Buffalo chicken wings are the ultimate party food, bringing together crispy skin, succulent meat, and a flavorful spicy sauce all in one perfect bite. They strike that delightful balance between heat and tanginess that leaves you wanting one more. Whether you serve them at game day gatherings, casual family dinners, or simply on a weeknight, they always bring smiles and satisfied munching.

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

My journey with these Buffalo chicken wings began in the cozy kitchen of a friend who introduced me to the magic of homemade wing sauce. Unlike the overly sugary or bland versions often found in stores, this recipe has been fine-tuned to showcase the perfect flavor profile. It’s not just about the sauce; it’s about achieving that perfect crunch, and I’m excited for you to try these out for yourself. Trust me, once you taste your own crispy, spicy creations, you’ll never want to reach for those frozen bags again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: In just over one hour, you’ll have a delicious platter ready to share or devour alone.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of garlic powder, buttery heat from Frank’s Red Hot sauce, and a hint of sweetness creates a taste that’s hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The golden, crispy wings are sure to impress everyone at the table, whether it’s a casual night or a big game.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for snacks, parties, or even a fun dinner that’ll make everyone’s taste buds dance.
Diet-Friendly Options: While this recipe is straightforward, you can easily modify it for gluten-free diets with a few simple substitutions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 lb chicken wings: Look for fresh wings; splurging on good quality makes a noticeable difference.
1 tbsp baking powder: This helps to achieve a fantastic crunch; use aluminum-free if possible for the best results.
1 tsp fine sea salt: Enhances flavor without being overpowering.
2 tsp garlic powder: Offers a wonderful depth in flavor.
1/4 cup unsalted butter: Gives richness; unsalted lets you control the overall saltiness of the dish.
1/4 cup Frank’s Original Red Hot Sauce: The ideal sauce for classic Buffalo flavor; it adds the right amount of heat and tanginess.
1 tbsp granulated sugar or brown sugar: A touch of sweetness balances the heat beautifully.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Wings

Pat Dry: Start by thoroughly patting the chicken wings dry with a paper towel. This crucial step helps them become more crispy during the cooking process. Preheat your oven to 450°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Position a wire rack over the pan to allow for proper air circulation, which will ensure even cooking.

Mix and Coat: In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp baking powder, 1 tsp fine sea salt, and 2 tsp garlic powder. Sprinkle this mixture over the chicken wings. Toss everything together until the chicken is well coated for that delicious crunch. This step often gets overlooked, but it’s key to achieving the fantastic texture of your buffalo wings.

Bake Until Crispy: Arrange the wings on the wire rack, ensuring they are not touching which will help them develop that perfect crispiness. Bake the wings for 25 minutes, then flip them over and bake for another 25 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy. When they reach that delicious stage—just look for a bubbling appearance and a crisp texture—you know they’re almost ready.

Prepare the Sauce: While the wings bake, let’s make the sauce! In a medium-size bowl, mix together 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, 1/4 cup Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, and 1 tbsp granulated sugar (or brown sugar if you prefer). Stir until combined and set aside; the smell will be enticing, making it hard to wait!

Coat and Serve: Once your wings are out of the oven, transfer them to a large bowl. Drizzle the sauce you prepared over the hot wings, tossing everything to ensure each piece is covered in that spicy goodness. Serve them up immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, from cooling ranch to tangy blue cheese, and watch how quickly they disappear!

Storing & Reheating

If you have any leftovers (though they may not last long!), store the wings at room temperature for up to two hours. For longer storage, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. You can also freeze the wings for up to three months; just ensure they are well-sealed. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes to restore the crispiness. Keep in mind that reheated wings may lose a bit of their initial crunch, but a quick broil for the last few minutes can often help!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Soggy Wings: Make sure to pat the chicken wings completely dry before seasoning them. Moisture will prevent them from getting crispy.
Coat and Bake: Apply even seasoning to all wings by tossing thoroughly; uneven seasoning can lead to inconsistent flavors.
Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Make Ahead: You can season and prepare the wings a few hours early; just bake right before serving for the freshest taste.
Flavorful Variations: Experiment with different seasonings or sauces—honey garlic or teriyaki can introduce exciting new twists.

There you have it! You’re equipped with everything you need to create the perfect plate of Buffalo chicken wings. They’re easy to make, incredibly tasty, and will surely impress your family and friends. Whether you choose to stick with the classic flavor or explore your culinary creativity, I hope you enjoy every crispy, spicy bite. These wings are the perfect choice for any occasion, combining simple ingredients to create a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken wings?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the frozen chicken wings in the refrigerator before proceeding with this recipe. This ensures even cooking and crispiness. Additionally, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for the chill of the meat.

Can I grill the wings instead of baking?

Yes! If you prefer that smoky flavor, feel free to grill the wings. Marinate them in the same spice mix, then grill over medium heat for about 30 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re fully cooked. Don’t forget to toss them in the sauce just before serving.

What can I substitute for Frank’s Red Hot Sauce?

If you can’t find Frank’s, any medium-heat hot sauce will usually work. Just keep in mind that different sauces can vary in flavor and heat, so adjust the amount of sugar and butter to balance the heat if necessary.

How do I make these wings spicy?

To really crank up the heat, consider adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the coating mix before baking. You could even include diced jalapeños in the sauce for an added kick. Enjoy tailoring the spice level to your preference!

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Buffalo Chicken Wings

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

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Description

These Buffalo Chicken Wings are irresistible with their perfectly crispy skin and spicy flavor. A simple recipe that is great for parties or a cozy dinner!

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 your oven to 450˚F and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil, placing a wire rack on top.
Mix the baking powder, salt, and garlic powder in a bowl, then sprinkle over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
Arrange the coated chicken on the wire rack you've prepared.
Bake the chicken for 25 minutes, flip them, and continue baking for another 25 minutes until they are crisp and cooked through.
In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, hot sauce, and sugar to create the sauce.
Transfer the cooked chicken to a bowl, drizzle the sauce over them, and toss to ensure they are well coated in the sauce.

Notes

Use aluminum-free baking powder for the best results.
Make sure to pat the wings dry thoroughly for extra crispiness.
Feel free to adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your spice preference.