Introduction

Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings are a flavorful twist on classic wings, packed with smoky, buttery goodness and a hint of spice. Perfect for game day or casual gatherings, these wings are crispy on the outside and tender inside, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

A close-up view of a pile of golden brown chicken wings coated in a shiny, slightly oily sauce with visible grill marks on each piece. The wings are sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs and small white granules of grated cheese, adding texture and color contrast. The chicken wings have a crispy, slightly charred look with a moist, tender interior showing through the edges. They are arranged piled together in a shallow white plate, resting on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 pounds chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
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
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: Hot sauce for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Rinse the chicken wings under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Pour the marinade over the chicken wings, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavors.
Step 4: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 5: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and place a wire rack on top for easy cleanup and even cooking.
Step 6: Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack to help them cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
Step 7: Bake the wings for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 8: Optional – during the last 5-10 minutes of baking, baste the wings with any remaining marinade for extra flavor and moisture.
Step 9: For extra crispiness, switch the oven to broil mode for the final 3-5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Step 10: Remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

For a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
Try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the marinade for a bright, tangy note.
Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure wings reach the safe internal temperature for poultry.
Serve with celery sticks and a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for a classic combo.

Storage

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the wings soggy.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a plate filled with around ten crispy chicken wings, each wing showing a golden-brown, slightly charred skin texture, coated evenly with a light dusting of white grated cheese and sprinkled with small chopped green herbs. The wings look juicy and covered in a shiny layer of sauce or oil, highlighting a mix of rich orange and dark brown colors with hints of black pepper and seasoning. The wings are arranged in a messy stack, partially covering each other on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I grill these wings instead of baking?

Yes, you can grill the wings over medium heat, turning occasionally, until cooked through and crispy. Baste with the marinade during grilling to maintain flavor and moisture.

Is it necessary to marinate the wings overnight?

Marinating overnight is ideal for the best flavor, but at least 1 hour will still impart good taste and tenderness.