Baked Buffalo Wings

Introduction

If there’s one snack that gets the crowd going, it’s buffalo wings. Whether you’re hosting a game-day get-together, a casual dinner, or just craving a spicy, crispy treat, baked buffalo wings are a perfect choice. These wings are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and drenched in that tangy, spicy buffalo sauce that makes every bite irresistible. And the best part? You don’t need to deep fry them to get that perfect crispy skin. These wings are baked to perfection in the oven, which means they’re a little lighter without compromising on flavor. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a go-to recipe in your rotation.

Why You’ll Love These Baked Buffalo Wings

Crispy, without the frying: No need to fuss with hot oil or messy deep frying. These wings are baked to golden, crispy perfection.

Easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can create restaurant-worthy wings right in your own kitchen.

Perfectly saucy: The buffalo sauce is tangy, spicy, and buttery—just the way it should be!

Customizable: Adjust the spice level to your liking, and experiment with different sauces or marinades.

Family-friendly: These wings are loved by everyone, from kids to adults. They’re perfect for game nights, parties, or a fun dinner.

A Personal Story Behind These Wings

I’ve been making buffalo wings for years, and I have to say, they hold a special place in my heart. I remember the first time I made them—crispy on the outside and dripping with sauce, just like I’d had at a local bar. The first bite was magical. Since then, I’ve perfected this baked version. It’s much less messy, and I love knowing I can serve up a batch of these without worrying about deep-frying them in a pool of oil. They’re always a hit, and it’s my go-to recipe when I’m craving something spicy and satisfying.

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 45 minutes (including prep and baking time)

Servings: 4-6 servings (depending on how hungry your crowd is)

Nutrition Facts:

Calories per serving: 350

Protein: 25g

Carbs: 3g

Fat: 28g

Ingredients

wings:

2 lbs chicken wings, tips removed and separated into drumettes and flats

olive oil

garlic powder

onion powder

smoked paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

buffalo sauce:

1/2 cup buffalo sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for heat)

Why These Ingredients Matter

Chicken wings: The star of the show! You can use fresh or frozen wings, but I find that fresh wings crisp up beautifully in the oven.

Olive oil: This helps coat the wings for a crisp texture. It’s key to ensuring that golden brown crunch we all love.

Garlic powder & onion powder: These bring savory flavor to the wings before the buffalo sauce takes over.

Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness that complements the spicy buffalo sauce.

Buffalo sauce: The tangy, spicy, and buttery sauce is the signature of any buffalo wing.

Butter: To create that rich, glossy buffalo sauce we all crave.

Honey: A touch of honey balances the heat and adds a slight sweetness.

Worcestershire sauce: Adds a deep umami flavor to the buffalo sauce.

Cayenne pepper: This lets you control the heat. Adjust based on your spice tolerance!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now let’s get down to the fun part—making these wings!

Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the perfect temperature to get the wings crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Prepare the wings: If your chicken wings are frozen, make sure to thaw them first. Pat them dry with paper towels—this step is crucial for achieving that crispy skin! You want to remove as much moisture as possible. Once dry, place the wings in a large bowl.

Season the wings: Drizzle the wings with olive oil and toss them to coat evenly. Then, sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the wings. Toss again to ensure that all the wings are coated in the seasoning.

Arrange the wings on a baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the sheet (if you have one). The wire rack allows the heat to circulate around the wings, making them extra crispy. Arrange the wings in a single layer, making sure they’re not crowded.

Bake the wings: Bake the wings in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. Halfway through baking, flip the wings to ensure they cook evenly on both sides. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and crispy, with an internal temperature of 165°F.

Make the buffalo sauce: While the wings are baking, prepare the buffalo sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the buffalo sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.

Toss the wings in sauce: Once the wings are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven. Place the wings in a large bowl and pour the buffalo sauce over them. Toss the wings to coat them in the sauce. Be sure to coat each wing evenly with the sauce—every bite should be bursting with flavor!

Serve and enjoy: Transfer the saucy wings to a serving platter, and serve them with your favorite sides. They’re best enjoyed hot and fresh!

How to Serve These Baked Buffalo Wings

These wings are perfect on their own, but you can also get creative with how you serve them. Here are a few ideas:

Classic blue cheese or ranch dip: Serve alongside creamy dips to balance out the heat.

Celery and carrots: These crunchy veggies provide a nice contrast to the spicy wings.

Fries or onion rings: If you’re looking for a hearty side, fries or onion rings are always a good choice.

Grilled corn on the cob: For a summer vibe, serve with grilled corn.

Additional Tips for Perfect Wings

Pat the wings dry: This step is crucial! Dry wings will crisp up better in the oven.

Use a wire rack: If you don’t have a wire rack, you can skip it, but the wings may not be as crispy. The wire rack lets the heat circulate, helping to crisp up the skin.

Season well: Don’t skip the seasoning before baking—this adds flavor to the wings even before the buffalo sauce hits.

Bake at a high temperature: High heat helps crisp up the skin and cook the wings quickly, keeping them tender inside.

Rest the wings: Let the wings rest for a minute or two after tossing them in sauce so they don’t become soggy.

Recipe Variations

There are so many ways to customize these wings. Here are a few variations to try:

Extra crispy: If you like your wings extra crispy, broil them for 2-3 minutes after baking. This gives the skin a nice char without frying.

Spicy buffalo sauce: Add more cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce to the buffalo sauce for extra heat.

Mild buffalo sauce: If you’re serving a crowd with varying spice preferences, make a milder version of the buffalo sauce by reducing the cayenne or omitting it entirely.

Honey BBQ buffalo wings: Add a little BBQ sauce to the buffalo sauce for a sweet and smoky twist.

Freezing and Storing Baked Buffalo Wings

These wings are perfect for making in advance or storing for later. Here’s how you can freeze and store them:

Storage: Store leftover baked buffalo wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to get them crispy again.

Freezing: To freeze, place the cooked wings on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through.

FAQ Section

Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can bake the wings and store them in the fridge, then toss them in the buffalo sauce when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use frozen wings? Absolutely. Just make sure to thaw them before baking for the best results.

Can I bake the wings without a wire rack? Yes, but the wings may not be as crispy. If you don’t have a wire rack, flip the wings halfway through cooking to help them crisp up.

What can I use if I don’t have buffalo sauce? You can make your own buffalo sauce using hot sauce, butter, and vinegar or use a different wing sauce of your choice!

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Conclusion

These baked buffalo wings are an absolute game-changer. They’re crispy, flavorful, and easy to make—perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the big game, or just craving a delicious snack, these wings are sure to satisfy. So, get in the kitchen and give them a try! Don’t forget to tag me on social media and share your wing creations. I can’t wait to see how they turn out!