How to Make the Perfect Crispy Chicken Wings with Classic Buffalo Sauce
American · Medium · 60 min · 6 servings
These oven-baked chicken wings achieve an incredibly crispy skin without deep frying thanks to a simple baking powder technique that transforms the texture completely. They are tossed in a classic tangy buttery buffalo sauce that makes them the undisputed star of any game day spread.
Why this recipe works
This Crispy Chicken Wings with Classic Buffalo Sauce recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 60 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 380 calories with 28g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 3 lbs chicken wings split into flats and drumettes
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 cup buffalo hot sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Wings
Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl. Sprinkle the baking powder and salt over the wings and toss vigorously to coat every piece evenly. The baking powder is the secret to achieving a genuinely crispy skin in the oven.
Step 2: Bake the Wings
Arrange the coated wings in a single layer on a wire rack set over a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake at 425 degrees F for 45 to 50 minutes flipping the wings over at the halfway point until the skin is deeply golden, visibly crispy, and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
Step 3: Make the Buffalo Sauce
While the wings finish baking whisk together the melted butter, buffalo hot sauce, and garlic powder in a large bowl until fully combined and smooth. Taste and adjust the ratio of butter to hot sauce based on your heat preference.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Remove the wings from the oven and immediately transfer them to the bowl with the buffalo sauce. Toss vigorously to coat every wing generously with the sauce. Serve immediately on a platter with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and blue cheese or ranch dipping sauce.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- buffalo hot sauce → honey sriracha sauce for a sweet heat variation
- unsalted butter → vegan butter to make the sauce dairy-free
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping the step of patting the wings dry which is essential because moisture is the enemy of crispiness
- Stacking wings on the baking sheet instead of using a rack which causes them to steam rather than crisp
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 380 calories, 28g protein, 2g carbs, 28g fat, 0g fiber.
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