If you are craving that perfect balance of crispy, spicy, and buttery, you will adore this Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe. It brings all the classic flavors of a crowd-pleasing favorite straight from your oven, making it easier and cleaner than deep frying. Juicy chicken wings coated in a zesty hot sauce and a hint of garlic, baked until gloriously crispy, make every bite utterly irresistible. Whether it’s game day, a casual party, or just a treat-yourself moment, these wings will have you reaching for more and sharing the love with everyone around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, well-chosen ingredients is the secret to making these wings sing. Each one plays a crucial role—from creating crispy skin to achieving the perfect tangy sauce that carries just the right kick and richness.
- 3 lbs. chicken wing portions (wingettes and/or drummettes): Fresh or thawed wings that are split into two sections for even cooking.
- 1 Tbsp. oil: Helps the cornstarch stick and promotes crispiness in the oven.
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch: The magic ingredient that crisps the skin without frying.
- ¼ tsp. salt: Enhances the wings’ natural flavor right from the start.
- ¼ tsp. pepper: Adds just a hint of peppery warmth inside the crispy coating.
- ½ cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s or Crystal’s): The classic spicy base that defines the buffalo flavor.
- 6 Tbsp. butter (melted): Provides richness and mellows the heat while adding that irresistible silky texture to the sauce.
- 1 clove crushed garlic: Injects a subtle garlicky aroma into the sauce for depth.
- 1 Tbsp. honey (optional): Balances heat with a touch of sweetness for those who prefer a milder bite.
- ¼ tsp. salt (to taste): Adjusts the final seasoning of your buffalo sauce perfectly.
- Ranch dressing (optional): A cool and creamy dip to pair beautifully with the spicy wings.
- Blue cheese dressing (optional): Another classic dip choice that complements the bold buffalo sauce.
- Celery (optional): Adds a crisp, fresh contrast to the richness of the wings and sauce.
- Cilantro (optional): A fresh herb garnish that brightens up the presentation and flavor.
How to Make Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe
Step 1: Coat the Wings
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F, which is just right for crisping those wings without drying them out. Place your chicken wing portions in a large bowl and drizzle with oil, ensuring every piece gets a light, even coating. Then sprinkle the cornstarch, salt, and pepper over the wings and toss well until they are completely coated. This mixture creates the golden, crunchy skin that everyone loves in baked buffalo wings.
Step 2: Bake in the Oven
Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy clean-up, then place an oven-safe wire rack on top. Spritz the rack with non-stick cooking spray so the wings don’t stick. Arrange the wings evenly spaced out, leaving room so they aren’t touching; this allows hot air to circulate and crisp the skin perfectly. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, flipping halfway through so both sides get that lovely crunch.
Step 3: Toss in Sauce
While the wings are finishing up, mix together the buffalo wing sauce ingredients in a bowl—hot sauce, melted butter, crushed garlic, honey, and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything until the sauce is smooth, glossy, and bursting with flavor. When the wings come out of the oven, toss them immediately in the sauce, coating each wing generously. This step ensures that every bite is a flavorful explosion of spicy, buttery goodness.
How to Serve Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe
Garnishes
Serving with fresh garnishes makes your wings feel extra special and adds fantastic texture and taste. Celery sticks offer a refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the spicy, rich wings. Adding chopped cilantro brings a pop of herbal brightness, lifting the overall flavor and appearance.
Side Dishes
Pairing your wings with classic sides like cool ranch or tangy blue cheese dressing helps tame the heat and adds creaminess. You can also serve alongside crunchy carrot sticks, a simple green salad, or even some buttery corn on the cob for a mini feast that everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress at your next gathering? Arrange the wings on a large platter lined with parchment paper and scatter celery, carrots, and herbs around. Place small bowls of different dipping sauces nearby so guests can customize. For a fun twist, try serving them on a wooden board with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts or sliced scallions for an unexpected flavor boost.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your delicious Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen, making for a tasty next-day snack or meal addition.
Freezing
If you want to save wings for longer, you can freeze them. Arrange the cooked, sauced wings in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring to a sealed freezer bag or container. Frozen wings can be kept for up to 3 months and are super convenient for quick bites later.
Reheating
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and arrange the wings on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through and the skin crisps back up nicely. Avoid microwaving to maintain that irresistible texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh wings instead of frozen for this Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh wings work just as well and will bake up beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed to ensure they are fully cooked and crispy.
What if I don’t have cornstarch? Can I use flour instead?
Cornstarch is preferred because it creates a lighter, crispier coating, but you can use flour in a pinch. Just note the texture might be a bit denser.
How spicy is this Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe?
The level of heat depends on the hot sauce you choose and whether you include the optional honey. Using a milder hot sauce or adding honey will tone down the spiciness, making it more approachable for sensitive palates.
Can I make the buffalo sauce ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Rewarm gently before tossing with the wings to keep the sauce fresh and vibrant.
Is it necessary to use a wire rack when baking the wings?
While not absolutely required, a wire rack ensures the wings cook evenly and crisp on all sides because air circulates freely around them. Without it, the wings may still bake but might not be as crispy underneath.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe enough—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day, combining familiar comfort with bold flavors. Give it a try for your next gathering or simply a fun dinner; these wings promise to become your new favorite snack that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
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Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings recipe offers crispy, flavorful wings baked to perfection and tossed in a classic spicy buffalo sauce. Perfect for game day or any casual gathering, these wings are baked rather than fried, making them a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste. Serve with cooling ranch or blue cheese dressing and crisp celery for the complete buffalo wing experience.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 3 lbs. chicken wing portions (wingettes and/or drummettes)
- 1 Tbsp. oil
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
- ¼ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. pepper
Buffalo Wing Sauce
- ½ cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s or Crystal’s)
- 6 Tbsp. butter (melted)
- 1 clove crushed garlic
- 1 Tbsp. honey (optional)
- ¼ tsp. salt (to taste)
Optional Garnishes and Sides
- Ranch dressing (optional)
- Blue cheese dressing (optional)
- Celery sticks (optional)
- Cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Coat the Wings: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the wing portions in a large bowl and drizzle them evenly with the oil. Toss the wings thoroughly to coat all pieces. Then sprinkle the cornstarch, salt, and pepper over the wings and toss again until each wing is well coated in the mixture.
- Bake in the Oven: Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil and set an oven-safe wire rack on top. Spray the rack with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the chicken wings evenly spaced on the wire rack without touching each other. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping.
- Toss in Sauce: While the wings bake, prepare the buffalo sauce. In the last 5 minutes of baking, whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter, crushed garlic, honey (if using), and salt in a medium bowl until smooth. Once wings are fully cooked and crispy, transfer them to a large bowl and toss well in the buffalo sauce until coated evenly.
- Serve: Serve the buffalo chicken wings hot alongside ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Add celery sticks and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro if desired, enhancing both the presentation and flavor. Enjoy your classic baked buffalo wings!
Notes
- Using a wire rack while baking helps the wings cook evenly and become crispy without frying.
- Honey is optional in the sauce; it adds sweetness to balance the heat of the buffalo sauce.
- Flip wings halfway through baking to ensure they crisp up on all sides.
- For extra crispy wings, you can broil them for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Leftover wings can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or air fryer.
