Baked Buffalo Wings

Baked buffalo wings are the ultimate game day or party snack. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a spicy buffalo sauce, these wings are sure to impress your family and friends. Unlike traditional fried wings, baking them in the oven makes them easier to prepare while still delivering all the flavor you love.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken wings, split and tips removed
• 1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ½ cups buffalo sauce, store-bought or homemade

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel.
3. In a large bowl, combine the wings with flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly coated.
4. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place parchment paper on top. Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer.
5. If time allows, refrigerate the wings for 30 minutes for extra crispiness.
6. Bake wings for 20 minutes, then flip and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
7. Remove the wings from the oven and pour buffalo sauce over them. Toss to coat evenly.
8. Slide the parchment paper out from under the wings, turn the oven to broil, and broil until the wings are golden and slightly charred.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve immediately with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
• Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat wings in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Variations

1. Honey Buffalo Wings: Add 2 tablespoons of honey to your buffalo sauce for a sweet and spicy twist.
2. Garlic Parmesan Wings: Toss baked wings with melted butter, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan instead of buffalo sauce.
3. Spicy Cajun Wings: Add Cajun seasoning to the flour mixture for extra heat and flavor.
4. Smoky BBQ Wings: Use a smoky barbecue sauce in place of buffalo sauce.
5. Lemon Pepper Wings: Toss wings with lemon juice, lemon zest, and cracked black pepper after baking.
6. Teriyaki Wings: Swap buffalo sauce for teriyaki sauce for an Asian-inspired flavor.
7. Buffalo Cauliflower Wings: Substitute chicken wings with cauliflower florets for a vegetarian option.
8. Maple Buffalo Wings: Mix 1 tablespoon of maple syrup with buffalo sauce for a sweet and tangy coating.
9. Chipotle Wings: Blend chipotle powder into your buffalo sauce for a smoky, spicy flavor.
10. Asian Sesame Wings: Drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle sesame seeds over the baked wings.

FAQs

Can I make these wings gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Can I make these wings ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep and season wings in advance, refrigerating them up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze baked buffalo wings?
Yes, fully cooked wings can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Can I use drumsticks instead of wings?
Absolutely, drumsticks can be baked the same way, though cooking time may need to increase by 5-10 minutes.

How do I make my wings extra crispy?
Pat wings dry before coating and bake on parchment paper. A brief refrigeration step also helps achieve crispiness.

Can I adjust the spiciness?
Yes, use mild buffalo sauce or reduce the amount of sauce to control heat.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover wings?
Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes; avoid microwaving for best crispiness.

Can I grill these wings instead of baking?
Yes, grilling is possible. Cook over medium-high heat, turning frequently until fully cooked.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes, simply double all ingredients and use two baking sheets to prevent overcrowding.

What dipping sauces go well with buffalo wings?
Ranch, blue cheese, or even honey mustard pair perfectly with these wings.

Baked buffalo wings are a simple, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dish perfect for game day, parties, or a casual dinner. Baking instead of frying makes them easier to prepare while still achieving a crispy, golden texture. With a variety of sauces and seasoning options, you can customize them to suit your taste, from classic spicy buffalo to sweet and tangy or smoky flavors. These wings are not only delicious but also versatile, making them a go-to recipe for any occasion. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces, and watch them disappear in minutes.

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