If you’ve ever craved that perfect balance of spicy heat, buttery richness, and irresistible crunch, this Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Unlike the traditional deep-fried method, these wings get that signature crispiness from the oven while soaking up the bold flavors of classic buffalo sauce. Whether you’re preparing for game day, a cozy night in, or a casual get-together, these wings offer a finger-licking experience that’s straightforward to make and absolutely addictive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating wings that are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with flavor.
- 4 pounds chicken wings (wingettes and flats): Fresh wings provide the perfect canvas for absorbing marinade and crisping up in the oven.
- 2 cups Frank’s hot sauce or wing sauce (divided): This iconic hot sauce delivers the fiery kick that buffalo wings are known for.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and smooths out the heat, creating that classic buffalo wing sauce texture and flavor.
How to Make Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Wings
Start by placing the chicken wings into a large plastic bag, then pour 1 cup of the hot sauce over them. Toss everything together to coat the wings evenly with spice, seal the bag tightly, and let it marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. This step infuses the wings with deep flavor that shines through after baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Oven and Baking Setup
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. To get that signature crisp without frying, line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and set a wire rack inside it. This rack allows air to circulate around the wings, helping them cook evenly and develop a crispy skin all around.
Step 3: Bake the Wings
Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on the rack, making sure they’re spaced out to avoid steaming. Discard the remaining marinade to keep things sanitary. Pop them into the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Then, flip each wing and continue cooking for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the wings turn gorgeously crispy and golden brown.
Step 4: Make the Buffalo Sauce and Toss
While the wings are baking, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the remaining 1 cup of hot sauce and whisk well until fully combined and warm. Once the wings come out of the oven, immediately transfer them to a large bowl, pour the buttery buffalo sauce over them, and toss thoroughly so every wing is coated in that luscious glaze.
How to Serve Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings Recipe
Garnishes
For the perfect finishing touch, blue cheese crumbles or a creamy ranch dressing are fantastic options to serve alongside your buffalo wings. These add a cool contrast that balances the heat beautifully. Don’t forget crunchy celery sticks on the side—they provide a refreshing crunch and a classic pairing with buffalo wings.
Side Dishes
Complement your Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings Recipe with sides like crispy fries, sweet potato wedges, or a bright garden salad. Each adds texture and flavor balance, making your meal even more satisfying and fun to dig into.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your wings up a notch by arranging them on a wooden platter with bowls of dipping sauces scattered around. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of green and added aroma. For gatherings, consider serving the wings in individual paper cones for a fun, casual vibe that lets everyone grab and go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got extra wings? Store them in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days. Proper storage helps maintain their flavor and allows you to enjoy your Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings Recipe even after the initial feast.
Freezing
To freeze leftover wings, lay them out in a single layer on a tray until solid, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. This method preserves that delicious buffalo flavor and crispiness for a quick snack anytime.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your wings again, reheat them in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes. This helps revive the crispiness and warms them evenly without drying out the meat.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken wings or should they be frozen?
Both fresh and frozen wings work well for this Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings Recipe. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely before marinating so the sauce can penetrate properly.
Do I need a wire rack for baking the wings?
A wire rack is highly recommended as it allows air to circulate under the wings, which is key to achieving that crispy skin without frying. If you don’t have one, place the wings directly on foil but flip them more often during baking.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the wings?
Absolutely! You can use more or less hot sauce depending on your heat tolerance. Mixing in a bit of honey or brown sugar with your buffalo sauce also helps to mellow out the spice while adding a hint of sweetness.
Is it possible to make these wings without butter?
Butter creates that classic buffalo sauce texture and richness, but you can substitute it with margarine or a plant-based butter alternative if you prefer. The flavor might differ slightly, but you’ll still get a tasty result.
What dipping sauces pair best with buffalo wings?
Blue cheese and ranch dressings are classics that complement buffalo wings perfectly. For a twist, try creamy garlic sauce or even a cooling cucumber-yogurt dip to balance the heat.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the joy of biting into a wing that’s perfectly crispy, sizzling with buffalo sauce, and bursting with flavor. This Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings Recipe makes it so easy to recreate that magic at home without the hassle of frying. Grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready for some seriously delicious wings that will have everyone asking for seconds.
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Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings offer a flavorful twist on the classic favorite, combining a tangy, buttery buffalo sauce with perfectly baked chicken wings that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Marinated in hot sauce and baked at high heat, these wings make a delicious appetizer or game-day treat that’s easy to prepare and sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 4 pounds chicken wings (wingettes and flats)
Marinade and Sauce
- 2 cups Frank’s hot sauce or wing sauce, divided
- ½ cup unsalted butter
Instructions
- Marinate the Wings: Put the chicken wings into a large plastic bag. Pour 1 cup of the hot sauce over the wings and toss to coat thoroughly. Seal the bag and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Preheat and Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a baking rack inside the sheet to allow air circulation around the wings for crisping.
- Bake the Wings: Arrange the marinated chicken wings on the baking rack and discard the leftover marinade from the bag. Bake the wings for 30 minutes. After this, flip the wings and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the wings are golden brown and crispy.
- Make Buffalo Sauce: While the wings are baking, combine the remaining 1 cup of hot sauce with the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk continuously until the butter is fully melted and incorporated with the sauce, creating a well-blended buffalo sauce.
- Toss Wings with Sauce and Serve: Once baked, transfer the wings to a large bowl. Pour the warm buffalo sauce over the wings and toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately with blue cheese or ranch dressing and celery sticks for a classic accompaniment.
Notes
- For extra crispy wings, pat the chicken dry before marinating.
- Marinate wings up to overnight to deepen the flavor.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of hot sauce in the marinade or sauce.
- Using a wire rack allows fat to drip away and helps the wings crisp up during baking.
- Serve with celery and dipping sauces like blue cheese or ranch for a traditional buffalo wing experience.
