Buffalo Chicken Wings
Crispy, golden Buffalo chicken wings are a beloved American staple that truly capture the essence of flavor-packed comfort food. These wings are not just a dish; they’re a culinary celebration, perfect for game day gatherings, casual get-togethers, or even a cozy night in. With the right combination of spices and a crispy texture, these wings can easily outshine any restaurant version, making them a must-try recipe at home.
Table of Contents
The first bite reveals a delightful crunch followed by the warmth of spicy sauce, turning an ordinary meal into a bite of happiness. When I first crafted these Buffalo chicken wings at home, I was amazed at how easily they came together and how quickly they disappeared from the table! So, if you’re ready to whip up a batch that will have everyone reaching for more, you’re in for a treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep and an hour in the oven, this recipe is ideal for any busy weeknight.
- Irresistible Flavor: Crispy on the outside and bursting with zesty flavor from the rich Buffalo sauce.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: A crowd-pleaser at gatherings, these wings are not just tasty; they’re impressive too!
- Flexible Serving: Great as a snack, appetizer, or main dish for game night, family dinner, or BBQ.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets with the right ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 lb chicken wings: Look for fresh or frozen wings; just make sure they are thawed if frozen.
- 1 tbsp baking powder: Using aluminum-free baking powder ensures a cleaner flavor and crispier texture.
- 1 tsp fine sea salt: Enhances the flavor without overwhelming the dish.
- 2 tsp garlic powder: Adds aromatic depth that complements the heat of the sauce.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: This gives the sauce a rich, buttery taste.
- 1/4 cup Frank’s Original Red Hot Sauce: The star of the show, this sauce is known for its perfect kick.
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (or brown sugar): This balances the heat from the hot sauce, giving a harmonious flavor.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Wings
Preheat your oven: Bring your oven to a sizzling 450˚F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, and place a wire rack over it. This setup lets the heat circulate around the wings, ensuring they become perfectly crispy.
Prep the wings: Thoroughly pat dry the chicken wings with paper towels. This step is key to achieving that beloved crispiness; excess moisture will lead to steaming instead of crisping.
Mix the seasonings: In a bowl, stir together 1 tbsp baking powder, 1 tsp fine sea salt, and 2 tsp garlic powder. Sprinkle this mixture over the chicken wings and toss to coat evenly, ensuring that every wing gets that flavorful treatment.
Arrange and bake: Place the seasoned wings on the wire rack in a single layer. Bake for 25 minutes, and then flip them over to bake for an additional 25 minutes. You’re looking for them to become golden brown and crispy, with a delicious aroma filling your kitchen.
Prepare the sauce: While the wings bake, combine 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, 1/4 cup Frank’s hot sauce, and 1 tbsp granulated sugar (or brown sugar) in a bowl. Whisk it together until smooth and all ingredients are well blended. This sauce will coat your wings and give them that classic Buffalo flavor.
Coat the wings: Once the wings are baked to perfection, transfer them to a large bowl. Drizzle that glorious sauce over them, making sure to toss gently to coat each wing thoroughly. The wings should be glistening with that spicy, buttery goodness.
Serve immediately: Transfer the coated wings to a serving platter and enjoy them immediately alongside your favorite dipping sauce like blue cheese or ranch dressing.
Storing & Reheating
If you have leftover wings (which is rare but can happen!), let them cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container; they’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350˚F for about 10-15 minutes. They may lose a bit of crispiness, so consider tossing them back in the oven for a couple of extra minutes to refresh their glorious texture.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- To avoid soggy wings, always dry them well before seasoning; moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
- If you like extra heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika in the seasoning blend.
- These wings can easily be made ahead of time; just season and bake, then coat with sauce when ready to serve.
- Experiment with different sauces! Barbecue or garlic Parmesan sauces can be a fun twist on the classic Buffalo flavor.
Sinking your teeth into these crispy, spicy Buffalo wings will make you wonder why you ever thought takeout was the best option! The fabulous combination of buttery sauce and crunchy texture is simply out of this world. Plus, they’re easy to whip up, allowing you to impress your friends and family without spending all day in the kitchen. So gather your loved ones, make a batch (or two), and enjoy every bite of this classic American treat!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these wings in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 400˚F, then arrange the wings in a single layer and cook for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll be golden and crispy!
What can I use instead of Frank’s Red Hot Sauce?
If Frank’s isn’t available, try other hot sauces like Texas Pete or Crystal Hot Sauce, but keep in mind that each sauce can bring a different flavor profile.
How do I make these gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Buffalo chicken wings, ensure that your hot sauce and seasonings are labeled gluten-free, and avoid using any sauces not specifically marked as such.
Can I bake these wings without a wire rack?
While a wire rack helps achieve even crispiness, you can bake them directly on a baking sheet. Just flip them more frequently and ensure they are not crowded for the best results.
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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 boast an irresistible flavor with a simple preparation method. Made from tender chicken, spices, and a zesty sauce, they are perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Easy to make and always a hit!
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 using a paper towel. Preheat the oven to 450˚F and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil, placing a wire rack on top.
- Mix together the baking powder, sea salt, and garlic powder in a bowl, then sprinkle this mixture over the chicken wings, ensuring they are well coated. Arrange the wings on the prepared wire rack.
- Bake the wings for 25 minutes, then flip them over and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until they are crisp and thoroughly cooked.
- In a separate medium bowl, combine the melted butter, hot sauce, and sugar. Once the wings are done, transfer them to a bowl and drizzle the sauce over them, tossing to coat. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
For extra crispiness, ensure the wings are dried thoroughly before seasoning.
Feel free to adjust the hot sauce amount to match your heat preference.
These wings can be served with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for a classic pairing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken wing
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
