Buffalo Chicken Wings – Crispy, Saucy and Irresistible

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Buffalo Chicken Wings are more than just a game day snack—they’re a cultural icon of comfort food.

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Crispy Buffalo chicken wings coated in spicy sauce, served hot with creamy dipping sauce and celery sticks

Buffalo Chicken Wings – Crispy, Saucy and Irresistible

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These Buffalo Chicken Wings are crispy, juicy, and coated in a buttery hot sauce glaze that packs the perfect balance of heat and flavor. Ideal for game day, parties, or a family snack night, this classic appetizer is always a crowd favorite. 🥳 Serve with celery sticks and creamy dip to complete the experience. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked!

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale

  • 2 lbs chicken wings, split and tips removed

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter

  • ½ cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)

  • 1 tbsp honey (optional, for slight sweetness)

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan (optional for garnish)

  • Celery sticks, for serving

  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for dipping

Instructions

  1. Prep the Wings:
    Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure extra crispiness. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

  2. Bake or Air Fry:

    • Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Arrange wings on a lined baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes, flipping halfway.

    • Air Fryer: Cook at 380°F (190°C) for 25–28 minutes, shaking halfway.

  3. Make the Sauce:
    In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in hot sauce and honey until smooth and glossy.

  4. Coat the Wings:
    Transfer the cooked wings into a large bowl. Pour the sauce over them and toss until fully coated.

  5. Serve:
    Sprinkle with Parmesan if desired. Serve hot with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Notes

  • Extra Crispy Trick: For maximum crunch, toss wings in 1 tbsp baking powder before baking.

  • Adjust Heat: Add more butter for a milder flavor or extra hot sauce for a fiery kick.

  • Make Ahead: Bake wings ahead of time, refrigerate, and reheat in the oven before tossing with sauce.

  • Serving Tip: Always serve with cooling dips like ranch or blue cheese for balance.

  • Author: SOFIA
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snack
  • Method: Baking, Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

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Juicy chicken wings, fried or baked until perfectly crispy, then tossed in a tangy, spicy, buttery hot sauce that clings to every bite.

Fresh chicken wings with hot sauce, butter, honey, garlic, Parmesan, and spices ready for homemade Buffalo wings

Served with crisp celery sticks and a side of creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing, Buffalo wings have become a must-have dish for parties, family gatherings, and casual weeknight dinners.

But here’s the truth: you don’t need to head to a restaurant or sports bar to enjoy authentic Buffalo wings. With just a few simple ingredients and some careful cooking, you can make wings at home that are every bit as delicious—crispy on the outside, tender inside, and coated in that iconic spicy sauce.

In this complete guide, I’ll show you how to make authentic Buffalo Chicken Wings from scratch, share insider tips for maximum crispiness, and even give you variations to customize the heat level to your taste.

Why You’ll Love These Buffalo Wings

  1. Crispy Perfection – Whether baked or fried, these wings come out with a satisfying crunch.
  2. Flavor-Packed Sauce – A balance of heat, tang, and buttery richness that coats every piece.
  3. Party-Perfect – Serve them for game nights, Super Bowl parties, or casual get-togethers.
  4. Customizable Heat – From mild to extra hot, you control the spice level.
  5. Better than Takeout – Homemade means fresher, healthier, and more budget-friendly.

Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Wings

Here’s everything you’ll need:

  • 2 pounds chicken wings – Split into drumettes and flats, tips removed.
  • 1 teaspoon salt – Helps season the wings inside and out.
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly cracked for maximum flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds depth without overpowering.
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil – Helps crisp the skin in the oven.
  • ½ cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot Original preferred) – The foundation of Buffalo wing flavor.
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – Softens the heat and adds richness.
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional) – Balances out the spice with a touch of sweetness.
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing – For dipping.
  • Celery sticks – Classic refreshing side.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make the perfect Buffalo Chicken Wings at home:

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Wings

  • Start by patting the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture ensures they crisp up beautifully.
  • Place wings in a large bowl, drizzle with vegetable oil, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss well to coat.

Step 2: Choose Your Cooking Method

Option 1 – Oven-Baked Wings (Healthier)

  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
  • Arrange wings in a single layer.
  • Bake for 20 minutes, flip, then bake another 20–25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Option 2 – Deep-Fried Wings (Classic Restaurant Style)

  • Heat oil in a large pot to 375°F (190°C).
  • Fry wings in batches for 10–12 minutes, until crispy and cooked through.
  • Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Buffalo Sauce

  • In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
  • Whisk in the hot sauce until smooth and glossy.
  • Taste and adjust—add honey for sweetness, or extra hot sauce for more heat.

Step 4: Toss the Wings

  • Place cooked wings in a large bowl.
  • Pour the Buffalo sauce over them.
  • Toss until every wing is coated evenly in that fiery, buttery glaze.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

  • Arrange wings on a platter with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing.
  • Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Pro Tips for the Best Buffalo Wings

  • Dry the Wings Thoroughly – Moisture prevents crisping. Always pat them dry before seasoning.
  • Use a Wire Rack – For baking, elevating the wings helps heat circulate for extra crunch.
  • Don’t Overcrowd – Whether frying or baking, space the wings out to keep them crispy.
  • Balance the Sauce – Butter mellows the spice; honey or maple syrup can add a subtle sweetness.
  • Serve Immediately – Wings taste best right after tossing in sauce.

Flavor Variations

  • Garlic Parmesan Buffalo Wings – Add grated Parmesan and roasted garlic to the sauce.
  • Honey Buffalo Wings – Increase honey in the sauce for sweet heat.
  • Extra Spicy Buffalo Wings – Mix in cayenne pepper or hot chili flakes.
  • BBQ Buffalo Wings – Add smoky barbecue sauce to the Buffalo mix.

What to Serve with Buffalo Wings

  • Celery and carrot sticks
  • Ranch or blue cheese dip
  • French fries or sweet potato fries
  • Onion rings
  • Cold beer or lemonade

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover wings in an airtight container up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in Oven: 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes for crispy results.
  • Avoid Microwave: It makes the skin soggy.

Nutrition (Per Serving – 6 Wings)

  • Calories: 290
  • Protein: 22g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Sodium: 720mg

FAQs about Buffalo Chicken Wings

1. Can I make Buffalo wings ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the wings and store them without sauce. When ready, reheat in the oven and toss in fresh Buffalo sauce.

2. Are Buffalo wings always fried?
Traditionally, yes. But baking or air frying achieves the same crispy results with less oil.

3. Can I use boneless chicken?
Absolutely. Boneless chicken breast or thighs cut into chunks make excellent Buffalo bites.

4. What’s the difference between Buffalo sauce and hot sauce?
Buffalo sauce is hot sauce mixed with butter (and sometimes honey), creating a smoother, richer flavor.

5. How do I make them less spicy?
Use mild hot sauce or add more butter/honey to balance the heat.

Recipe Recap (Tasty Plugin Style)

Buffalo Chicken Wings

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Calories: 290 per serving

Ingredients:
Chicken wings, salt, pepper, garlic powder, oil, hot sauce, butter, honey, ranch dressing, celery sticks.

Instructions:

  1. Pat wings dry, season, and coat with oil.
  2. Bake or fry until crispy.
  3. Melt butter, whisk with hot sauce.
  4. Toss wings in sauce.
  5. Serve hot with celery and ranch.

Notes:
For crispier baked wings, let them air-dry in the fridge for 1–2 hours before cooking