Hey there my friend 👋. If you love crispy, saucy, spicy chicken wings, you are in for a treat. I am about to show you how to make the best buffalo chicken wings ever. These wings come out crispy without deep frying, and the sauce? Oh, it’s that perfect balance of heat and buttery goodness.
And guess what? You can make this in under an hour with just a few simple ingredients. Let’s get started.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or wire rack
- Measuring spoons
- Small saucepan
- Tongs
- Large spoon
- Brush (for coating the wings)
Important Info
- Servings: 12 wings (enough for 2-3 people)
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: Around $10-$15, depending on ingredient prices.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 45 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
- Calories per serving: About 90 calories per wing
- Cook method: Baking
- Season: Perfect for any season
- Courses: Appetizer, Snack, Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
- Diets: LowCarbDiet, KetoDiet, GlutenFreeDiet
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Wings
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 12 chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot or any brand you like)
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon honey
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Original Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Baking powder | Cornstarch |
| Butter | Olive oil |
| Hot sauce | Sriracha or chili sauce |
| White vinegar | Apple cider vinegar |
| Honey | Maple syrup |
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or place a wire rack on it.
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. The drier they are, the crispier they will be.
- In a large bowl, mix baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Toss the wings in this mixture until they are evenly coated.
- Place the wings on the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 20 minutes, then flip them over and bake for another 25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- While the wings are baking, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the hot sauce, vinegar, and honey. Cook for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Once the wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the wings and toss until they are well coated.
- Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.
Helpful Tips
- Pat the wings dry before seasoning. This removes moisture and helps them crisp up in the oven.
- Use baking powder, not baking soda. Baking powder helps create that crispy skin.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Give the wings space so they cook evenly.
- Flip halfway through baking. This ensures even crispiness on all sides.
- Adjust the spice level. If you want extra heat, add more cayenne or use a spicier hot sauce.
What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Wings
Buffalo wings go well with a lot of things. You can serve them with:
- Celery and carrot sticks – A classic combo that balances the heat.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing – Perfect for dipping.
- Fries – Because wings and fries are a match made in heaven.
- Garlic bread – For soaking up any leftover sauce.
How Do You Serve Buffalo Chicken Wings?
I love serving these wings in a large bowl with extra napkins on the side. They are best enjoyed hot, fresh out of the oven, with a good dipping sauce. If you have a party, you can arrange them on a platter with celery and carrots for a nice presentation.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
Buffalo wings are perfect for game nights, parties, and casual get-togethers. They are also great for:
- Super Bowl parties – A must-have on the snack table.
- BBQs and cookouts – They pair well with grilled foods.
- Movie nights – Finger food that keeps you snacking.
Storage
Short-term Storage (Room Temperature)
- These wings should be eaten fresh, but if you must keep them at room temperature, do not leave them out for more than 2 hours.
Refrigeration
- Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to get them crispy again.
Freezing
- If you want to freeze them, place the wings in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I air-fry these wings instead of baking?
Yes, you can air-fry them at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crispiness.
Can I make these wings less spicy?
Yes, you can reduce the hot sauce or mix it with more butter to tone down the heat.
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and baking.
What’s the best dipping sauce for buffalo wings?
Ranch and blue cheese dressing are the most popular choices. You can also try honey mustard if you want a sweeter dip.
Can kids eat these wings?
If they like a little spice, yes. But if they don’t, you can reduce the hot sauce or skip the cayenne pepper.
