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Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings Recipe

4.8 from 103 reviews

These Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings are a flavorful and crispy treat, featuring tender wings marinated in a rich blend of melted butter, smoked paprika, garlic, and a hint of cayenne for a subtle kick. Baked to perfection and optionally broiled for extra crispiness, these wings are perfect for game day, parties, or a delicious snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Wings

  • 2 pounds chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes

Marinade

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust based on spice preference)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish & Serving

  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Optional: Hot sauce for serving

Instructions

  1. Prep the Wings: Rinse the chicken wings under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Place them in a large mixing bowl to prepare for marinating.
  2. Make the Marinade: In a separate bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix the ingredients well until the marinade is uniform in texture and color.
  3. Marinate: Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken wings, tossing or stirring to ensure all wings are evenly coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for enhanced flavor absorption.
  4. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to fully preheat before cooking to ensure even baking.
  5. Line a Baking Sheet: Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the lined baking sheet to allow air circulation around the wings for crispier results.
  6. Arrange the Wings: Remove the marinated wings from the refrigerator and drain any excess marinade. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack, making sure they are spaced apart to promote even cooking and browning.
  7. Bake: Place the wings in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), indicating they are fully cooked.
  8. Baste for Extra Flavor (Optional): During the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking, you can spoon any remaining marinade over the wings to enhance moisture and flavor, ensuring the wings stay succulent.
  9. Broil for Crispness (Optional): For an extra crispy texture, switch the oven to broil mode during the last 3 to 5 minutes of cooking. Keep a close watch to prevent burning, removing the wings once they reach desired crispiness.
  10. Garnish: After removing the wings from the oven, allow them to rest for a few minutes. Then sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a bright, fresh finish before serving with optional hot sauce.

Notes

  • Marinating overnight enhances the flavor depth and tenderness of the wings.
  • Using a wire rack while baking helps the wings cook evenly and become crispier by allowing air circulation.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on your spice tolerance to avoid overpowering heat.
  • Broiling is optional but recommended for those who enjoy an extra crispy skin.
  • Serve with hot sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for an added kick.

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