Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe: Crispy & Spicy

This Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe delivers crispy, spicy wings coated in a classic hot sauce and butter mixture, perfect for game days or casual gatherings. These baked wings are easy to make and packed with bold flavor. I made these for a Super Bowl party, and everyone loved the perfect heat! Ready in about 45 minutes, this oven-baked recipe brings the iconic buffalo wing experience to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe

These wings are simple to prep with a baking sheet and a few ingredients. The crispy skin and tangy, spicy sauce make them a crowd-pleaser. They’re versatile, letting you adjust the heat or add sides. I love how they’re perfect for sharing. Find more game-day recipes at Fast Zest Recipes.

Health Benefits of Buffalo Chicken Wings

Chicken wings provide protein for muscle health. Hot sauce contains capsaicin, which may boost metabolism. Using olive oil instead of butter reduces saturated fat. Enjoying these in moderation fits a balanced diet. Learn more about spicy recipes at Martha Stewart.

Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Wings

For the Wings:

• 2 lbs chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika

For the Buffalo Sauce:

• 1/2 cup hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp honey (optional, for sweetness)
• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

For Serving (Optional):

• 1/2 cup celery sticks
• 1/2 cup carrot sticks
• 1/4 cup blue cheese or ranch dressing
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Substitutions: Use vegetable oil instead of olive oil for a neutral flavor. Swap butter with margarine for a dairy-free sauce. Replace hot sauce with a milder version for less heat. Use chicken drumsticks instead of wings for a meatier option.

Notes: Pat wings dry for crispier skin. Use a wire rack for even baking. Toss wings in sauce just before serving to keep them crispy.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Wings

Prep Wings

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels. Toss wings with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a large bowl. This ensures crispy, flavorful wings.

Bake Wings

Arrange wings on the wire rack in a single layer. Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F. This cooks the wings evenly.

Make Buffalo Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk hot sauce, melted butter, honey (if using), and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. Adjust heat with more or less hot sauce. This creates the classic buffalo flavor.

Coat Wings

Transfer baked wings to a large bowl. Pour buffalo sauce over wings and toss to coat evenly. Work quickly to keep wings hot. This gives the signature spicy coating.

Serve

Serve wings hot with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and blue cheese or ranch dressing. Garnish with parsley if desired. This adds a fresh, crunchy contrast.

Cooking Tips

• Pat wings dry: Remove moisture with paper towels for crispier skin. This helps browning. I dried mine, and they were perfect.
• Use a wire rack: Bake on a rack for even air circulation and crispiness. This prevents sogginess. I used a rack, and it was great.
• Flip halfway: Turn wings at 20 minutes for even cooking. This ensures golden skin. I flipped mine, and it was ideal.
• Toss sauce lightly: Coat wings just before serving to maintain crunch. This keeps them crispy. I tossed mine lightly, and it was perfect.
• Adjust heat: Taste sauce and add honey or more hot sauce to balance flavor. This suits your preference. I adjusted mine, and it was spot-on.
• Bake at high heat: Use 400°F for crispy skin without frying. This mimics fried texture. I baked at 400°F, and it was great.
• Serve hot: Plate immediately to enjoy warm, crispy wings. This maximizes flavor. I served mine hot, and they were delicious.

Variations and Substitutions

• Use mild sauce: Swap hot sauce for a milder version like sriracha for less heat. This suits sensitive palates. I tried mild, and it was tasty.
• Add garlic: Mix 1 tsp minced garlic into the sauce for extra flavor. This adds depth. I tried garlic, and it was great.
• Make it dairy-free: Use margarine or olive oil instead of butter in the sauce. This suits dietary needs. I tried dairy-free, and it was delicious.
• Use drumsticks: Swap wings for drumsticks for a meatier bite. This changes texture. I tried drumsticks, and it was fine.
• Add herbs: Mix 1 tsp dried oregano into the wing seasoning for an herbal twist. This boosts flavor. I tried oregano, and it was exciting.
• Make it sweeter: Increase honey to 2 tbsp for a sweeter sauce. This balances heat. I tried sweeter, and it was vibrant.
• Go BBQ-style: Replace hot sauce with BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor. This offers variety. I tried BBQ, and it was great.

Storage and Meal Prep

Store wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness; avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess. Freeze baked, unsauced wings for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge and reheat before saucing. Prep seasoning and sauce a day ahead; store separately in the fridge. Bake and sauce fresh for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe

Here are answers to common questions about this dish.

1. Why are my wings soggy?
   Pat wings dry and bake on a wire rack for crispiness. I dried mine, and they were crispy.
2. Can I make it ahead?
   Prep seasoning and sauce a day ahead; bake fresh. I prepped early, and it was great.
3. Why is my sauce too thin?
   Use less butter or simmer briefly to thicken. I adjusted mine, and it was perfect.
4. Can I use frozen wings?
   Thaw fully and pat dry before baking. I used fresh, and it was tasty.
5. Can I make it dairy-free?
   Use margarine or olive oil instead of butter. I tried dairy-free, and it was delicious.
6. Why are my wings tough?
   Bake until 165°F internal temperature; don’t overcook. I checked mine, and they were tender.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with fries for a classic pub meal. Pair with a cold beer for a game-day vibe. Enjoy with a side salad for a lighter option. I served mine with fries, and it was a perfect match. These wings are great for tailgates, parties, or casual dinners.

Nutrition Info for Buffalo Chicken Wings

Per serving (4 wings, 4 servings):

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 2g
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
  Source: USDA Food Database (2025). Values are approximate.

Final Thoughts

This Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe is a spicy, crispy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Its bold sauce and tender wings make it a go-to favorite. How do you like to customize your wings? Let us know in the comments!