
Spicy Roasted Chicken Wings: Crispy, Zesty, and Irresistibly Delicious
Nutritional value per serving
Calories300kcal
Carbs5gram
Fat20gram
Protein25gram
Ingredients
- Chicken wings (fresh or fully thawed) - Choose fresh wings or ensure they are fully thawed if frozen for even cooking.1 kg
- Olive oil (good quality extra virgin)2 tbsp
- Paprika1 tbsp
- Ground cayenne pepper - adjust amount for preferred spice level1 tsp
- Garlic powder1 tsp
- Onion powder1 tsp
- Salt (preferably fine sea salt)1 tsp
- Black pepper (freshly ground)0.5 tsp

This spicy roasted chicken wings recipe is perfect for anyone looking to make a delicious, crispy, and flavorful snack or meal with minimal effort. The wings are coated in a zesty spice blend and roasted to perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior with juicy meat inside. This recipe is budget-friendly with ingredients costing approximately $8, €7, £6, or ₹600 total. The dish contains about 300 kcal per serving, is suitable for those following a high-protein diet, and takes about 45 minutes total from start to finish. The recipe is easy and beginner-friendly, requiring only basic ingredients and kitchen tools.
Preparation instructions
Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Tray
1Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a large baking tray with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top if you have one; this helps crisp all sides of the wings.
Prepare the Chicken Wings
2Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Dry wings will roast more crisply. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
Make the Spice Mix and Coat the Wings
3In a small bowl, combine the paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle the olive oil over the wings, then sprinkle the spice mix. Toss the wings well to ensure each piece is evenly coated.
Arrange Wings on Rack and Bake
4Place the wings in a single layer on the wire rack or directly on the foil-lined tray if you don't have a rack. Make sure they are not touching to allow air circulation for crispiness. Bake for 25 minutes.
Flip Wings and Continue Roasting
5Using tongs, carefully flip each wing over to the other side. Return the wings to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
Check Internal Temperature for Safety
6Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of a wing; the safe internal temperature for chicken is 75°C (165°F). If they have not reached this temperature, continue to roast and check every 5 minutes.
Rest and Serve
7Once done, let the wings rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice as desired.
Cooking Tips
1For an extra crisp skin, pat the wings dry and avoid overcrowding on the baking tray.
2Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity to make the wings milder or spicier according to preference.
3Always use a meat thermometer to ensure poultry is fully cooked and safe to eat.
4Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw poultry and other foods.
5Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Equipment Needed
- Oven
- Baking tray
- Aluminum foil
- Wire rack (optional but recommended)
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Meat thermometer (strongly recommended for safety)
- Tongs
- Paper towels
Shopping List
- [ ] 1 kg Chicken wings (Choose fresh or fully thawed wings for best results) - Approx $6
- [ ] Olive oil, 2 tbsp (Use good quality extra virgin olive oil) - Approx $0.50
- [ ] Paprika, 1 tbsp (Sweet or smoked paprika works well) - Approx $0.20
- [ ] Ground cayenne pepper, 1 tsp (Adjust for spice preference) - Approx $0.10
- [ ] Garlic powder, 1 tsp - Approx $0.10
- [ ] Onion powder, 1 tsp - Approx $0.10
- [ ] Salt, 1 tsp (fine sea salt recommended) - Approx $0.05
- [ ] Black pepper, 0.5 tsp (freshly ground is best) - Approx $0.05
Total Approximate Cost: $7.10
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the wings in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety.
How do I know when the chicken wings are safe to eat?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach at least 75°C (165°F) in the thickest part.
Can I make these wings less spicy?
Absolutely! Simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and increase the paprika for color and mild flavor.
Can I cook these wings without a wire rack?
Yes, you can place the wings directly on a foil-lined baking tray, but they might not be as crispy on all sides.