Crispy 2-Ingredient Chicken Wings Dinner That Wows Every Time

Oh, let me tell you about my family’s absolute favorite weeknight dinner—crispy chicken wings with creamy mac and cheese and tender green beans. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone come running to the table, no matter how grumpy they were five minutes ago. I’ve been making this for years, tweaking the seasoning and technique until it’s just right. The wings get so golden and crunchy on the outside, while the mac and cheese stays gloriously gooey. And those green beans? Just a little sauté with onions makes them taste like home. Trust me, this is the kind of comfort food that turns an ordinary Tuesday into something special.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Wings Dinner

Listen, this isn’t just any dinner—it’s the kind of meal that solves problems. Here’s why it’s magic:

• Crispy perfection: Those wings get so golden and crunchy you’ll fight over the last one
• Weeknight hero: Ready in about an hour with minimal fuss
• Kid-approved: My picky eaters devour this every time
• Comfort in every bite: Creamy mac and cheese? Tender beans? Yes please!
• Leftovers that don’t quit: The wings stay crispy when reheated (if there are any left!)

Seriously—this meal turns “what’s for dinner?” into “when can we have this again?”

Ingredients for Chicken Wings Dinner

Okay, let’s gather everything you’ll need to make this magic happen. I’ve grouped the ingredients so you can prep like a pro – no running back and forth to the fridge mid-recipe!

For Those Perfect Crispy Wings

• 2 lbs chicken wings (pat them dry – this is the crispy secret!)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (the good stuff)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked if you’ve got it)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (not garlic salt!)
• ½ teaspoon salt (I use kosher)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground if possible)

For the Creamiest Mac and Cheese

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (cooked al dente – about 1½ cups dry)
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (pack it lightly in the cup)
• ½ cup whole milk (2% works in a pinch)
• 1 tablespoon butter (real butter, please!)

For the Green Beans That Taste Like Home

• 2 cups fresh green beans (trimmed and snapped)
• ¼ cup diced onion (yellow or white)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste (I’m generous here)

See? Nothing fancy – just good, honest ingredients that make magic together. Now let’s get cooking!

Equipment You’ll Need

Don’t worry—you won’t need any fancy gadgets for this one! Just grab:

• A sturdy baking sheet (for those crispy wings)
• A medium saucepan (for the mac and cheese)
• A trusty skillet (to sauté those green beans just right)

That’s it! Now let’s make some magic.

How to Make Chicken Wings Dinner

Alright, let’s dive into making this incredible meal step by step. I’ll walk you through each component – the wings, mac and cheese, and green beans – so everything comes out perfect. The secret? Timing! Start with the wings since they take longest, then move to the sides. Here’s how I do it every Friday night when my family begs for this dinner.

Preparing the Crispy Chicken Wings

First things first – heat that oven to 400°F. While it’s warming up, grab a big bowl and toss your dried-off wings with olive oil. Now sprinkle on that gorgeous paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Get your hands in there – massaging the seasoning in makes all the difference!

Spread them out on a baking sheet – don’t crowd them! They need space to get crispy. Pop them in the oven for 20 minutes, then flip each one carefully (hot oil splatters – ouch!). Bake another 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy. Want extra crunch? Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end – just watch them like a hawk!

Making the Creamy Mac and Cheese

While the wings are baking, let’s make the mac. Cook your elbows al dente – about 1 minute less than the package says. Drain them but don’t rinse – that starchy water helps the cheese stick!

Now the magic: melt butter in your saucepan over LOW heat. Seriously, low is key – high heat makes cheese grainy. Stir in the milk, then add cheese gradually, stirring constantly. When it’s smooth and creamy, fold in the pasta. Taste it – needs more cheese? Go for it! Cover to keep warm.

Cooking the Tender Green Beans

Last but not least – those green beans! Heat oil in your skillet over medium. Toss in the onions and sauté until they’re soft and smell amazing – about 3 minutes. Add the green beans and cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re bright green and tender-crisp (about 5-7 minutes). Season with salt and pepper – simple but so good!

Now plate it all up – crispy wings, creamy mac, and those perfect green beans. Dinner is served, and trust me, there won’t be leftovers!

Tips for Perfect Chicken Wings Dinner

Listen, I’ve made this dinner enough times to know a few tricks that’ll take it from good to “oh my gosh!” good:

• Crispy secret: Broil those wings at the end for 2-3 minutes – just watch them like a hawk!
• Seasoning hack: Mix your spices in a small bowl first to make sure the blend is perfect
• Mac magic: Keep the heat LOW when melting cheese – high heat makes it grainy
• Bean bonus: Snap the ends off fresh beans – it makes them cook more evenly

Trust me, these little touches make all the difference!

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Wings Dinner

Honestly, this meal stands perfectly on its own – crispy wings, creamy mac, and those green beans are already a dream trio. But if you’re feeling fancy, try adding:

• A simple coleslaw for crunch
• Warm cornbread muffins on the side
• Extra hot sauce or ranch for dipping

Keep it simple though – the magic’s already in the main event!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Okay, let’s be real – leftovers rarely happen with this meal in my house! But if you’re lucky enough to have some, here’s the trick: store everything in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, pop the wings back in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes to keep them crispy – microwaving turns them rubbery. The mac and cheese? Add a splash of milk before reheating to bring back that creamy magic. Those green beans? Quick warm-up in a skillet keeps them perfect!

Chicken Wings Dinner FAQs

I get asked about this recipe all the time, so let me answer the most common questions I hear:

Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, but thaw them completely first and pat them extra dry – frozen wings release more moisture when baking. For best results, I always use fresh though.

What if I don’t have elbow macaroni?
Any small pasta works! Shells, rotini, even penne – just adjust the cooking time. The cheese sauce will love whatever shape you choose.

How spicy is this?
Not at all unless you want it to be! The paprika gives flavor more than heat. Want some kick? Add cayenne or red pepper flakes to the wing seasoning.

Can I make this ahead?
The mac and cheese reheats beautifully (add milk when warming). But wings are always best fresh – that crispy skin is worth the wait!

Nutritional Information

Just so you know, these numbers are estimates – portion sizes and brands can change things a bit. But here’s the general breakdown per serving of our chicken wings dinner:

• Calories: About 620 (mostly from those glorious crispy wings!)
• Fat: 35g (12g saturated – that’s the cheese and butter working their magic)
• Protein: 35g (thanks to those meaty wings and cheesy mac)
• Carbs: 45g (with 4g fiber from the green beans and pasta)

Not bad for a meal that tastes this good, right? Everything in moderation, friend!

Share Your Feedback

Did this chicken wings dinner make your family as happy as mine? Let me know how it turned out – I love hearing your kitchen stories!

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