight from the pan, but if you really want to step it up, I recommend pairing them with homemade ranch sauce.
Why I love this recipe
- You can make garlic butter chicken wings in advance!
- The great thing about this recipe is that it is so easy to make. Whether you make your own garlic butter or buy a container from the supermarket, it always works.
- Perfect for football season, 4th of July parties, and birthdays!
- It serves a crowd. Simply double or triple the recipe if you need more wings.
Ingredient notes
Chicken: When I make this recipe, I like to use drummettes. These smaller bite-size wings cook more quickly and are perfect for parties. You can use whole wings or flats, but you need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Butter: Use good quality unsalted butter for these wings. That way, you have more control over the flavors you add. If salted butter is all you have, please omit the salt.
Lemon juice: Lemon juice adds a touch of freshness to the garlic butter. I do recommend freshly squeezed juice instead of bottled juice because the flavor is so much better.
Herbs: To keep things simple, I've added parsley and chives to the garlic butter, but any of your favorite herbs will work. Try adding Italian flavors like rosemary or basil, or give the butter an extra kick by adding chili flakes and extra garlic!
My tips on how to make the best garlic butter chicken wings
Before you start with this recipe, it is important to take the chicken wings out of the fridge and let them cool before adding them to the hot skillet. This will cut down the cooking time and keep the meat moist and tender.
Add the wings to the skillet and cook them over medium heat until they are done. This should take about 20-25 minutes. While the wings are cooking, if you want to make your own garlic butter, now is the time to do it! Add the softened butter and the rest of the ingredients to a bowl and mix until completely combined.
When the wings are fully cooked, add the garlic butter. I always do this by taste, but I recommend starting with at least three tablespoons.
Season the chicken with salt and pepper and serve while still hot.
What to serve with garlic butter chicken wings
I can eat a whole batch of these crispy wings, but if you're looking for things to pair them with, I have a few suggestions you might love.
- Garlic sauce of homemade buffalo ranch sauce.
- I often pair them with air fryer (frozen) french fries and a salad like cole slaw.
- Potato salad.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings if you let them thaw completely before using them. Remember that you shouldn't freeze meat that has already been frozen, so I recommend storing leftovers in the fridge.
The simplest way to check if the chicken is cooked is by cutting open one wing. The meat should be pale pink or white but not dry. You can also check the core temperature by using a food thermometer. Avoid touching the bone and aim for a temperature of around 175°F or 79°C.
Storage
Leftover garlic butter chicken wings can be stored in the refrigerator for about three days. Make sure to let them cool completely before putting them in an airtight container or ziplock bag. They are also suitable for freezing! Frozen, they will stay fresh for up to three months.
When you're ready to enjoy your wings, take them out of the freezer and slowly let them thaw in the fridge. This can take a while, so I recommend taking them out first thing in the morning if you need them in the evening.
To heat them up, you can use a preheated oven, air fryer, or microwave. Preheat your oven or air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and place the wings on parchment paper until they are warm. This should take about 6-10 minutes. In the microwave, this should take about 30-60 seconds, depending on your settings and the size of the chicken wings.
More amazing recipes for chicken wings
Garlic butter chicken
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 stick butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon parsley
- 1 teaspoon chives
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Pepper
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
Instructions
- Heat some oil in a large skillet and cook the chicken wings for about 25 minutes until done. It is important not to overcrowd the pan and turn the chicken occasionally.
- Meanwhile, put the softened butter and herbs in a bowl and mix them well.
- Once the chicken wings are cooked, add the herb butter and mix well until the butter is melted and all the chicken pieces are coated in herb butter.
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