Oven Baked Buffalo Wings

There’s something undeniably exhilarating about the aroma of Oven Baked Buffalo Wings wafting through your kitchen. The crispy skin, spicy sauce, and tender meat create a perfect combination that makes your taste buds dance. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, celebrating a casual get-together, or simply craving a delightful snack, these wings are sure to impress. Best of all, you can enjoy the crispy texture without the hassle of frying!

Why I Love This Recipe

This Oven Baked Buffalo Wings recipe is a game changer. First off, the baking method allows the wings to become incredibly crispy without the excess oil that comes with frying. The secret? Baking powder! It helps to dry out the skin, resulting in that coveted crunch. Plus, you can easily adjust the heat level of the sauce to suit your taste, making it versatile enough for everyone. Whether you like it mild or fiery hot, this recipe has got you covered!

What to Buy

For this delicious Buffalo wings recipe, here’s what you will need:

• 1 to 2 pounds of fresh chicken wings and drumettes (about 20 wings total)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ cup Frank’s Original Red Hot Sauce
• 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted
• 1 to 2 teaspoons brown sugar (optional)

You can find all of these ingredients at your local grocery store, making this recipe both accessible and easy to prepare.

Appliances & Accessories

To make the most out of your cooking experience, gather the following appliances and accessories:

• Oven: Ensure yours is preheated for optimal cooking.
• Baking sheet: A large, rimmed baking sheet will help catch any drippings.
• Cooling rack: Placing the wings on a rack allows air to circulate, ensuring they stay crispy.
• Mixing bowls: For mixing the spice blend and the sauce.
• Meat thermometer: To ensure the wings are cooked through.

Oven Baked Buffalo Wings in Steps

Step 1: Preparing the Wings

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven is heating up, rinse the chicken wings under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Removing moisture is key to achieving that crispy finish.

Step 2: Seasoning the Wings

In a large mixing bowl, combine the baking powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss them until they are evenly coated with the seasoning. This step is crucial as it helps to create that perfect crispy texture.

Step 3: Arranging for Baking

Line your baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a cooling rack on top of the sheet and arrange the wings in a single layer on the rack. This allows the heat to circulate evenly around the wings.

Step 4: Baking the Wings

Bake the wings in your preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes. Halfway through, flip the wings to ensure they cook evenly. You want them to be golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Making the Buffalo Sauce

While the wings are baking, prepare the buffalo sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the melted butter, Frank’s Original Red Hot Sauce, and brown sugar (if using). Stir until well combined and heated through, then remove from heat.

Step 6: Tossing in the Sauce

Once the wings are done baking, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the wings and toss them until they are evenly coated in that spicy goodness.

Step 7: Serving

Serve your Oven Baked Buffalo Wings immediately, garnished with celery sticks and your favorite dipping sauce—like ranch or blue cheese. Enjoy the crispy, spicy delight!

Tailor It to Your Diet

If you’re looking to customize this recipe to fit your dietary preferences, consider the following options:

• Gluten-Free: Ensure your baking powder is gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Swap the salted butter for a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut oil or vegan butter.
• Low-Carb: Omit the brown sugar in the sauce or replace it with a low-carb sweetener.
• Spicy Variation: Add extra hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter any issues while making your Oven Baked Buffalo Wings, here are some tips to help you out:

• Wings not crispy: Make sure to pat the wings dry before seasoning and ensure the oven is fully preheated.
• Burnt wings: Check your oven temperature; it may run hotter than indicated. Adjust the baking time as needed.
• Wings sticking to the rack: Make sure your rack is greased lightly or ensure that the wings are properly spaced apart.
• Too much sauce: If you find your wings are too saucy, you can always serve the extra sauce on the side.

Cooling, Storing & Rewarming

After enjoying your Oven Baked Buffalo Wings, you might have some leftovers. Here’s how to handle them:

Allow the wings to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to rewarm them, place the wings on a baking sheet and heat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Questions People Ask

Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?

Yes, but it’s best to thaw them completely before cooking for even results. You can place them in the refrigerator overnight or use the cold water method for quicker thawing.

What can I serve with Buffalo wings?

Buffalo wings pair beautifully with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and your choice of dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese dressing. You can also serve them with a refreshing salad.

How do I make the wings spicier?

To amp up the spice level, you can add additional hot sauce to the buffalo sauce or sprinkle some cayenne pepper over the wings before baking.

Can I make these wings ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the wings through baking in advance, then toss them in the sauce right before serving. This will keep them fresh and crispy!

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Make It Tonight

Now that you have this easy and delicious recipe at your fingertips, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking! Whether it’s a big game night or just a cozy dinner at home, Oven Baked Buffalo Wings are the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings. You’ll love the crispy texture, spicy flavor, and the satisfaction of serving up homemade goodness. Enjoy every bite!