Crispy Everything Bagel Chicken Wings Recipe with Cream Cheese Drizzle Easy Step-by-Step Guide

The first time I tried making these Crispy Everything Bagel Chicken Wings with Cream Cheese Drizzle, it was honestly a bit of a kitchen accident. I was craving wings but also had this half-empty everything bagel seasoning sitting on my counter, leftover from a breakfast experiment that didn’t quite pan out. So, I thought, why not toss the wings in that seasoning and see what happens? I wasn’t sure if the flavors would mesh—chicken wings and bagel seasoning felt like an odd combo. But as the wings crisped up in the oven, that familiar aroma of toasted sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and garlic filled the kitchen, and I started to get hopeful.

What really sealed the deal was the cream cheese drizzle I whipped up on a whim—just cream cheese thinned with a bit of milk and a touch of lemon juice. It was unexpected but perfect: rich and tangy, cutting through the crispy, savory wings like a charm. I remember sitting down with a plate, skeptically biting into one, only to realize I’d stumbled upon a new favorite. Since then, it’s been a repeat in my kitchen—sometimes for game day, sometimes just because midweek dinner needed a pick-me-up.

There’s something about the crunch of those wings paired with the everything bagel seasoning’s bold flavor and the creamy drizzle that feels both familiar and totally fresh. If you’re someone who loves a little twist on classic comfort food, this recipe might just become your new go-to. It’s the kind of dish that makes you pause for a second, savor the layers of flavor, and quietly appreciate the magic of happy accidents in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect when you want something tasty without the fuss.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses mostly pantry staples and a jar of everything bagel seasoning—no last-minute grocery runs needed.
• Perfect for Casual Gatherings: Whether it’s a weekend hangout or a casual dinner, these wings bring the fun and flavor.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike love the crunchy texture and that unexpected cream cheese drizzle.
• Unique Flavor Profile: The everything bagel seasoning adds a savory, nutty, garlicky punch that sets these wings apart.
• Versatile: Great as an appetizer, snack, or main dish—easy to pair with salads, veggies, or fries.

This isn’t just another chicken wing recipe. The trick is in the seasoning and the drizzle—the way the cream cheese smooths out the bold spices while adding richness you didn’t know you needed. I’ve tested this recipe multiple times, tweaking the drizzle thickness and oven temperature until it was just right. It’s those little details that make it stand out, and honestly, it’s become my secret weapon for impressing friends without breaking a sweat.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that bring big flavors without fuss. Most of these are pantry staples or easy to find at any grocery store.

• Chicken Wings: About 2 pounds (900g), fresh or thawed. I like to use a mix of drumettes and flats for texture variety.
• Everything Bagel Seasoning: 2 tablespoons. Look for a blend with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, onion flakes, and salt. Trader Joe’s or Trader Joe’s or Trader Joe’s brand works well.
• Baking Powder: 1 tablespoon (not baking soda). This is key for that extra crispy skin—trust me on this one.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon, or to taste.
• Black Pepper: Freshly cracked, about ¼ teaspoon.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, to help the seasoning stick and promote crispness.
• Cream Cheese: 4 ounces (115g), softened. Full-fat for best flavor and texture.
• Milk: 2-3 tablespoons, to thin the cream cheese drizzle.
• Lemon Juice: 1 teaspoon, freshly squeezed, adds brightness to the drizzle.
• Optional: A pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne if you want a little heat.

Feel free to swap the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative if needed, or use Greek yogurt for a tangier drizzle. For a gluten-free option, ensure your baking powder is certified gluten-free. You don’t need fancy ingredients here—just good quality chicken and that everything bagel seasoning, which really makes the dish sing.

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl for tossing wings
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack for crisping
• Small bowl for mixing the cream cheese drizzle
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Oven (set to 425°F / 220°C)
• Optional: kitchen thermometer to check chicken doneness

You don’t need any specialized tools—just a reliable oven and a baking sheet. Using a wire rack on your baking sheet helps air circulate and keeps the wings crispier, but if you don’t have one, parchment paper works fine (you might just want to flip the wings halfway through cooking). I’ve tried this recipe with both gas and electric ovens, and minor temperature adjustments may be needed depending on your oven’s quirks.

Preparation Method

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Position your rack in the middle to ensure even cooking.
2. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—that’s the first step toward crispy skin.
3. In a large bowl, mix the baking powder, salt, black pepper, and everything bagel seasoning. Toss the wings in the olive oil first, then add them to the seasoning mix.
4. Toss the wings thoroughly so every piece is coated evenly. The baking powder helps create that crackly, crispy exterior, so don’t skip it.
5. Arrange the wings on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. Make sure they’re spaced out so air can circulate and crisp them up on all sides.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through. You’re looking for a deep golden brown with an irresistible crunch. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on wing size.
7. While the wings bake, prepare the cream cheese drizzle. In a small bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, milk (start with 2 tablespoons), and lemon juice until smooth and pourable. Add more milk if needed, but keep it thick enough to drizzle.
8. Once wings are done, remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the skin crisp.
9. Drizzle the cream cheese mixture over the wings just before serving. You can also serve it on the side for dipping if preferred.

If you notice the wings aren’t crisping as much as you’d like, a quick broil for 1-2 minutes at the end usually does the trick—but watch carefully so they don’t burn. Also, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; crowded wings steam and get soggy instead of crispy.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

One of the biggest secrets to crispy wings is drying them thoroughly before seasoning. Moisture is the enemy here, so I sometimes let the wings air-dry in the fridge uncovered for an hour if I have time. The baking powder is another game-changer; it raises the pH of the chicken skin and helps it brown better, giving you that perfect crunch.

When tossing wings in seasoning, use your hands for the best coverage—you can feel if any spots are missed. Also, flipping the wings halfway through baking is crucial. It ensures even crisping and browning on both sides.

As for the cream cheese drizzle, make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps. Adding lemon juice gives the drizzle a little zing that cuts through the richness of the wings. If you want an extra pop of flavor, a tiny pinch of smoked paprika in the drizzle works wonders.

Finally, don’t rush serving these wings. Let them rest a few minutes after baking so the skin stays crisp and the flavors settle. I’ve learned this the hard way after biting into wings that were too hot and soggy on the outside.

Variations & Adaptations

• Spicy Version: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix and a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese drizzle for a spicy kick.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free baking powder and double-check the everything bagel seasoning to ensure no gluten-containing ingredients.
• Air Fryer Option: Cook wings at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes for even crisping. The cream cheese drizzle stays the same.
• Dairy-Free Drizzle: Swap cream cheese for a cashew-based cream or coconut yogurt thinned with lemon juice and a touch of olive oil.
• Herb-Infused: Mix fresh chopped chives or dill into the cream cheese drizzle for a fresh, herbaceous note.

I once tried adding a little maple syrup to the drizzle for a sweet-savory twist—it was surprisingly good, especially for a brunch crowd. Feel free to experiment with the drizzle flavors while keeping the crispy, seasoned wings the star.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These wings are best served warm, right after baking and drizzling. I like to plate them with a sprinkle of extra everything bagel seasoning and a few lemon wedges on the side for brightness. They pair beautifully with simple sides like celery sticks, carrot batons, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness.

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 8-10 minutes to bring back that crispness—microwaving tends to make them soggy, so avoid that if you can.

The cream cheese drizzle can be stored separately in the fridge for a couple of days and whisked again before serving. Fun fact: The flavors actually deepen if you let the wings sit with the drizzle for 30 minutes, making each bite even more flavorful.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Per serving (about 6 wings with drizzle), this recipe provides roughly 300-350 calories, with 20-25 grams of protein and moderate fat content from the chicken and cream cheese. It’s a satisfying protein-packed option that feels indulgent without being overly heavy.

The everything bagel seasoning adds fiber and antioxidants from seeds and garlic, while the lemon juice in the drizzle offers a vitamin C boost. By baking instead of frying, you cut down on unnecessary oils, making this a friendlier choice for those mindful of their fat intake.

Keep in mind this recipe contains dairy and may not be suitable for those with allergies or lactose intolerance unless you use substitutions. Overall, it’s a flavorful way to enjoy wings with a bit more balance.

Conclusion

If you’re tired of the same old wing flavors and want to try something a little different (but still super satisfying), these Crispy Everything Bagel Chicken Wings with Cream Cheese Drizzle might just hit the spot. The crunchy, savory coating paired with that creamy, tangy drizzle creates a combo that’s fun, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make.

Feel free to tweak the seasoning, spice level, or drizzle thickness to suit your taste. I keep coming back to this recipe because it’s reliable, quick, and has that little something extra that makes me smile with every bite. If you give it a go, I’d love to hear how you made it your own!

Happy cooking, and here’s to many crispy, creamy wings in your future.

FAQs

What is the secret to making these wings crispy?

Patting the wings dry and using baking powder in the seasoning mix are the two key tricks. The baking powder helps the skin crisp up beautifully in the oven.

Can I make these wings gluten-free?

Yes! Just use gluten-free baking powder and ensure your everything bagel seasoning has no gluten-containing ingredients.

How do I store leftover wings and drizzle?

Keep wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best crispness. Store the cream cheese drizzle separately and whisk before serving.

Can I use this seasoning on other chicken parts?

Absolutely! This seasoning works well on chicken tenders, thighs, or even drumsticks—just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is there a good alternative if I don’t have everything bagel seasoning?

You can mix your own with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, onion flakes, and salt. Or use garlic and onion powder with a pinch of sesame seeds for a similar flavor.

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