Crispy, golden-brown Buffalo Chicken Wings are the star of any gathering, taking center stage with their irresistible crunch and flavorful kick. Freshly baked, these wings deliver a satisfying contrast of textures. The crispy skin and tender meat, coated in a spicy, buttery sauce, make for a mouthwatering experience. Few things in life beat the thrill of tearing into a plate of these wings alongside your friends or family, dipping them into cool ranch dressing, and savoring the explosion of flavors.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Wings
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Buffalo Chicken Wings

I remember the first time I made Buffalo Chicken Wings; I was hosting a game-day gathering and wanted to impress my friends with a dish that would rival the local sports bar. The aroma that filled my kitchen was inviting, and once those wings were served, they disappeared in a flash! This recipe is easy and budget-friendly, providing all the deliciousness you crave without the hassle of deep frying or spending a fortune at a restaurant. Trust me, your taste buds are in for a treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just about 60 minutes, these wings use basic ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of hot sauce and butter makes your taste buds dance with joy.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Perfectly crispy and glossy, these wings beckon to be devoured at every gathering.
Flexible Serving: They make a fantastic snack for game days, casual get-togethers, or even a late-night treat.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets; just ensure your hot sauce meets your dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 lb chicken wings: You’ll want the wings and drummettes split, with the wingtips removed for the best texture.
1 tbsp baking powder: Aluminum-free is best; this helps the skin crisp up beautifully.
1 tsp fine sea salt: Enhances all flavors and helps achieve that perfect crunch.
2 tsp garlic powder: A gentle hint of garlic complements the heat and adds depth to the flavors.
1/4 cup unsalted butter: For richness; melted butter blends perfectly with the hot sauce.
1/4 cup Frank’s Original Red Hot Sauce: Classic choice for that signature Buffalo flavor; adjust to your spice preference.
1 tbsp granulated sugar or brown sugar: Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Wings

Prep the Chicken: Thoroughly pat dry the chicken with paper towels; this step is crucial for achieving that coveted crispiness. Preheat your oven to 450˚F (hotter is better for crisping), and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Place a wire rack over the pan to allow airflow around the wings as they cook.

Season the Wings: In a bowl, combine 1 tbsp baking powder, 1 tsp fine sea salt, and 2 tsp garlic powder. This mixture is your secret weapon for crispy wings! Sprinkle it generously over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Then, arrange the chicken on the prepared wire rack, making sure they’re spaced apart for optimal crisping.

Bake to Perfection: Place the wings in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen! After 25 minutes, flip the wings over and let them bake for another 25 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy, with internal temperatures reaching 165°F. Pay attention to those beautiful crispy edges!

Toss in the Sauce: While the chicken wings are baking, prepare the sauce. In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, 1/4 cup Frank’s Original Red Hot Sauce, and 1 tbsp granulated sugar (or brown sugar). Mix until smooth and well combined. Once the wings are done, transfer them to a bowl and drizzle the sauce over the top. Toss gently to coat every wing in that glorious sauce—get ready for the flavor explosion!

Storing & Reheating

Buffalo Chicken Wings can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few hours, but for longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the wings in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crisped up again. The wings may lose some crispness when reheated, but a quick stint in the oven will refresh their delightful crunch.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure the chicken wings are as dry as possible before seasoning; moisture leads to soggy skin.
Monitor the wings closely while baking; ovens can vary, and you don’t want to risk burning them.
If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with different hot sauce brands to find your perfect heat level.
For extra crispy wings, consider a final broil for a couple of minutes—but watch them closely.
Think about making the sauce in advance; it can deepen in flavor after sitting for a few hours.

There’s something undeniably special about homemade Buffalo Chicken Wings. Not only is each bite a burst of flavor, but the simple process of making them brings everyone together, making it all the more enjoyable. Feel free to tweak the recipe to make it your own, whether that’s altering the spice level or adding fun ingredients like honey or BBQ sauce. Enjoy this creation!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken wings?

Yes, you can! Just thaw the wings completely before patting them dry and seasoning. Thawing usually takes overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Can I make these wings in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 380°F and cook the wings in batches for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll achieve that crispy texture with less oil!

How can I make these wings spicier?

If you love heat, consider adding more hot sauce or incorporating some cayenne pepper into the seasoning mix. Adjust based on your preference for heat!

Are these wings gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use a gluten-free hot sauce. Double-check any labels if you’re serving those with dietary restrictions.

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Buffalo Chicken Wings

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Author: Lina
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Buffalo Chicken Wings are an irresistible blend of flavor and simplicity, perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Made with chicken wings, flavorful spices, and a delightful sauce, they guarantee satisfaction for every palate.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels.
Preheat the oven to 450°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet.
In a bowl, mix baking powder, salt, and garlic powder, then toss with the chicken wings to coat.
Arrange the coated chicken wings on the wire rack.
Bake the wings for 25 minutes, then flip them and bake for another 25 minutes until crisp and fully cooked.
In another bowl, combine the melted butter, hot sauce, and sugar to prepare the sauce.
Once baked, transfer the chicken wings to a bowl and drizzle with the prepared sauce, tossing to coat.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

For extra crispiness, ensure the wings are as dry as possible before seasoning.
Feel free to adjust the amount of hot sauce to your desired spice level.
These wings pair well with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for dipping.