Introduction
Get ready to discover the ultimate game-day snack right in your own kitchen. This recipe shows you how to achieve perfectly crispy, juicy buffalo chicken wings at home, without the mess of deep frying. We’ll oven-bake these wings to golden perfection, creating an irresistible spicy and tangy flavor. Serve these incredible buffalo chicken wings with your favorite cool dipping sauce for an unforgettable treat that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love These Buffalo Chicken Wings
- Achieve Crispy Perfection: Forget the deep fryer! Our method ensures super crispy skin using just your oven.
- Authentic Flavor: You’ll get that classic, restaurant-quality spicy and tangy taste you crave from homemade buffalo chicken wings.
- Simple Ingredients: We use easy-to-find items, making prep minimal and fuss-free.
- Healthier Option: By baking instead of frying, you enjoy a lighter version of your favorite snack.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These wings are always a hit, perfect for parties, gatherings, or a fun family dinner.
- Customizable Heat: Easily adjust the spice level to suit everyone’s preference, from mild to fiery.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making these amazing buffalo chicken wings. You’ll be surprised at how few items you need for such a flavor-packed dish.
- Chicken Wings: 20 whole chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes.
- Coating Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free recommended).
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
- ½ teaspoon salt.
- Buffalo Sauce:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted.
- ½ cup Primal Kitchen Original Buffalo Sauce or similar preferred brand.
- For Serving:
- Celery sticks and carrot sticks.
- Primal Kitchen Ranch Dressing or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
- Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil Spray (for baking sheet).
Notes & Substitutions
To achieve maximum crispiness, pat your chicken wings very dry with paper towels before coating. Baking powder is essential for crispy skin; do not substitute it with baking soda. The flour provides a light, crispy crust; gluten-free flour may alter the texture slightly. Use your preferred brand of buffalo sauce and adjust the amount to taste. For dairy-free diets, use ghee or a dairy-free butter alternative and ensure your buffalo sauce and ranch are dairy-free. You can increase cayenne pepper for extra heat or opt for a hotter buffalo sauce.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make these crispy oven baked chicken wings.
- Large mixing bowl.
- Large resealable plastic bag or silicon bag.
- Two large rimmed baking sheets.
- Two oven-safe wire racks.
- Small bowl for sauce.
- Whisk.
- Tongs.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the most delicious crispy oven baked buffalo chicken wings you’ve ever tasted. This beginner-friendly guide ensures perfect results every time.
- Prepare Wings: Begin by thoroughly patting your chicken wings dry with paper towels. This crucial step removes moisture, which is the key to achieving crispy skin. Make sure they are as dry as possible.
- Make Coating Mixture: In a large resealable plastic bag or silicon bag, combine the baking powder, all-purpose flour, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Seal the bag tightly and shake it well until all the ingredients are fully mixed and evenly distributed.
- Coat Wings: Add the thoroughly dried chicken wings to the bag with the coating mixture. Seal the bag once more, trapping some air inside, and toss vigorously. Continue tossing until all the wings are completely and evenly coated with the flour mixture.
- Arrange on Rack: Line two large rimmed baking sheets with aluminum foil for easier cleanup. Place oven-safe wire racks on top of the foil-lined sheets. Lightly spray the wire racks with Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil Spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated buffalo chicken wings in a single layer on the racks, ensuring that no pieces touch each other. This allows for even air circulation and crisping.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Allowing the oven to reach the correct temperature ensures consistent baking.
- First Bake: Place the baking sheets with the arranged wings into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes. This initial bake helps to render some of the chicken fat and begins the crisping process.
- Flip & Continue Baking: Carefully remove the baking sheets from the oven. Using tongs, flip each chicken wing over to ensure even cooking and browning on all sides. Return the baking sheets to the oven and continue baking for another 25-30 minutes, or until the wings are deeply golden brown, incredibly crispy on the outside, and fully cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). For safe consumption, always ensure that poultry reaches the recommended internal temperature, as detailed by the USDA’s safe internal temperature for poultry.
- Prepare Sauce: While the wings are in their second baking phase, melt the unsalted butter in a small microwave-safe bowl or saucepan. Once melted, pour the butter into a clean small bowl. Whisk in the Primal Kitchen Original Buffalo Sauce until the butter and sauce are thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Sauce Wings: Once the wings are perfectly crispy and cooked, transfer the hot, crispy wings directly from the baking racks to a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared buffalo sauce generously over the wings. Using tongs, gently toss the wings until each piece is thoroughly and evenly coated with the delicious, spicy sauce.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer the sauced buffalo chicken wings to a serving platter. Serve them hot for the best flavor and texture. Accompany with fresh celery sticks and carrot sticks, and plenty of creamy Primal Kitchen Ranch Dressing or your favorite blue cheese dressing for dipping. Enjoy your homemade, perfectly crispy wings!
Pro Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Wings
- Dry Wings are Key: Always pat chicken wings very dry before coating. Excess moisture prevents the skin from becoming truly crispy.
- Baking Powder Magic: Don’t skip the baking powder. It helps raise the skin’s pH, promoting superior browning and crispiness. For those curious about the culinary science, understanding the science behind baking powder for crispy chicken skin can elevate your cooking.
- Use a Wire Rack: Baking wings on a wire rack allows hot air to circulate all around each piece, ensuring even cooking and crisping.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange wings in a single layer with space between them. Overcrowding steams the wings instead of roasting them, resulting in soggy skin.
- High Heat Baking: A hot oven is crucial for rendering fat and achieving that signature crispy skin on your buffalo chicken wings.
- Serve Warm: Toss the hot, crispy wings with the sauce right before serving to maintain maximum crunch and flavor.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Sides: Always serve your delicious buffalo chicken wings with fresh celery and carrot sticks for a refreshing crunch.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer a cool, creamy contrast with plenty of Primal Kitchen Ranch Dressing or a rich blue cheese dressing.
- Appetizer Spread: Pair these wings with other game-day favorites such as loaded sweet potato fries, a simple green salad, or a vibrant veggie platter.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover cooked buffalo chicken wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To bring back their crispiness, reheat leftovers in a preheated oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) until thoroughly heated through and crispy.
Variations
- Air Fryer Wings: For a quicker option, cook the coated air fryer buffalo chicken wings at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are golden and crispy.
- Spicy Garlic Parmesan: After saucing, toss your buffalo wings with grated Parmesan cheese and an extra sprinkle of garlic powder for an added layer of flavor.
- Honey Buffalo: Add 1-2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup to your buffalo sauce mixture for a touch of sweetness to balance the heat.
- Lemon Pepper: Skip the buffalo sauce entirely and, after baking, toss the crispy wings with a generous amount of lemon pepper seasoning for a bright, zesty alternative.
Nutrition
Making your own buffalo chicken wings allows you to control the ingredients and enjoy a satisfying meal.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 2 wings |
| Calories | 321 |
| Carbohydrates | 8.2 grams |
| Fat | 23.7 grams |
| Protein | 18.1 grams |
Note: Nutritional information is approximate and calculated without optional dipping sauces, which will increase values. This is based on the specific ingredients listed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How do I get my baked wings extra crispy?
Pat wings extremely dry, use baking powder in the coating, bake them on a wire rack, and arrange them in a single layer without overcrowding. - Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes, for air fryer buffalo chicken wings, cook coated wings at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway, until crispy and cooked through. - Can I prepare the wings ahead of time?
You can coat the chicken wings and store them uncovered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking, which helps them dry out even more. - What are good side dishes for buffalo wings?
Classic sides include celery and carrots, a simple green salad, creamy coleslaw, or a side of crispy sweet potato fries. - How spicy are these wings?
This recipe delivers a medium heat, but you can easily customize it by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper or choosing a milder or hotter buffalo sauce.
Conclusion
You can now confidently enjoy restaurant-quality buffalo chicken wings right in the comfort of your home. This recipe delivers crispy, incredibly flavorful, and perfectly spicy wings, ideal for any gathering or a delicious family meal. With quick prep and easy cleanup, it’s a stress-free experience from start to finish. Gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this classic dish that everyone will rave about!