These buffalo chicken wings are a game-changer for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to parties and game day snacks. Coated in a spicy, tangy buffalo sauce and baked to crispy perfection, they’re sure to please anyone who loves bold flavors. Whether you’re dipping them in creamy blue cheese or ranch, these wings are the ultimate crowd-pleaser!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 10 whole chicken wings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- Blue cheese dressing for dipping (optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Toss the wings in the flour mixture, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
- Place the coated wings on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until wings are crispy and golden.
- While the wings bake, prepare the buffalo sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add hot sauce and vinegar, stirring until combined. Remove from heat.
- Once the wings are done, remove from the oven and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the wings and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks on the side if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Kcal: 290 per serving | Servings: 4
History and Origin of Buffalo Chicken Wings
Buffalo chicken wings are a beloved American dish that originated in Buffalo, New York, in 1964 at the Anchor Bar. According to legend, the dish was created by Teressa Bellissimo, who tossed leftover chicken wings in a spicy sauce made from hot sauce and butter to serve as a late-night snack for her son and his friends. The wings quickly gained popularity and became a staple of American cuisine, particularly at bars and sports events. Buffalo wings are often served with celery and blue cheese dressing to balance the heat of the sauce. Today, they’re enjoyed globally, with numerous variations on the original recipe.
What Makes These Wings Restaurant-Style?
The key to achieving restaurant-style buffalo chicken wings at home is ensuring they’re crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside. Coating the wings with a seasoned flour mixture before baking or frying helps achieve the perfect crispy texture. Baking them at a high temperature ensures the wings cook evenly without drying out. Tossing the wings in a buttery hot sauce mixture right after cooking gives them the signature restaurant-style flavor—rich, spicy, and perfectly coated. For an extra touch of authenticity, serve them with blue cheese dressing and crispy celery sticks.
Tips for Perfect Buffalo Wings
- For even crispier wings, consider double-baking them: bake them for 20 minutes, then flip and bake again for an additional 10 minutes.
- If you prefer to fry the wings instead of baking them, heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C) and fry the wings for 8-10 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Feel free to adjust the heat of the buffalo sauce by adding more cayenne pepper or using a hotter sauce.
- For a milder version, reduce the amount of cayenne and serve with ranch dressing instead of blue cheese.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of buffalo chicken wings (approximately 3 wings) contains around 290 calories, making it a flavorful yet indulgent option. If you’re looking to lower the calorie count, you can bake the wings without the flour coating or opt for a lighter sauce. Additionally, you can use boneless chicken tenders instead of wings for a leaner version.
Serving Suggestions
Buffalo chicken wings are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways to complement the dish. Traditionally, they are served with:
- Celery Sticks: The crunch of fresh celery balances the spiciness of the wings and provides a refreshing contrast.
- Blue Cheese Dressing: This creamy, tangy dressing is the classic dipping sauce for buffalo wings. It helps cool down the heat and adds a rich flavor.
- Ranch Dressing: For those who prefer a milder dip, ranch dressing is a popular alternative to blue cheese.
- French Fries or Potato Wedges: Crispy potatoes are a great side dish to serve with buffalo wings. You can even drizzle some buffalo sauce over the fries for extra flavor.
- Coleslaw: A light and tangy coleslaw provides a crisp, refreshing contrast to the spiciness of the wings.
- Corn on the Cob: A side of corn on the cob, either grilled or boiled, makes for a satisfying complement to the wings.
Variations on Buffalo Chicken Wings
While traditional buffalo wings are always a crowd-pleaser, there are several variations you can try to switch things up:
- BBQ Buffalo Wings: Add a bit of sweetness to your buffalo sauce by mixing in barbecue sauce. This creates a tangy, smoky flavor profile that’s perfect for those who prefer a milder spice level.
- Garlic Parmesan Buffalo Wings: After tossing the wings in buffalo sauce, drizzle them with a garlic and Parmesan cheese mixture for a rich, savory flavor.
- Honey Buffalo Wings: For a sweet and spicy twist, add honey to the buffalo sauce. The sweetness helps balance out the heat and gives the wings a delicious glaze.
- Spicy Mango Buffalo Wings: For a fruity and fiery take, incorporate mango puree or mango hot sauce into the buffalo sauce for an exotic twist.
- Buffalo Cauliflower Wings: For a vegetarian alternative, try making buffalo cauliflower wings by battering and baking cauliflower florets in the same seasoned flour mixture.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, buffalo wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the wings on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Alternatively, you can reheat them in an air fryer for 5-7 minutes to maintain their crispy texture.
Conclusion
Buffalo chicken wings are the perfect dish for any occasion—whether it’s a game day snack, a party appetizer, or a casual weeknight dinner. With the right balance of spicy buffalo sauce and crispy chicken, these wings are sure to be a hit. The best part? They’re easy to make at home, so you can enjoy restaurant-quality wings without leaving the comfort of your own kitchen. Don’t forget to pair them with your favorite sides and dipping sauces to elevate your meal!