Ranch Chicken Wings Recipe

Introduction

Ranch Chicken Wings are the ultimate comfort food, combining the irresistible crunch of crispy chicken wings with the creamy, tangy goodness of ranch dressing. These wings are coated in a flavorful ranch seasoning, providing a zesty, herby taste that’s sure to please any palate. Perfect for game day, parties, or a casual weeknight dinner, Ranch Chicken Wings bring a burst of flavor to the table with minimal effort.

What makes these wings stand out is the perfect balance of flavors—crispy skin, tender meat, and a ranch-infused seasoning that’s both bold and creamy. Whether you bake or fry them, these wings are delicious and can be customized with your favorite dipping sauces or seasoning blends.

This guide will take you through the steps to prepare Ranch Chicken Wings from start to finish, with helpful tips to achieve the crispiest wings possible. Additionally, we’ll share some fun variations and suggestions for dipping sauces to complement these tasty wings.

Why You’ll Love Ranch Chicken Wings

• Flavor-Packed Ranch Seasoning: The ranch seasoning brings a familiar, savory flavor to these chicken wings, with a perfect combination of herbs, garlic, and buttermilk. It’s the same ranch dressing taste you love but in wing form.
• Crispy on the Outside, Tender on the Inside: Whether you choose to bake or fry your wings, the result is always crispy skin and juicy, tender meat. The seasoning is absorbed into the wings for added flavor with each bite.
• Versatile and Easy to Make: Ranch Chicken Wings are incredibly easy to prepare. You can customize them with your favorite ranch seasoning mix or make your own. Plus, they can be baked or fried, depending on your preference.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These wings are perfect for gatherings, parties, or as a fun appetizer. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just snacking on a weekend afternoon, Ranch Chicken Wings are always a hit.
• Customizable: Ranch Chicken Wings can be adjusted to suit your taste. You can make them extra spicy by adding hot sauce to the seasoning, or you can even add other spices like paprika or cayenne for a bit of heat.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 24 wings
• Calories per Serving: Around 150-170 calories per wing, depending on the ingredients and cooking method.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 150-170 kcal
• Fat: 9-11g
• Carbohydrates: 1-3g
• Protein: 14g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g

Ingredients

For the Ranch Chicken Wings:

• 24 chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
• Salt to taste

For the Dipping Sauce:

• ½ cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for a spicy kick)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Wings

Start by prepping your chicken wings. If they are not already separated, cut the wings into drumettes and flats by using a sharp knife or kitchen shears. If you prefer, you can also remove the wing tips, though many people leave them on for extra flavor and crispy skin.

Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help them crisp up during cooking. Once dry, place the wings in a large bowl.

2. Season the Wings

To season the wings, drizzle them with olive oil and toss them gently to coat. The olive oil helps the seasoning stick to the wings and promotes crispiness when cooking.

Next, sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the wings. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika (if using), and toss everything together until the wings are evenly coated. Be sure to cover each wing with a generous amount of seasoning for maximum flavor. You can also add a pinch of salt to taste.

At this stage, you can refrigerate the wings for 30 minutes to an hour to allow the seasoning to marinate and enhance the flavor, but this step is optional. If you’re in a rush, you can skip the chilling time and proceed with cooking immediately.

3. Cook the Wings (Baking or Frying)

You can prepare Ranch Chicken Wings using either the baking method or the frying method. Both methods will result in crispy wings, so it’s up to you to choose your preferred technique.

Baking Method:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet to allow air to circulate around the wings, which helps them cook evenly and become crispy.

Arrange the wings on the wire rack, ensuring they are spaced apart and not touching. This will allow the heat to reach every part of the wing and crisp up the skin.

Bake the wings for 40-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Keep an eye on them toward the end of cooking to ensure they don’t burn. The wings should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, with the meat cooked through.

Frying Method:

If you prefer to fry your Ranch Chicken Wings, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer over medium-high heat. The oil should be heated to 375°F (190°C). To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of bread or a bit of the breading into the oil. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.

Carefully lower the wings into the hot oil in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry the wings for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the wings from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

4. Serve the Wings

Once the wings are cooked to your desired crispiness, remove them from the oven or fryer and transfer them to a serving platter. If you’re serving them with dipping sauce, place the ranch dressing in a small bowl on the side. You can also add a splash of hot sauce to the ranch dressing for a spicy twist.

Garnish the wings with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. These Ranch Chicken Wings are best served hot and crispy, straight from the oven or fryer.

Tips for Perfect Ranch Chicken Wings

• Pat the Wings Dry: The key to crispy wings is removing excess moisture. Pat the wings dry with paper towels before seasoning them. This will help the skin crisp up beautifully during cooking.
• Use a Wire Rack for Baking: If you’re baking the wings, using a wire rack is essential for achieving crispy skin. The rack elevates the wings, allowing air to circulate around them and prevent them from getting soggy.
• Flip the Wings During Cooking: Whether you’re baking or frying your wings, flip them halfway through the cooking process to ensure they cook evenly and crisp up on both sides.
• Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to use a generous amount of ranch seasoning. The more seasoning you apply, the more flavor you’ll get in every bite.
• Check for Doneness: Make sure the wings are fully cooked by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The wings should be golden brown and crispy, with no pink remaining in the meat.
• Adjust for Spice: If you like spicy wings, feel free to add a bit of cayenne pepper to the seasoning or toss the cooked wings in hot sauce for an extra kick.

Variations of Ranch Chicken Wings

• Spicy Ranch Chicken Wings: For a spicy version of these wings, add hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. You can also toss the wings in a spicy buffalo sauce after they’re cooked for an extra burst of heat.
• Garlic Parmesan Ranch Wings: Combine ranch seasoning with garlic powder and grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy, garlicky twist on the classic. You can also drizzle the wings with melted butter and more Parmesan for an indulgent treat.
• BBQ Ranch Wings: Add a smoky flavor to your wings by brushing them with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. This creates a sweet and smoky glaze on the wings, perfectly complemented by the ranch seasoning.
• Herb-Infused Ranch Wings: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano can be added to the seasoning mix for a more earthy, aromatic flavor. These herbs pair beautifully with the creamy ranch dressing.

Storage and Shelf Life

Ranch Chicken Wings are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers for later.

• Refrigeration: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispy texture.
• Freezing: You can also freeze cooked Ranch Chicken Wings. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat the wings in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Ranch Chicken Wings

While Ranch Chicken Wings are delicious on their own, they pair well with a variety of side dishes and beverages:

• Celery and Carrot Sticks: The classic side dish for chicken wings, celery and carrot sticks provide a cool, crunchy contrast to the hot, savory wings.
• French Fries: Crispy French fries are the perfect side to go with Ranch Chicken Wings. You can also try sweet potato fries for a slightly different flavor.
• Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that complements the richness of the wings. The tangy dressing balances the flavors of the wings perfectly.
• Beer or Soda: Pair your Ranch Chicken Wings with an ice-cold beer, such as a lager or pale ale, for the perfect contrast to the savory wings. If you prefer non-alcoholic beverages, try a refreshing soda or iced tea.

Print

Conclusion

Ranch Chicken Wings are a flavorful, crispy, and easy-to-make snack or meal that everyone will love. Whether you bake or fry them, the wings are always delicious, with the perfect combination of ranch seasoning and crispy chicken. With simple ingredients and a few straightforward steps, you can enjoy this crowd-pleasing dish anytime. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a casual dinner, Ranch Chicken Wings are sure to be a hit at your table.