Buffalo wings are crispy chicken wings tossed in a spicy sauce that gives them a kick! They’re great for sharing at parties or enjoying during game day.
These tasty bites can be messy, but that’s half the fun! I love pairing them with some cooling ranch dressing. Just remember to have plenty of napkins ready! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: The star of the show! Look for fresh wings at your local store. If you can’t find whole wings, you can use just drumettes or flats. Frozen wings work too; just make sure to thaw them first.
All-Purpose Flour: This is optional, but using flour gives wings a crispy texture. If you’re gluten-free, you can substitute with corn starch or a gluten-free flour blend for a similar crunch.
Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is iconic for Buffalo wings, but feel free to use any favorite hot sauce. Other options include Sriracha or even a homemade hot sauce if you’re feeling adventurous!
Butter: Unsalted butter is perfect for the sauce because you’ll control the saltiness. For a lighter version, you can use olive oil or even a dairy-free butter alternative.
Cayenne Pepper: This is for extra heat! If you’re sensitive to spice, you can skip this or use less. Alternatively, chili powder gives good flavor without too much heat.
How Do I Ensure My Wings Are Perfectly Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy skin is key to delicious Buffalo wings. Here are a few tips to help you succeed:
- Pat the wings dry with paper towels before cooking. Moisture leads to soggy wings!
- If using flour, coat the wings lightly and shake off any extra. A thin layer is all you need.
- For baking, setting the wings on a wire rack allows hot air to circulate, giving you crispiness all around. Don’t skip this step!
- When frying, ensure the oil is hot enough (375°F/190°C) before adding wings. Crowding the pan can lower the temperature and result in greasy wings.
- For both methods, turning the wings halfway through cooking helps cook them evenly.
How to Make Delicious Buffalo Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for crispiness)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Vegetable oil, for frying or oil spray for baking
For the Buffalo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt to taste
For Serving:
- Blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing
- Celery sticks
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Buffalo Wings recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and either 40-45 minutes to bake or around 10-12 minutes to fry. Don’t forget to let your wings cool for a moment before tossing them in that spicy sauce. Gather all ingredients and enjoy a tasty treat in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare for Cooking:
First, get your cooking space ready. If you’re baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you prefer frying, heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot until it reaches 375°F (190°C). This is important to get that crispy skin!
2. Season the Wings:
If you want extra crispy wings, you can toss them in a mixture of flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Place the chicken wings in a large bowl and mix them well. Make sure to shake off any excess flour so they don’t get too heavy.
3. Cook the Wings:
If you’re baking the wings, lay them on a greased wire rack placed on top of a baking sheet. Bake for 40-45 minutes, turning them halfway to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy. If you’re frying, carefully add the wings to the hot oil and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. After frying, place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
4. Make the Buffalo Sauce:
While your wings are cooking, prepare the sauce! In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it’s fully melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the hot sauce, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, and a sprinkle of salt for taste. Mix it all together until it’s combined.
5. Toss and Serve:
Once the wings are cooked and crispy, put them in a large bowl and pour the Buffalo sauce over them. Toss the wings until they’re fully coated in the delicious sauce.
6. Enjoy!
Serve your spicy Buffalo wings immediately with a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing and crunchy celery sticks. Perfect for a game day snack or any gathering!
Enjoy your classic, spicy Buffalo Wings!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings! Just make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight or use the quick thaw method by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging in cold water. Pat them dry before cooking for the best crispiness.
How Can I Make These Wings Spicier?
If you love heat, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the sauce or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce while tossing the wings. Just remember to taste as you go to find your perfect spice level!
Can I Bake the Wings Without Flour?
Absolutely! The flour is optional and helps give a crispier texture. You can skip it entirely and still enjoy delicious wings. Just ensure they are patted dry before baking to promote good browning.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Wings?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to get them crispy again or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
