Ranch Chicken Wings – The Almond Eater

It just isn’t game day without a freshly baked batch of Ranch Chicken Wings! Coated in a homemade ranch seasoning blend and garnished with garlic and chives, they’re a fun, easy, and crispy snack you can whip up in just 35 minutes.

These Baked Ranch Chicken Wings are my go-to for almost any occasion because, let’s face it—who can resist a crispy ranch-flavored chicken wing? 

 

No matter what, my guests and I are always blown away by their crispiness on the outside and juiciness on the inside. “Did you fry the wings?” “They must have taken you hours!” No, and no… Baking these ranch chicken wings makes them just as crispy and mouthwatering as the deep-fried version, all without the long hours or messy fryer grease.

Each wing delivers major flavor thanks to the homemade ranch seasoning blend made from everyday herbs and spices. And with a sprinkle of fresh garlic and chives added at the end, they end up with just the right balance of flavor to remind you of your favorite ranch dressing.

But why stop there? On its own, the ranch seasoning is incredibly versatile! Make it your new go-to chicken seasoning blend, sprinkle it over roasted veggies or homemade potato wedges, stir it into mashed potatoes, or use it as a seasoning for popcorn. The possibilities are endless!

Recipe features

• Chicken wings are tossed in a simple dry ranch seasoning blend made from herbs and spices you likely already have in your pantry.
• Baked in the oven to make them crispy on the outside and oh-so-juicy on the inside! You won’t find any messy deep fryer oil here.
• An easy game day snack or fun dinner that’s ready in about 35 minutes!
• Naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, Whole30-compliant, and paleo-approved.

Ingredients

Chicken wings – You can use fresh or frozen and thawed chicken wings. Just make sure they’re all similar in size and split into drumettes and flats to help them cook evenly in the oven.

Ranch seasoning – This homemade blend is easy to make with dry parsley, dry chives, dry dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne. Feel free to substitute your favorite store-bought ranch seasoning if you’re looking for a shortcut. Just know that the recipe will likely no longer be dairy-free, Whole30-compliant, or paleo, as most store-bought blends contain dairy.

Garlic cloves – Minced garlic cloves are sprinkled on top of the chicken wings during the last 5 minutes for a nice pop of flavor. Don’t add the garlic any earlier or else it will burn.

Instructions

Step 1: Mix the ranch seasoning. Combine the dried parsley, chives, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne in a small bowl.

Step 2: Season. Add the wings to a large bowl, pat them dry, and toss them with the ranch seasoning until well coated. Then add the herbs on top of the wings and combine.

Step 3: Bake. Arrange the seasoned wings on a wire rack fitted over a large parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake until the wings are crispy.

Step 4: Add the garlic, then serve. Take the wings out of the oven and sprinkle the minced garlic over top. Bake for 5 more minutes, then sprinkle the baked wings with fresh chives. Serve with ranch dressing on the side and enjoy!

Tips and FAQs

• After patting them dry, place the wings on a wire rack set over a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate uncovered for at least 1 hour or overnight. Air drying the wings like this will dry out the skin and give you even crispier results.
• Add a pinch of baking powder, cornstarch, or arrowroot powder to the ranch seasoning mix to enhance the crunch factor. These ingredients cling to the chicken skin, helping it puff up and get nice and crispy in the oven.

Variations

• Add more heat – Up the cayenne pepper or add chili powder or red pepper flakes to the ranch seasoning mix for a kick of heat. These ranch wings are also delicious tossed in buffalo-style wing sauce after baking.
• Cheesy twist – Toss the wings with freshly grated parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese immediately after baking. The savory, cheesy element pairs perfectly with the zesty and garlicky ranch flavors. 
• Instead of chicken wings – Use the ranch seasoning to season other cuts of chicken, such as chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks, or for cauliflower wings!

Serving suggestions

These garlicky and herbaceous ranch wings only get better when they’re paired with celery and carrot sticks and dunked in some ranch dressing. Looking for something a little different? Swap the ranch dip for my cottage cheese dip or chipotle aioli.

Ranch chicken wings are a must-have on your game day spread. You can serve them next to more game day classics, like loaded nachos, BBQ chicken sliders, spinach artichoke dip, buffalo chicken dip, crab dip, and a big platter of chips and bacon guacamole, but you might be more focused on the food than the game.

For a comforting dinner, enjoy the wings with cozy sides such as roasted fingerling potatoes, buffalo mac and cheese, and coleslaw. Don’t forget dinner rolls or corn muffins to round out the spread!

Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?

Yes, frozen chicken wings work just as well here. Remember to thaw them completely in the fridge overnight and pat them dry before coating them in the seasonings.

Can I air fry these wings instead?

Absolutely! Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray and lay the seasoned wings in an even layer. Air fry at 400ºF for 20 minutes, then flip and sprinkle them with the minced garlic. Cook for another 3 to 5 minutes before garnishing with chives and serving. For more tips, check out my air fryer chicken wings recipe. 

How can you tell when chicken wings are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the wings. They’re fully cooked and safe to eat when they reach 165°F. However, for the tastiest results, wait until the internal temperature is between 175ºF and 180°F and the skin is golden and crispy.

Storage

Make ahead: To save time, mix the ranch seasoning spice blend together and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month. You can also season the wings and let them air dry overnight in the refrigerator (see the Tips above for more details).

Refrigerator: The leftover ranch wings will keep for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. 
Reheating: Reheat the chicken wings in a 350ºF oven or 375°F air fryer for 5 to 10 minutes or until they’re crispy again. 

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