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Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings Recipe

4.8 from 71 reviews

Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings are crispy, flavorful chicken wings marinated in a rich blend of melted butter, garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, and spices, then baked to golden perfection. This recipe delivers a spicy, smoky, and buttery taste 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 (for garnish)
  • 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 the wings in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Make the Marinade: In a separate bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until all the spices are fully incorporated with the butter.
  3. Marinate: Pour the marinade over the chicken wings, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor penetration.
  4. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and let it fully preheat.
  5. Line a Baking Sheet: Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup. Place a wire rack on top to allow air circulation for even cooking.
  6. Arrange the Wings: Remove the wings from the marinade and lay them out in a single layer on the wire rack, ensuring they don’t overlap to promote crispiness.
  7. Bake: Bake the wings in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until they achieve a golden-brown color and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
  8. Baste for Extra Flavor (Optional): In the last 5-10 minutes of baking, brush the wings with any leftover marinade to boost flavor and juiciness.
  9. Broil for Crispiness (Optional): Switch the oven to broil mode and broil the wings for an additional 3-5 minutes if you want extra crispy skin. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  10. Garnish: Remove the wings from the oven and allow them to rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top before serving. Serve with optional hot sauce if desired.

Notes

  • The marinating time can be adjusted to suit your schedule, but longer marination yields deeper flavor.
  • Using a wire rack ensures that the wings cook evenly and stay crispy instead of getting soggy.
  • Broiling at the end is optional but enhances the crispiness of the skin.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on your heat preference.
  • For easier cleanup, line the baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure wings reach safe internal temperature.

Keywords: Chicken wings, cowboy butter, baked chicken wings, spicy wings, appetizer, game day snack, smoked paprika, buttery wings