Buffalo Chicken Wings have a reputation for being the life of the party. When those spicy, crispy wings make their grand entrance, they instantly become the star of any gathering. Each bite is a satisfying crunch followed by a burst of flavor that dances on your taste buds. There’s just something undeniably irresistible about the combination of tender chicken enveloped in a bold sauce, especially when dipped in a cool ranch or blue cheese dressing. Whether you’re hosting a game day get-together or simply indulging on a cozy movie night, making these crispy wings at home elevates your experience beyond what any restaurant can offer.

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 still recall the first time I made Buffalo Chicken Wings from scratch. It was a rainy weekend afternoon, and I craved comfort food. I rummaged through my kitchen, finding chicken wings tucked away in the freezer. With a few pantry staples and a hot oven, I created a dish that made my taste buds sing. Ever since, this easy recipe has become a staple in my cooking repertoire, and I’m excited to share it with you. Let’s get started and whip up some wings worthy of your favorite sports event or simply a treat for yourself!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep time and 60 minutes in the oven, you can have delicious wings ready to enjoy.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of spicy Frank’s Red Hot sauce and buttery richness creates a sauce that’s both zesty and satisfying.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The crispy exterior and vibrant red glaze are sure to impress anyone you serve these to.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for parties, casual snacking, or even as a fun dinner option; these wings fit any occasion.
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: Wings and drummettes split, with the wingtips removed, ensures a crispier texture.
1 tbsp baking powder: Aluminum-free is preferred, as it helps achieve that fantastic crispiness without imparting a metallic taste.
1 tsp fine sea salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken, ensuring every bite is seasoned well.
2 tsp garlic powder: Adds a warm, subtle garlic flavor that complements the spice of the wings perfectly.
1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted): This is essential for creating a rich sauce that adheres beautifully to the wings.
1/4 cup Frank’s Original Red Hot Sauce: The classic choice for Buffalo sauce; it delivers the right amount of heat and flavor.
1 tbsp granulated sugar (or brown sugar): A touch of sweetness balances the heat from the hot sauce for a perfectly rounded flavor.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Wings

Prepare the Chicken: Thoroughly pat dry the 3 lb chicken wings with a paper towel—this step is crucial for getting that crispiness we all crave. Next, preheat your oven to 450°F. Don’t skip this part; a hot oven is your friend for perfect wings. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack over it to allow the heat to circulate around the chicken.

Mix the Seasoning: In a bowl, combine 1 tbsp baking powder, 1 tsp fine sea salt, and 2 tsp garlic powder. Sprinkle this mixture over the wings and toss them to ensure an even coating. The baking powder works its magic during baking, creating that delightful crunch on the outside.

Bake to Perfection: Arrange the wings in a single layer on that wire rack. Bake for 25 minutes, then flip those wings over and bake for another 25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re fragrant, and the edges look perfectly crunchy.

Make the Sauce: While the wings are baking, take a moment to prepare your 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). Whisk these together until smooth. This sauce is the cherry on top of your wing experience—make sure it’s ready when the wings come out of the oven!

Coat the Wings: Once the wings are done, transfer them from the baking sheet to a mixing bowl. Drizzle your homemade sauce over the wings, tossing gently to coat each wing evenly. The moment you toss in that sauce will be one of the best parts; the scent fills the air, promising delicious bites ahead.

Serve and Enjoy: Finally, plate up your sauced wings and serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, be it ranch, blue cheese, or even a zesty yogurt dip. Gather your friends or keep them all to yourself—there’s no wrong way to enjoy these Buffalo Chicken Wings!

Storing & Reheating

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), store your wings in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours. For longer storage, refrigerate them in a sealed container, where they’ll be good for about 3 days. Want to save them for later? Freeze the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through. Keep in mind that reheating might alter the crispiness slightly, but a quick broil at the end can help refresh that enjoyable crunch.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure your wings are dry before baking; the dryer they are, the crispier they’ll get.
Using a wire rack elevates the chicken, allowing air to circulate, ensuring even cooking and that perfect texture.
If you’re short on time, feel free to use pre-packaged wings; just watch for cooking times based on their size.
Experiment with your sauce by adding different spices or double the sugar for a sweeter profile if you prefer less heat.
For bigger gatherings, consider making a double batch—these wings disappear fast!
If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing up the sauce by adding honey, garlic, or even a splash of soy sauce for a unique twist.

Buffalo Chicken Wings are a fantastic dish that can easily become a beloved addition to your family’s recipe collection. The balance of flavors, the crispy texture, and the versatility of serving make it a perfect choice for any occasion. So why not give it a try? You just might discover a new favorite way to bring friends and family together. Enjoy the process, get creative with your flavors, and savor each delicious mouthful.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken wings?

Yes! You can use frozen chicken wings, but be sure to thaw them completely before starting the recipe for the best texture and flavor. It’s best to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for optimal safety and quality.

Can I bake these wings instead of frying?

Absolutely! This recipe is designed for baking, which keeps them crispy without the mess of frying. The baking powder trick really helps achieve that fried-like texture.

How can I make the wings spicier?

If you crave a bit more heat, consider doubling the amount of Frank’s Original Red Hot Sauce or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the spice level. You can always adjust the measurements to suit your taste!

What’s the best dipping sauce for Buffalo Chicken Wings?

Ranch dressing and blue cheese dressing are the classic pairings for Buffalo Chicken Wings; however, a yogurt dip or even a spicy sriracha mayo can bring a refreshing twist. Choose whatever suits your palate!

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Buffalo Chicken Wings

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

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Description

Buffalo Chicken Wings offer a delightful crunchy exterior with juicy, tender chicken inside. With just a few simple ingredients, these wings are baked to perfection, making them an ideal comfort food for game day or any casual gathering.

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 using a paper towel.
Preheat the oven to 450˚F and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil; place a wire rack over the pan.
In a bowl, mix baking powder, salt, and garlic powder, then sprinkle over the chicken wings and toss to coat.
Arrange the coated chicken wings on the prepared wire rack.
Bake for 25 minutes, then flip the wings and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until crisp and fully cooked.
In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, hot sauce, and sugar.
Remove the chicken from the oven, transfer it to a bowl, drizzle the sauce over the wings, and toss to coat evenly.

Notes

For a hotter wing, increase the amount of hot sauce.
Ensure wings are well dried to achieve maximum crispiness during baking.
Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for a classic touch.