Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe
If you are craving something crispy, tangy, and bursting with flavor, this Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe is an absolute game changer. The perfect balance of spicy hot sauce and buttery richness coats tender, oven-baked wings that offer a satisfying crunch without deep-frying. Whether it’s game day, a casual get-together, or simply a craving that won’t quit, these wings deliver that classic Buffalo taste in a way that feels homemade and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, yet essential for creating those mouthwatering Buffalo Chicken Wings that are crispy on the outside and juicy inside. Each element plays a key role, from the seasoning that boosts flavor to the hot sauce that gives the wings their iconic kick.
- 2 pounds chicken wings: Separated into drumettes and flats for even cooking and perfect bite sizes.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps create that irresistibly crispy skin when baked.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors of the wings.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness to the sauce and balances the heat.
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot): The key to that tangy, fiery Buffalo flavor everyone loves.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides savory depth and a hint of aromatic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds warmth and a subtle smoky note.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing: Perfect for dipping and cooling down that spicy heat.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, then place a wire rack on top to allow air circulation around the wings. This setup is essential for achieving that crispy skin we all crave.
Step 2: Season the Wings
Pat the chicken wings dry using paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which is crucial for crispiness. In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and paprika. These simple coatings help create maximum flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the chicken.
Step 3: Bake the Wings
Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack, making sure they don’t touch each other so they can bake evenly. Bake them for 45 to 50 minutes, flipping halfway through for that perfectly even golden brown finish. The baking powder works its magic here, turning the skin delightfully crisp.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
While the wings are baking, melt the butter gently in a saucepan over low heat. Once melted, stir in the hot sauce until fully combined and warm. This simple sauce is where the Buffalo flavor really shines, marrying that fiery tang with buttery smoothness.
Step 5: Toss the Wings in Sauce
After the wings come out of the oven, immediately toss them in the warm Buffalo sauce to ensure every bite is coated in that signature zesty goodness. This step is where your Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe truly comes alive.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the saucy wings piping hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping. These creamy dips complement the heat and add an extra layer of indulgence.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe with fresh garnishes like chopped celery sticks or sliced green onions. These add a satisfying crunch and freshness that perfectly balance the rich, spicy wings.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like carrot sticks and crisp celery complement the wings beautifully. You can also serve with crispy French fries, coleslaw, or even a fresh garden salad to round out your meal with variety and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the wings in a large wooden bowl atop a bed of shredded lettuce and sprinkle extra paprika or freshly cracked black pepper on top. Or make it a party platter with an array of dipping sauces like honey mustard or a smoky BBQ alongside the traditional ranch or blue cheese.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which can be rare!), store the wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making for an easy snack or meal addition.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Buffalo Chicken Wings easily by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months without losing flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, place wings on a wire rack and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave to keep that crispy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken wings or frozen?
Both work, but if using frozen wings, be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning and baking to achieve the best crispness.
Is baking better than frying for Buffalo wings?
Baking with baking powder gives you crispy wings without the mess and extra calories of frying, making this Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe a healthier yet equally tasty alternative.
Can I make this recipe less spicy?
Absolutely! Simply reduce the amount of hot sauce or use a milder sauce, and the buttery richness will still make the wings delicious.
What type of hot sauce is best for Buffalo wings?
Frank’s RedHot is the classic choice for its perfect balance of heat and flavor, but feel free to experiment with your favorite hot sauces to customize heat levels.
How do I get the skin extra crispy?
Dry the wings thoroughly before seasoning, use baking powder (not baking soda), and bake them on a wire rack to allow air circulation all around for maximum crispness.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something incredibly satisfying about a well-made Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe that brings people together and fills any room with irresistible aromas. Once you try this simple, baked version, you’ll find yourself reaching for these wings over and over. So grab your ingredients, invite some friends, and enjoy every bite of these crispy, saucy, mouthwatering wings!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This classic Buffalo Chicken Wings recipe features crispy oven-baked wings coated in a rich, spicy hot sauce blended with melted butter. Served with cool ranch or blue cheese dressing, these wings make a perfect appetizer or game day snack with a perfect balance of heat and flavor.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Sauce & Serve
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top to allow the wings to cook evenly and become crispy.
- Prepare Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispiness. In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and paprika evenly coating each piece.
- Bake Wings: Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack, ensuring they are not touching. Bake in the oven for 45–50 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through the cooking time to crisp both sides.
- Make Sauce: While the wings bake, melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in the hot sauce gently until well combined and warmed through.
- Coat Wings: Once wings are fully baked and crispy, transfer them to a large bowl and toss them with the warm hot sauce and butter mixture until well coated.
- Serve: Serve the Buffalo chicken wings immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping, enhancing the spicy flavors with a cooling contrast.
Notes
- Using baking powder (aluminum-free) helps achieve crispier skin without frying.
- Toss wings halfway through baking to ensure even crispiness on all sides.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your preferred spice level.
- For extra flavor, marinate wings in the seasoning mixture for a few hours before baking.
- Make sure wings are completely dry before tossing with baking powder and spices for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
