There’s something absolutely irresistible about Buffalo Chicken Wings. Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, these wings are coated in a tangy, fiery sauce that dances on your taste buds and leaves you craving more. If you’ve ever ordered wings at your favorite bar or fast food joint, you know they can be hit or miss — often either too greasy or lacking that crucial spicy kick. Luckily, this homemade recipe turns out perfectly crispy and bursting with flavor every single time, making it perfect for gatherings, game days, or simply satisfying your cravings at home.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Wings
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Buffalo Chicken Wings

When I first tackled the challenge of making Buffalo wings, I was pleasantly surprised at how simple it was. All you need are a handful of ingredients and a bit of time, and you’ll be rewarded with a finger-licking feast that will rival any restaurant version. Not only is this recipe budget-friendly, but it’s also a sure crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep and an hour of cooking, you’ll have delicious wings ready to go.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of buttery hot sauce envelops crispy wings that you simply can’t resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Golden-brown wings not only taste great but look enticing enough to impress your friends and family.
Flexible Serving: These wings are perfect for game nights, parties, or a cozy night in with your favorite film.
Diet-Friendly Options: By modifying the sauce or serving them plain, you can easily cater to different dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 lb chicken wings: Choose fresh wings for best results. If frozen, ensure they’re completely thawed before cooking.
1 tbsp baking powder: Helps achieve that perfect crispy texture without frying — don’t use regular baking soda!
1 tsp fine sea salt: Enhances the flavor and helps draw moisture out for crispier skin.
2 tsp garlic powder: Adds a delicious depth of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the hot sauce.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Creates a rich base for the sauce, balancing the heat.
1/4 cup Frank’s Original Red Hot Sauce: This is the classic choice that gives Buffalo wings their signature taste; feel free to experiment with your favorite hot sauce for different flavors.
1 tbsp granulated sugar, or brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to offset the spiciness.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Wings

Prepare the Chicken: Thoroughly pat dry the chicken wings with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispier result. Preheat your oven to 450˚F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack over the top; this setup allows hot air to circulate around the wings while they bake.

Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine 1 tbsp baking powder, 1 tsp fine sea salt, and 2 tsp garlic powder. Sprinkle this mixture over the chicken wings, tossing everything together until each wing is evenly coated. This step is crucial for that crispiness we love!

Bake the Chicken: Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on the prepared wire rack. Place them in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. After the first bake, flip each wing over and bake for another 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You’ll notice a delightful aroma filling your kitchen around the 30-minute mark — that’s your cue to get excited!

Make the Sauce: While the wings are baking, combine 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, 1/4 cup Frank’s Original Red Hot Sauce, and 1 tbsp granulated sugar (or brown sugar) in a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth, and adjust to taste; if you love it spicy, feel free to add a bit more hot sauce.

Sauce and Serve: Once the chicken wings are done baking, transfer them to a large bowl or a serving platter. Drizzle the prepared sauce over the wings and toss to coat them evenly. For a complete experience, serve these Buffalo wings with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or blue cheese, and enjoy!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover wings at room temperature for up to 2 hours. For longer storage, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat in the oven at 350˚F for about 10-15 minutes. The texture may soften a little, so if you crave that initial crisp, pop them under the broiler for a couple of minutes.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure your wings are completely dry before seasoning to guarantee crispiness.
Avoid overcrowding the wings on the rack to allow hot air to circulate freely.
For maximum flavor, let the chicken marinate in the dry seasoning for an hour or up to overnight if you have time.
Experiment with various hot sauces to find your perfect heat level.
If you prefer to fry the wings, heat your oil to 375˚F and fry in small batches until golden brown.

These crispy Buffalo chicken wings are truly special, offering not just a taste but a fantastic culinary experience. They’re easy to whip up, have that perfect crunch, and pack a punch of flavor. Whether you’re binge-watching your favorite show, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, these wings are sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to make adjustments or get creative with the sauce — there’s beauty in experimenting!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken wings?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. It’s best to let them rest in the refrigerator overnight rather than using a microwave, which can change the wing texture.

How do I keep my wings crispy?

Patting the wings dry before seasoning is essential. The baking powder is also a game-changer in achieving that irresistibly crispy texture.

Can I make wings in an air fryer?

Yes! For air-fried wings, season them the same way and cook them in the air fryer at 375˚F for about 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through until they’re crispy.

What sides pair well with Buffalo wings?

Buffalo wings are fantastically versatile! Pair them with celery and carrot sticks for a refreshing crunch, and don’t forget a side of your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or feta blue cheese.

More Desserts & Appetizers Recipes

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip

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Buffalo Chicken Wings

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Author: Jennifer
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Enjoy irresistible Buffalo Chicken Wings featuring crispy skin and a spicy kick, perfect for game day or a quick dinner. Simple to prepare and packed with flavor, this homemade dish will satisfy any craving.

Ingredients

Scale

3 lb chicken wings, wings and drummettes split, wingtips removed
1 tbsp baking powder, (use aluminum free)
1 tsp fine sea salt
2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup franks original red hot sauce
1 tbsp granulated sugar, or brown sugar

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Instructions

Pat the chicken wings dry using a paper towel and preheat your oven to 450°F.
Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack over it.
Mix baking powder, sea salt, and garlic powder in a bowl, then sprinkle over the chicken and toss to coat.
Arrange the coated chicken wings on the wire rack in a single layer.
Bake the wings for 25 minutes, then flip them over and bake for another 25 minutes or until they are crispy and fully cooked.
In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, Frank's hot sauce, and sugar.
Once baked, transfer the chicken wings to a bowl, drizzle the sauce over them, and toss to ensure they are evenly coated. Serve with your preferred dipping sauce.

Notes

For extra crispiness, ensure the chicken wings are thoroughly dried before seasoning.
Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing for a classic combo.
These wings can be made ahead and reheated in the oven for a quick snack.