Oven-Baked Chicken Wings

Oven-baked chicken wings are a simple yet very tasty dish, perfect for a casual dinner with friends or for a delicious appetizer. Here is the recipe with an Italian twist:

Ingredients

• 1 kg of chicken wings
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sweet paprika to taste (optional for a touch of spice)
• Chili powder to taste (optional for those who like a bit of heat)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C.
2. Clean the chicken wings, removing any residual feathers and pat them dry with kitchen paper.
3. Prepare a marinade by mixing in a bowl the lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, finely chopped garlic, minced rosemary leaves, sweet paprika, and chili powder if you desire a spicy touch. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Dip the chicken wings in the marinade, making sure they are well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinating longer will help intensify the flavors.
5. Place the wings on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or on a rack with a drip pan underneath to collect the fat.
6. Bake the wings and let them cook for about 40-45 minutes or until they are golden and crispy. During cooking, turn them a couple of times to ensure even browning.
7. Remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Curiosity

Chicken wings are often associated with American cuisine, especially when accompanied by sauces like Buffalo sauce. The Italian version, however, plays a lot with the use of aromatic herbs and citrus for a Mediterranean flavor that pairs well with chicken meat.

If you want to pair a wine, you might opt for a fruity white with good acidity, like a Verdicchio or a Cataratto, which highlights the freshness of the dish and balances the richness of the roasted chicken. Bon appétit!