Description
Crispy, juicy chicken wings tossed in a fragrant mix of garlic and fresh herbs, then roasted to perfection. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or game day treat!
Ingredients
For the Roasted Garlic and Herb Chicken Wings:
- 2 pounds (900g) chicken wings, tips removed and wings separated into flats and drumettes
- 1 head of garlic (about 8–10 cloves), peeled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
For the Dipping Sauce (optional):
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help the wings become crispy and golden brown as they roast.
Place the chicken wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Make sure the wings are in a single layer with some space between each piece. If the wings are too crowded, they’ll steam instead of crisping up.
To create the base of the garlic and herb flavor, you’ll need to roast the garlic. Take the entire head of garlic and slice off the top to expose the individual cloves. Drizzle with a little olive oil, wrap the head in aluminum foil, and roast it in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the garlic is soft and golden.
Roasting the garlic transforms its sharpness into a mellow, sweet, and rich flavor. Once roasted, let the garlic cool slightly before squeezing the soft garlic cloves out of their skins. Set the roasted garlic aside for the next step.
While the garlic is roasting, prepare the garlic and herb marinade for the wings. In a small bowl, combine the roasted garlic cloves, olive oil, chopped rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mash the roasted garlic cloves with a fork or use a garlic press to create a smooth paste. Stir everything together until fully combined.
Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you prefer a bit of sweetness to balance the savory flavor, you can add a tablespoon of honey to the marinade. Honey adds a subtle sweetness that complements the roasted garlic beautifully.
Once the garlic and herb mixture is ready, pour it over the chicken wings in the prepared baking sheet. Use tongs or your hands to toss the wings in the marinade until each piece is well coated. Make sure the wings are evenly covered in the aromatic garlic and herb mixture for the best flavor.
For maximum flavor, let the wings marinate for 10-15 minutes, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and proceed with roasting. Marinating helps the flavors penetrate the meat and results in more flavorful wings.
Once the wings are coated in the garlic and herb marinade, place them in the preheated oven. Roast the wings for 25 minutes, then flip them over to ensure they cook evenly. Roast for another 20-25 minutes, or until the wings are crispy, golden brown, and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
If you want extra crispy wings, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on them to ensure they don’t burn.
Once the wings are done roasting, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
These wings are delicious on their own, but if you like dipping sauces, consider serving them with a tangy dipping sauce made from sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh dill, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 300-350 kcal
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 2-4g
- Protein: 20-25g