1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Prepare the Chicken Wings:** Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season the wings with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
3. **Arrange the Wings:** Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet and arrange the seasoned chicken wings in a single layer on the rack. This allows air to circulate around the wings, helping them cook evenly and become crispy.
4. **Bake the Wings:** Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the wings for 45-50 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The wings should be golden brown and crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside.
5. **Optional: Add Sauce:** If you like saucy wings, you can toss the baked wings in your favorite sauce before serving. Simply transfer the wings to a large bowl, add the sauce, and toss to coat evenly. Some popular wing sauces include buffalo sauce, barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, or honey mustard.
6. **Serve:** Once the wings are cooked to your liking and coated in sauce (if desired), transfer them to a serving platter and serve immediately. You can garnish the wings with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for added flavor and freshness.
Enjoy your delicious oven-baked chicken wings as a tasty appetizer or snack!