Baked Buffalo Wings: The Ultimate Crispy & Flavorful Recipe

Baked Buffalo Wings: Prepare to ditch the deep fryer and embrace a healthier, yet equally delicious, way to enjoy your favorite game-day snack! Forget greasy fingers and excessive calories; these oven-baked wings deliver the same fiery flavor and crispy skin you crave, without the guilt.

Buffalo wings, a true American classic, originated in 1964 at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York. Legend has it that Teressa Bellissimo whipped them up as a late-night snack for her son and his friends. Little did she know, she was creating a culinary sensation that would sweep the nation! From humble beginnings, these spicy, tangy wings have become synonymous with good times, friendly gatherings, and, of course, football season.

What’s not to love? The combination of crispy chicken skin, a vinegary, buttery hot sauce, and a cooling blue cheese dip is simply irresistible. People adore baked Buffalo wings because they offer a satisfying crunch, a flavorful kick, and are surprisingly easy to make at home. Plus, baking them is a fantastic way to reduce the fat content without sacrificing any of the flavor. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the ultimate baked Buffalo wings recipe that will have everyone cheering for more!

Ingredients:

• 2.5 lbs chicken wings, separated at the joints, tips discarded
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder

Buffalo Wing Sauce:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce (or your favorite hot sauce)
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

Blue Cheese Dressing (Optional):

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1 tbsp milk (or more, to thin)
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preparing the Wings:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is crucial for getting the wings crispy. Make sure your oven is properly preheated before you start.
2. Prepare the wings. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This is a very important step! Removing excess moisture helps the wings crisp up beautifully in the oven. Don’t skip this!
3. Combine the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. The baking powder is the secret ingredient that helps the wings get extra crispy without deep frying.
4. Coat the wings. Add the dried wings to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Toss the wings until they are evenly coated with the mixture. Make sure every wing is well covered for maximum crispiness and flavor.
5. Arrange the wings on a baking sheet. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This makes cleanup much easier. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack, making sure they are not touching. The wire rack allows air to circulate around the wings, promoting even cooking and crisping. If you don’t have a wire rack, you can place the wings directly on the baking sheet, but they might not be as crispy on the bottom.

Baking the Wings:

1. Bake the wings. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
2. Flip the wings. After 30 minutes, carefully flip the wings using tongs. This ensures that both sides of the wings cook evenly and get crispy.
3. Continue baking. Continue baking for another 20-30 minutes, or until the wings are golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the wing.
4. Check for doneness. The wings are done when the skin is crispy and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork. If the wings are not crispy enough, you can broil them for a few minutes at the end, but watch them carefully to prevent burning.

Making the Buffalo Wing Sauce:

1. Melt the butter. While the wings are baking, prepare the buffalo wing sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the hot sauce. Once the butter is melted, add the Frank’s RedHot sauce (or your favorite hot sauce), white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. If you want extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
3. Simmer the sauce. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is slightly thickened. This allows the flavors to meld together.
4. Taste and adjust. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more hot sauce for more heat, or more butter for a richer flavor.

Coating the Wings with Sauce:

1. Remove the wings from the oven. Once the wings are cooked through and crispy, remove them from the oven.
2. Toss the wings in sauce. Place the baked wings in a large bowl. Pour the buffalo wing sauce over the wings and toss until they are evenly coated. Make sure every wing is covered in the delicious sauce.
3. Serve immediately. Serve the buffalo wings immediately with blue cheese dressing (optional), celery sticks, and carrot sticks.

Making the Blue Cheese Dressing (Optional):

1. Combine the ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, crumbled blue cheese, milk, white vinegar, and garlic powder.
2. Mix well. Stir until well combined. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
3. Season to taste. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Chill before serving. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. This also helps the dressing thicken.

Tips for the Best Baked Buffalo Wings:

• Use baking powder. Baking powder is the key to crispy baked wings. It helps to draw out moisture from the skin, resulting in a crispy texture.
• Dry the wings thoroughly. Patting the wings dry with paper towels before coating them with the dry ingredients is essential for achieving crispy skin.
• Use a wire rack. Baking the wings on a wire rack allows air to circulate around them, promoting even cooking and crisping.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure they are not touching. Overcrowding the baking sheet will steam the wings instead of baking them, resulting in soggy wings.
• Adjust the heat to your liking. You can adjust the amount of hot sauce in the buffalo wing sauce to control the level of spiciness.
• Make the sauce ahead of time. The buffalo wing sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Serve immediately. Buffalo wings are best served immediately after they are cooked and sauced. This ensures that they are crispy and flavorful.

Variations:

• Honey Garlic Wings: Substitute the buffalo wing sauce with a honey garlic sauce made with honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
• Lemon Pepper Wings: Toss the baked wings with lemon pepper seasoning and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
• BBQ Wings: Coat the baked wings with your favorite BBQ sauce.
• Teriyaki Wings: Use teriyaki sauce instead of buffalo sauce.
• Spicy Mango Habanero Wings: Add mango puree and finely chopped habanero peppers to the buffalo wing sauce for a sweet and spicy kick. Be careful with the habaneros, they are very hot!

Serving Suggestions:

• Celery and Carrot Sticks: Serve the buffalo wings with celery and carrot sticks for a refreshing and crunchy side.
• Blue Cheese or Ranch Dressing: Offer blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.
• French Fries: Serve with crispy french fries for a classic game day meal.
• Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw is a great way to balance the spiciness of the wings.
• Potato Salad: Potato salad is another classic side dish that pairs well with buffalo wings.

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigerate: Store leftover buffalo wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Reheat the wings in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they will not be as crispy.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving):

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

• Calories: 450-550
• Fat: 30-40g
• Saturated Fat: 15-20g
• Cholesterol: 150-180mg
• Sodium: 1000-1200mg
• Carbohydrates: 5-10g
• Protein: 30-40g

Enjoy your delicious homemade baked buffalo wings! They’re perfect for game day, parties, or any time you’re craving a flavorful and satisfying snack.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Baked Buffalo Wings are truly a game-changer. Forget the greasy, deep-fried versions – this recipe delivers all the fiery flavor and crispy skin you crave, without the extra calories and mess. I promise, once you try baking your wings this way, you’ll never go back. The secret lies in the baking powder and the high heat, which work together to create that irresistible crunch.

But why are these wings a must-try? It’s simple: they’re incredibly easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and are ready in under an hour. Plus, they’re a crowd-pleaser, perfect for game day, parties, or even a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. The flavor is bold and tangy, with just the right amount of heat to keep you coming back for more. And let’s be honest, who can resist a perfectly cooked, saucy buffalo wing?

Now, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations. While these wings are fantastic on their own, they’re even better when paired with some classic sides. I highly recommend serving them with a creamy blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping. Celery and carrot sticks are also a must for that refreshing crunch. For a more substantial meal, consider adding a side of coleslaw or potato salad.

Feeling adventurous? Why not experiment with different sauces? While I’m a huge fan of the classic buffalo sauce, you can easily customize these wings to your liking. Try a honey garlic glaze for a sweeter flavor, a teriyaki sauce for an Asian-inspired twist, or a spicy barbecue sauce for a smoky kick. You can even create your own signature sauce by combining your favorite ingredients. Don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun with it!

Another variation to consider is the level of spiciness. If you prefer a milder flavor, simply reduce the amount of hot sauce in the recipe. Conversely, if you’re a heat seeker, feel free to add more hot sauce or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. Remember to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your preference.

These Baked Buffalo Wings are also incredibly versatile. You can use them in a variety of dishes, such as buffalo chicken wraps, salads, or even pizza toppings. The possibilities are endless!

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe. It’s a guaranteed hit with family and friends, and it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the best baked buffalo wings you’ve ever tasted.

I can’t wait to hear about your experience! Please, give this recipe a try and share your thoughts in the comments below. Let me know what variations you tried, what sides you served them with, and how much everyone enjoyed them. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to create even better recipes for you in the future. Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious, crispy, and flavorful Baked Buffalo Wings! Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me on social media – I’d love to see your creations!