Best Buffalo Wings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe for Best Buffalo Wings offers the perfect combination of crispy skin and juicy meat with a sauce that’s both spicy and tangy. The wings are baked (for extra crispiness) and coated with a homemade buffalo sauce made from butter and hot sauce. Whether you like your wings mild, medium, or extra hot, this recipe can be easily adjusted to suit your preferences. It’s a simple and delicious way to enjoy restaurant-quality wings at home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Wings:

• 2 lbs chicken wings (about 10-12 wings)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Buffalo Sauce:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)

• ½ cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is a popular choice)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

• Salt to taste

For Serving:

• Celery sticks

• Carrot sticks

• Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing

Directions

Preparing the Wings:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup, and place a cooling rack on top of the sheet. The cooling rack will allow the heat to circulate around the wings, making them crispier.

2. Prepare the wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting them crispy. Toss the wings in olive oil, salt, and pepper to coat them evenly.

3. Arrange on the rack: Place the wings in a single layer on the cooling rack, making sure they’re not crowded to allow air circulation.

4. Bake: Bake the wings for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. For extra crispy wings, you can broil them for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Making the Buffalo Sauce:

1. Melt the butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the hot sauce, garlic powder, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir until well combined.

2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding salt, more vinegar for tang, or cayenne pepper for more heat.

Coating the Wings:

1. Toss the wings in sauce: Once the wings are done, remove them from the oven and place them in a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the wings and toss them gently to coat them evenly.

2. Serve: Transfer the coated wings to a serving platter and serve with celery and carrot sticks, along with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Serving:

Serve the wings hot and enjoy the perfect blend of crispy, tangy, and spicy flavors.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes

• Total Time: 50-55 minutes

Variations

• Honey Buffalo Wings: Add 1-2 tablespoons of honey to the buffalo sauce for a sweet and spicy twist.

• Extra Crispy Wings: After baking, broil the wings for 1-2 minutes to achieve even crispier skin.

• Lemon Pepper Wings: Toss the cooked wings in a mixture of melted butter, lemon zest, and freshly ground black pepper for a citrusy alternative.

• Spicy Garlic Wings: Add 2-3 minced garlic cloves to the buffalo sauce for a garlicky variation, or toss the wings in a separate garlic butter sauce after baking.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover buffalo wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the wings on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through and crispy again. You can also reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-6 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make these wings in the air fryer?

Yes! Air fryer buffalo wings are quick and easy. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C), arrange the wings in a single layer, and cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I make these wings ahead of time?

You can bake the wings ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat them in the oven or air fryer, then toss with the buffalo sauce just before serving.

Can I use frozen wings?

Yes, frozen wings can be used. You will need to increase the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked and crispy.

Can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?

Absolutely! Adjust the level of heat by adding more or less hot sauce or cayenne pepper, depending on your preference. For milder wings, use a less spicy hot sauce.

Conclusion

Buffalo Wings are a classic comfort food, and this recipe for Best Buffalo Wings delivers perfectly crispy, flavorful wings every time. The spicy, tangy buffalo sauce combined with juicy, crispy chicken makes for a delicious and addictive snack. Whether you like them extra spicy or just a little bit tangy, these wings are customizable to suit your tastes. Serve them up with creamy dipping sauces, and you’ve got a winner that will be sure to impress at any gathering. Enjoy the perfect balance of heat, flavor, and crunch with every bite!

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