Description
Enjoy the perfect combination of crispy skin, juicy meat, and a spicy, tangy kick with this easy Buffalo Chicken Wings recipe. Using simple ingredients and baking techniques, you can create restaurant-quality wings that are flavorful, crispy, and ideal for gatherings or a delicious snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Wings Preparation
- 2 pounds fresh whole chicken wings with skin on
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (not baking soda)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Buffalo Sauce
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Optional: additional garlic powder, salt, or a touch of honey to taste
- Optional spices for extra heat or smokiness: 1/4 teaspoon paprika or cayenne powder
Instructions
- Prep and Dry the Wings: Pat your chicken wings completely dry using paper towels to remove all excess moisture. This step is crucial because any water on the skin will create steam during cooking, preventing the wings from becoming crispy.
- Coat the Wings with Baking Powder and Seasoning: In a large bowl, toss the dried wings with baking powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to evenly coat them. The baking powder helps break down proteins and raise the skin’s pH, resulting in a crispy texture once baked.
- Bake the Wings: Arrange the coated wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to allow air circulation around each wing. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through the baking time to ensure they crisp evenly on all sides.
- Make the Classic Buffalo Sauce: While the wings bake, melt the unsalted butter slowly in a saucepan over low heat. Whisk in the hot sauce until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Adjust the sauce by adding additional garlic powder, salt, or honey if desired for sweetness.
- Toss and Serve: Once the wings are crisp and cooked through, immediately transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the wings and toss thoroughly until every wing is evenly coated. Serve hot with celery sticks and your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- Patience is key: Ensure wings are completely dry before seasoning to maximize crispiness.
- Use a wire rack during baking to allow air flow for even cooking and to prevent sogginess.
- Fresh wings yield better results; if using frozen wings, thaw and dry thoroughly.
- Melt butter slowly to avoid separation and maintain a smooth sauce texture.
- Customize spice levels by adjusting hot sauce and butter quantities to your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 wings
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: Buffalo chicken wings, crispy chicken wings, buffalo sauce, baked wings, spicy wings, party appetizers
