Ingredients

For the Wings:

  • 2 lbs chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

For the Maple Nashville Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

For the Ranch Seasoning:

  • 1 tbsp dried buttermilk powder
  • 1 tsp dried dill
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

For Serving (Optional):

  • Ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
  • Sliced green onions
  • Pickle slices

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Mixing bowls
  • Small saucepan
  • Tongs
  • Whisk

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Wings

  1. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
  3. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and arrange the wings in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.
  4. Refrigerate the wings, uncovered, for at least 1 hour (or up to 8 hours) to dry out the skin for extra crispiness.

Step 2: Bake the Wings

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Bake the wings on the wire rack for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 3: Make the Maple Nashville Sauce

  1. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter.
  2. Whisk in maple syrup, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and apple cider vinegar.
  3. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Ranch Seasoning

  1. In a small bowl, combine dried buttermilk powder, dried dill, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
  2. Mix well and set aside.

Step 5: Toss and Season the Wings

  1. Transfer the baked wings to a large mixing bowl.
  2. Pour the Maple Nashville Sauce over the wings and toss to coat evenly.
  3. Sprinkle the Ranch Seasoning over the sauced wings and toss again to distribute the seasoning.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Arrange the wings on a serving platter.
  2. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve with pickle slices and ranch dressing on the side for dipping, if desired.
  3. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Tips

  • For extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper in the sauce to 3 tbsp.
  • If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the cayenne pepper to 1 tbsp.
  • For air fryer wings, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
  • Make the ranch seasoning in advance and store in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx. 6 Wings)

  • Calories: 450
  • Fat: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Protein: 35g