Old Bay Chicken Wings

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

Old Bay chicken wings bring together juicy, golden skin and a bold punch of Chesapeake seasoning in every bite. After marination with classic Old Bay and oil, the wings can be oven-baked, grilled, fried, or air-fried to crisp perfection. Sprinkle extra seasoning just before serving for irresistible tang and color. These wings are a surefire favorite for gatherings, family nights, or game day spreads—delivering savory, slightly spicy, and herbal flavor with minimal fuss. Enjoy them hot from the pan, paired with creamy dips and crunchy sides for maximum crowd appeal.

A woman in a white chef's coat holding a glass of wine.
Provided By Lina
Last updated on Sat, 23 Aug 2025 13:59:24 GMT
A plate of Old Bay Chicken Wings. Bookmark
A plate of Old Bay Chicken Wings. | deliciousrecipeshere.com

Old Bay Chicken Wings bring out that perfect mix of crispy skin and zesty Chesapeake flavor with nothing more than a handful of staple ingredients. I make these whenever I want a reliable crowd-pleaser that disappears before halftime at any family game night. No complicated steps and absolutely nothing fancy—just pure, craveable spicy goodness in every bite.

At our first cookout in a new house these wings caused a scramble at the table. Friends still text for the recipe whenever game day rolls around.

Ingredients

  • Chicken wings flats and drumettes: choose plump evenly sized wings with the skin on and always pat dry for the crunchiest texture
  • Old Bay seasoning: the signature Chesapeake blend gives these wings their unique flavor so pick up a fresh can for the brightest taste
  • Vegetable oil: helps spices stick and crisps up the skin go for neutral options like canola or sunflower
  • Extra Old Bay: scattered on at the end to make the flavor pop and wake up your taste buds

Instructions

Prepare the Wings:
Pat every wing thoroughly dry using paper towels making sure to soak up as much surface moisture as possible because this makes all the difference in how crisp they turn out
Season and Marinate:
Drop your wings into a large sealable bag or roomy container with a tight lid then shake in enough Old Bay seasoning to coat every surface and pour in the oil Seal and shake like crazy or tumble by hand so the mix reaches every nook and cranny Let it rest in the fridge from one up to three hours—the longer the stronger the flavor
Cook the Wings:
Preheat your chosen cooking method Whether roasting in an oven grilling deep frying or using an air fryer the key is to get it good and hot For oven roasting arrange wings skin side up on a rack over foil at four hundred twenty five degrees and bake forty to forty five minutes flipping halfway to brown all sides Grill over medium high heat turning often until smoky and cooked through In a deep fryer go for three hundred seventy five degrees until crisp right through
Finish and Serve:
While wings are still hot transfer to a large bowl Toss in a little extra Old Bay and gently roll to coat evenly Serve right away for maximum crunch and flavor burst
A plate of Old Bay Chicken Wings.
A plate of Old Bay Chicken Wings. | deliciousrecipeshere.com

Watching the golden wings bubble in the oven always brings me back to my dad’s birthday parties. Old Bay’s aroma fills the house and the whole family is always drawn to the kitchen before they even hit the table.

Storage Tips

Let wings cool completely before moving them to a storage container Lay them out so the skin stays crisp Refrigerate up to three days and reheat in the oven at three hundred seventy five degrees or use an air fryer for that original crunch Avoid microwaving which can make the skin soggy

Ingredient Substitutions

No Old Bay in the cupboard Just mix paprika celery salt garlic powder a sprinkle of cayenne and black pepper for similar results Drumsticks or boneless thighs are a good sub—just adjust cooking times as needed Any neutral oil works but olive or avocado oil are fine choices too

Serving Suggestions

Pile up wings with a bowl of ranch or blue cheese dip and crisp celery sticks Great for party platters beside fresh slaw or straight out of the pan for late night snacks Perfect for outdoor cookouts or game day spreads—they hold up well anywhere

A bowl of Old Bay Chicken Wings.
A bowl of Old Bay Chicken Wings. | deliciousrecipeshere.com

With just a few minutes of prep and the timeless kick of Old Bay you will have wings on the table that everyone will remember long after the game ends.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ How do I get the crispiest chicken wings?

Pat wings thoroughly dry before seasoning and bake them on a wire rack or use a convection oven for maximum crispiness.

→ Can I use a grill or fryer instead of baking?

Yes, grilling or frying also cooks wings beautifully. Grilling adds smoky char, while frying creates extra crunch.

→ How long should the wings marinate?

Marinate for 1 to 3 hours to let the seasoning soak in fully. Overnight marination develops even deeper flavor.

→ What pairs well with Old Bay wings?

Serve hot wings with ranch, blue cheese, or creamy garlic sauce and crunchy celery for a balanced spread.

→ Can I make these less spicy?

Reduce the amount of Old Bay seasoning to tone down the heat while still enjoying savory, herbal notes.

Old Bay Chicken Wings

Crispy wings coated in Old Bay seasoning, packed with savory flavor and perfect for sharing on any occasion.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
45 minutes
Total Time
55 minutes
Provided By: Lina

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Great for Beginners

Cuisine Inspiration: American

Portion Size: 6 Serving Size (About 20 wings)

Dietary Preferences: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

What You’ll Need

→ Main

01 2 pounds chicken wings, divided into flats and drumettes, skin-on
02 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning, plus more for finishing
03 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (canola or sunflower preferred)

Steps to Make This

Step 01

Pat the chicken wings thoroughly dry with paper towels to promote crisp skin.

Step 02

Add wings to a large resealable bag or a container with a tight-fitting lid. Sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning and pour in vegetable oil. Seal and shake or toss until every wing is well coated. Refrigerate and marinate for 1 to 3 hours.

Step 03

Select a cooking method and preheat. For oven roasting, set oven to 425°F. For grilling, prepare grill for medium-high heat. For deep frying, heat oil to 375°F.

Step 04

If oven roasting, place wings on a wire rack set over a foil-lined sheet pan. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and golden. For grilling, cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until charred and cooked through. For frying, cook wings in batches until crispy and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes per batch.

Step 05

Transfer the hot wings to a large bowl. While still hot, dust with additional Old Bay seasoning and gently toss. Serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauces.

Additional Notes

  1. Marinate the wings for at least one hour or up to overnight for optimal flavor intensity.
  2. For best crispiness, bake wings on a wire rack to allow air circulation underneath.
  3. These wings pair well with ranch, blue cheese dressing, or a creamy garlic sauce.
  4. Store cooled leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Wire rack
  • Large baking sheet
  • Large resealable bag or airtight container
  • Tongs

Allergy Warnings

Always check ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if needed.
  • Contains celery and may contain mustard, common in Old Bay seasoning blends.

Nutrition Details (Per Portion)

These details are for informational purposes and aren’t a substitute for professional guidance.
  • Calories: 320
  • Fat: 22 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 2 grams
  • Proteins: 27 grams