Buffalo Chicken Wings
Crispy, golden brown Buffalo chicken wings are the ultimate appetizer that never fails to tantalize taste buds. With their perfect balance of heat and flavor, these wings make for a mouthwatering snack whether you’re hosting game night, celebrating a birthday, or simply craving something savory.
Table of Contents
This recipe for Buffalo Chicken Wings not only delivers on flavor but also guarantees that satisfying crunch that everyone loves. Each bite reveals tender meat and a sauce that’s rich, tangy, and just spicy enough to keep you coming back for more. Best of all? You can whip up a batch in under an hour—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings! Trust me, once you make these wings, you might just forget about ordering takeout.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 60 minutes, with only 10 minutes of prep.
- Irresistible Flavor: A perfect blend of spicy and buttery that makes your taste buds dance.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Crispy and golden, they look as good as they taste.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for parties, game days, or casual family dinners.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets just by choosing the right sauces.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 lb chicken wings: Fresh wings are the star of the show. Split them into wings and drummettes for the perfect bite-sized pieces. For a healthier option, consider using organic.
- 1 tbsp baking powder: This ingredient helps achieve that coveted crispy texture. Make sure to choose aluminum-free for the best flavor.
- 1 tsp fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors in the wings, balancing out the heat.
- 2 tsp garlic powder: Offers a subtle, savory kick that pairs perfectly with the spices.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps it cling to the wings. The unsalted version allows you to control the salt content.
- 1/4 cup Frank’s Original Red Hot Sauce: The classic choice for Buffalo wings, bringing the perfect balance of heat and flavor. Feel free to swap with another hot sauce if you prefer something different.
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar: Just a hint of sweetness to balance the spiciness of the sauce; you can also use brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Wings
Prep the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken wings thoroughly with a paper towel to remove moisture—this step is essential for that perfect crispy texture. Preheat your oven to 450˚F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, and place a wire rack on top to allow air circulation around the wings.
Season the Wings: In a medium bowl, mix together 1 tbsp baking powder, 1 tsp fine sea salt, and 2 tsp garlic powder. Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over the chicken wings, tossing them to ensure each wing is well-coated. This seasoning not only elevates the taste but also contributes to the crispiness.
Bake the Wings: Arrange the seasoned wings on the wire rack in a single layer for even cooking. Bake them in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After the timer goes off, flip the wings over and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the skin is crispy. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are beautifully browned and the chicken is cooked through.
Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken bakes, combine 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, 1/4 cup Frank’s Original Red Hot Sauce, and 1 tbsp granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Whisk until combined, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely. This sauce is where the magic happens, infusing that beloved Buffalo flavor.
Coat the Wings: Once the wings are finished baking, transfer them to a large bowl. Drizzle the sauce over the hot wings and toss them gently until each wing is thoroughly coated in that spicy, buttery goodness. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, perhaps ranch or blue cheese, to complement the heats!
Storing & Reheating
To store leftover wings, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you want to save them for later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll last up to 3 months. When reheating, consider popping them back in the oven at 350˚F for about 10 minutes. This will help restore that original crispiness, though the texture might be slightly less crunchy than freshly-made.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- To avoid soggy wings, make sure to dry them very well after rinsing.
- Keep your baking powder aluminum-free for the best taste and health benefits.
- If you find the wings are cooking unevenly, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time.
- For extra crispy wings, you can broil them for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking—just keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
- Feel free to adjust the heat by adding more or less hot sauce according to your preference.
- Planning ahead? You can season the wings and let them marinate in the fridge for an hour or overnight for even deeper flavor.
Nothing quite compares to the satisfaction of biting into a crispy Buffalo chicken wing. Each bite offers a symphony of flavors that’s both spicy and buttery while delivering the crunch that everyone craves. Don’t hesitate to tweak the seasonings to find your perfect hot sauce balance, or even experiment with different dipping sauces. These wings are perfect for sharing (if you’re feeling generous) or devouring all on your own!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these wings in an air fryer?
Absolutely! If you prefer using an air fryer, preheat it to 400°F, then cook the wings for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. This will give you that sought-after crispiness.
What dipping sauces go well with Buffalo wings?
Buffalo chicken wings pair beautifully with ranch or blue cheese dressing. You can also offer celery sticks on the side to balance the heat and add a crunchy texture.
How can I adjust the heat level?
To control the spiciness, simply add less hot sauce. You can also mix the hot sauce with a bit of honey or a sweeter sauce to tone down the heat while still enjoying the flavor.
Can these wings be made ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the wings ahead of time, then toss them in the sauce just before serving. If you’re making a large batch, consider keeping the wings warm in a low oven until you’re ready to coat and serve.
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📖 Recipe Card
Buffalo Chicken Wings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Wings are a must-try for their irresistible flavor and crispy texture. Made with simple ingredients like chicken wings, garlic, and hot sauce, they are perfect for game day or a casual get-together. Baked to perfection, they offer a healthier alternative to fried wings while still delivering that iconic taste that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 3 lb chicken wings, wings and drummettes split, wingtips removed
- 1 tbsp baking powder, (use aluminum free)
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup franks original red hot sauce
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar, or brown sugar
Instructions
- Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel and preheat the oven to 450˚F.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack over it.
- In a bowl, mix the baking powder, salt, and garlic powder. Sprinkle the mixture over the chicken and toss to coat.
- Arrange the chicken wings on the wire rack and bake them for 25 minutes.
- Flip the wings over and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until they are crisp and fully cooked.
- In another bowl, combine the melted butter, hot sauce, and sugar. Remove the wings from the oven and place them in the bowl with the sauce. Toss to coat thoroughly.
- Serve the wings with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
For extra crispiness, ensure the chicken is thoroughly dried before seasoning.
You can adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your heat preference.
Serve with celery and blue cheese dressing for a classic touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 wings
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
