Baking Tray of Chicken Wings

I can provide you with a delicious recipe for preparing oven-baked chicken wings in a tray, with an Italian touch that I hope you’ll enjoy. This dish is simple, flavorful and perfect for an informal meal with friends or family.

Ingredients

  • 1 kg chicken wings
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary
  • 1 lemon (juice and grated zest)
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Sweet paprika to taste (optional; for a spicy version use hot paprika)
  • Potatoes (optional, if you wish to add a side in the same tray)

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C.
  2. Clean the chicken wings, removing any remaining feathers. Pat them dry with paper towels.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, finely chopped garlic, chopped rosemary, lemon juice and zest, salt, pepper and paprika.
  4. Add the chicken wings to the bowl and mix well to coat them evenly with the seasoning.
  5. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to absorb the flavors. If you have time, you can marinate them even longer.
  6. Meanwhile, if you choose to use potatoes, wash, peel and cut them into wedges or cubes. Season the potatoes with oil, salt, pepper and a little rosemary.
  7. Transfer the chicken wings and potatoes (if using) to a baking tray lined with parchment paper, arranging them in a single layer without overlapping.
  8. Bake in the center of the oven for about 40-45 minutes or until the chicken wings are nicely golden and crispy. Optionally, turn them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
  9. Once ready, remove the chicken wings from the oven and serve hot.

Trivia

Chicken wings are a much-loved dish in many countries and are often served as an appetizer or snack. They are especially famous in American cuisine, where they are cooked and coated with spicy sauces, usually accompanied by cheese-based dips and celery, in the version known as “Buffalo wings”. The Italian version, however, often prefers the use of aromatic herbs and citrus to add freshness and flavor to the dish.