Crispy Buffalo chicken wings are the quintessential appetizer that many of us crave. You know those game days when your friends are over, and everyone’s just waiting for that first bit of heat? That’s the magic of Buffalo chicken wings—they’re crispy, spicy, and incredibly satisfying. Franks Original Red Hot Sauce adds a tangy kick, while the perfectly baked, crunchy skin makes every bite utterly irresistible. Trust me, once you make these wings at home, you’ll wonder why you ever considered ordering takeout.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Wings
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Buffalo Chicken Wings

I first fell in love with Buffalo chicken wings during a summer BBQ, where the smoky aroma of grilled wings had everyone gathering around the table. This recipe offers the same great taste, without needing a deep fryer or grill. Whipping up batches of these mouthwatering wings is not only easy and budget-friendly; they’re a surefire crowd-pleaser at any gathering. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that brings family and friends together, so roll up your sleeves and let’s get cookin’!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip these up in just about an hour, making them ready for any spontaneous gathering!
Irresistible Flavor: A perfect blend of spice and buttery goodness that leaves you wanting more.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Golden, crispy wings that look (and smell!) fantastic on any table.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for game nights, parties, or even a cozy dinner.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easy to modify for gluten-free diets with alternative sauces.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 lb chicken wings: Look for fresh wings and drummettes, split with wingtips removed for that classic bite.
1 tbsp baking powder: Opt for aluminum-free, which helps achieve that delectable crunch.
1 tsp fine sea salt: Just a pinch for flavor enhancement—don’t skip this!
2 tsp garlic powder: For added depth and savoriness that elevates the flavors.
1/4 cup unsalted butter: Melts beautifully into the sauce and helps it cling to the wings.
1/4 cup Franks Original Red Hot Sauce: This classic hot sauce gives that quintessential Buffalo flavor.
1 tbsp granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness balances out the heat. Brown sugar works too!

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Wings

Prepare the Wings: Thoroughly pat dry the chicken wings with a paper towel. This crucial step helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven. While you’re at it, preheat your oven to 450˚F. Then, to catch all the drippings and up the ease of clean-up, line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack over the pan.

Coat the Wings: In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt, and 2 teaspoons of garlic powder. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the chicken wings and toss to coat evenly. Arranging the wings on the prepared wire rack will allow hot air to circulate around them while they bake, ensuring both sides get crispy.

Bake: Pop the chicken wings into your preheated oven and bake them for 25 minutes. Flip the wings over—caution, they get hot!—and bake for another 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they look golden brown and crispy, with juices running clear.

Make the Buffalo Sauce: While your wings are baking, grab a medium bowl and combine 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter, 1/4 cup of Franks Original Red Hot Sauce, and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth. This sauce is going to be the heart of your Buffalo wings!

Toss in the Sauce: Once your wings are perfectly baked, transfer them to a large bowl. Drizzle the luscious sauce over the chicken, tossing gently to coat every wing. Feel free to serve them as they are, or add extra sauce on the side for dipping!

Storing & Reheating

If you happen to have any leftovers (highly unlikely!), simply let them cool to room temperature before storing them. Place the wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To freeze, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Do note that the texture may soften a bit, so refreshing them in the oven helps bring back some crispness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be sure to pat your chicken wings dry; moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
Consider using room temperature ingredients; they cook more evenly, especially the wings.
Don’t shy away from bold spices—experiment with additional flavors like cayenne pepper for extra heat or smoked paprika for depth.
Use a digital thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

The beauty of this recipe is that it offers flexibility. You can adjust levels of spiciness, experiment with different dipping sauces, or even toss them in a different flavored sauce entirely after baking. There’s something so satisfying about serving your guests delicious homemade Buffalo chicken wings, which brings that comforting, familiar flavor right to your home.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. It’s essential for even cooking and achieving that crispy texture you desire.

Can I bake these wings in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the wings a day ahead of time. Bake them until crisp, let them cool, and store them in the refrigerator. Just reheat them in the oven when you’re ready to serve.

What can I serve with Buffalo chicken wings?

Buffalo wings pair wonderfully with classic sides like celery sticks and carrot sticks. A cool ranch or blue cheese dressing is perfect for dipping and helps tame the heat.

How can I make these wings spicier or less spicy?

You can easily customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of Franks Original Red Hot Sauce. For a milder flavor, reduce the sauce or add a bit of honey to sweeten it up while still maintaining flavor.

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Buffalo Chicken Wings

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Author: Jennifer
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Buffalo Chicken Wings are crispy, flavorful, and easy to prepare. With key ingredients like garlic powder and hot sauce, they’re a perfect choice for a quick dinner or a comforting snack.

Ingredients

Scale

3 lb chicken wings, wings and drummettes split, wingtips removed
1 tbsp baking powder, (use aluminum free)
1 tsp fine sea salt
2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup franks original red hot sauce
1 tbsp granulated sugar, or brown sugar

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Instructions

Thoroughly pat dry the chicken wings with a paper towel.
Preheat the oven to 450˚F and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil, placing a wire rack over it.
In a bowl, combine the baking powder, sea salt, and garlic powder, then sprinkle over the chicken, tossing to coat.
Arrange the chicken on the wire rack and bake for 25 minutes.
Flip the wings and continue baking for another 25 minutes, or until they are crisp and cooked through.
In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, hot sauce, and sugar to create the sauce.
Transfer the chicken to a bowl, drizzle the sauce over it, and toss to fully coat each wing before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

For extra crispiness, make sure the chicken wings are very dry before seasoning.
Feel free to adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your spice preference.
Serve with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing for classic pairing.