Buffalo wings are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties, game nights, or any casual gathering. Crispy, spicy, and served with a cooling dip, they are a must-have dish that will leave your guests begging for more. This recipe is simple yet delivers bold flavors that you and your friends will love. Follow the steps below to create your own mouthwatering buffalo wings from scratch, and get ready to impress!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 1/2 cup hot sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Celery sticks (for serving)
- Blue cheese dressing (for dipping)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is 15 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 40 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (about 8 wings) contains approximately 450 calories, 30g fat, 35g protein, and 1g carbohydrates. This nutritional information is for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rinse the chicken wings and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, toss the wings with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Spread the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then flip the wings.
- Bake for an additional 20 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
- While the wings are baking, prepare the buffalo sauce by melting butter in a saucepan.
- Stir in hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
- Once the wings are done baking, toss them in the buffalo sauce until well coated.
- Serve hot with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute chicken wings with drumsticks or boneless chicken pieces for a different texture. If you prefer a milder flavor, use a mild hot sauce or add honey to balance the heat.
Serving and Pairings
Buffalo wings pair perfectly with celery sticks and carrot sticks. They also go well with a side of crispy fries or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover buffalo wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just thaw and reheat before serving.
Cooking Mistakes
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; wings need space for even cooking.
- Avoid using frozen wings as they won’t cook evenly.
- Don’t skip drying the wings before seasoning; moisture prevents crispiness.
- Be careful not to burn the sauce when heating it.
- Don’t skip flipping the wings for even cooking.
Helpful Tips
- For extra crispiness, broil the wings for the last few minutes of baking.
- Experiment with different hot sauces for unique flavors.
- Make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
- Use a deep fryer for even crispier wings.
FAQs
Can I bake buffalo wings instead of frying them?
Yes, baking is a healthier option and can yield crispy wings when done correctly. Following the baking method in this recipe will help ensure they turn out great.
What is the best sauce for buffalo wings?
The classic buffalo sauce is made from hot sauce and butter. You can adjust the heat level to your preference by choosing different hot sauce brands.
How can I make buffalo wings spicier?
To increase the heat, add more cayenne pepper or use a hotter hot sauce. You can also marinate the wings in the sauce for a few hours before baking.
Can I make buffalo wings ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the wings and sauce in advance. Just bake them right before serving for the best taste and texture.
What should I serve with buffalo wings?
Buffalo wings are great with celery and carrot sticks, blue cheese dressing, and a side of fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Buffalo wings are a timeless dish that combines simplicity with bold flavors. This recipe ensures that you can create a delicious batch right at home, perfect for any gathering. Enjoy the crunchy texture and spicy goodness, and don’t forget the dipping sauce!
Buffalo Wings Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 1/2 cup hot sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Celery sticks for serving
- Blue cheese dressing for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rinse the chicken wings and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, toss the wings with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Spread the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then flip the wings.
- Bake for an additional 20 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
- While the wings are baking, prepare the buffalo sauce by melting butter in a saucepan.
- Stir in hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
- Once the wings are done baking, toss them in the buffalo sauce until well coated.
- Serve hot with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing.
