Buffalo chicken wings bake up golden and crisp, then get tossed in a tangy hot sauce and melted butter blend with a splash of citrus vinegar for extra brightness. A light cornstarch coating helps them crunch beautifully in the oven, while garlic, paprika, and a touch of honey add deep, crave worthy flavor to the sauce. Serve with celery sticks and a creamy blue cheese style dip, and watch everyone pile in. Easy, fiery, and perfect for game day, these wings disappear fast.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This buffalo chicken wings
- Perfectly crispy texture that satisfies every crunch craving.
- Spicy, tangy flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
- Easy to make, so you can focus on enjoying the game.
- Great for sharing, making it a hit at any gathering.

buffalo chicken wings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat oil in a deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: Pat the chicken wings dry and season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Step 3: If baking, place wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through. If frying, fry wings in batches for 8–10 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter and whisk in hot sauce until smooth.
- Step 5: Transfer cooked wings to a large bowl, pour the buffalo sauce over them, and toss to coat evenly.
- Step 6: Serve immediately with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing.
Notes
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 |
| Fat | 28g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbs | 0g |
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make delicious buffalo chicken wings!

- 2 pounds chicken wings – fresh or thawed
- ¼ cup hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot) – adjust according to spice preference
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – for that rich flavor
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – adds a savory kick
- ½ teaspoon onion powder – enhances the taste
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika – for a smoky depth
- Salt and pepper to taste – to season
- Vegetable oil – for frying or baking
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Wings
Get ready to whip up some delicious buffalo chicken wings! With a preparation time of about 10 minutes, cooking time of 40–45 minutes if baking (or 8–10 minutes if frying), and no extra resting time, you’ll have a spicy game-day treat in no time!

Step 1: Preheat
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat oil in a deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Wings
Pat the chicken wings dry and season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
Step 3: Cook the Wings
If baking, place wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through. If frying, fry wings in batches for 8–10 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter and whisk in hot sauce until smooth.
Step 5: Toss the Wings
Transfer cooked wings to a large bowl, pour the buffalo sauce over them, and toss to coat evenly.
Step 6: Serve
Serve immediately with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Appetizer / snacks |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 45 minutes |
| Extra Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 55 minutes |
| Dietary | None specified |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | With celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing |
Pro Tips for Making buffalo chicken wings
- Pat the wings dry before seasoning for extra crispiness.
- Use baking powder in the coating for a crunchier texture.
- Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
- Let the wings rest after cooking for better flavor absorption.
- Experiment with different hot sauces for unique flavor profiles.
How to Serve this buffalo chicken wings
- Serve with a side of creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
- Pair with crunchy celery and carrot sticks for a refreshing crunch.
- Offer a variety of sauces like honey mustard or barbecue for extra flavor options.
- Enjoy with a side of crispy potato wedges or sweet potato fries.
- Set up a game-day platter with chips, guacamole, and salsa for a festive touch.
- For a fun twist, toss the wings in a spicy honey glaze before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Here’s how to keep your buffalo chicken wings fresh and tasty:
Storing Leftovers
- Let wings cool to room temperature.
- Place in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
- Cool wings completely before freezing.
- Wrap in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer bag.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place wings on a baking sheet and cover with foil.
- Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- For extra crispiness, uncover for the last 5 minutes.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What are Buffalo chicken wings?
Buffalo chicken wings are a popular appetizer made from deep-fried chicken wings coated in a spicy sauce, typically made from hot sauce and butter. They originated in Buffalo, New York, and are often served with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for dipping.
2. How do I make Buffalo chicken wings at home?
Making Buffalo chicken wings at home is simple! Start by seasoning the wings with salt and pepper, then bake or fry them until crispy. Toss the cooked wings in a mixture of melted butter and hot sauce, and serve with your favorite dipping sauces. It’s a fun and delicious way to enjoy this classic dish!
3. What ingredients are needed for a classic Buffalo sauce?
A classic Buffalo sauce typically includes hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot), melted butter, and sometimes vinegar, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper for extra flavor. You can adjust the proportions to suit your taste, making it as spicy or mild as you prefer.
4. How can I adjust the spice level of Buffalo chicken wings?
To adjust the spice level of your Buffalo chicken wings, you can use a milder hot sauce or reduce the amount of hot sauce in your Buffalo sauce mixture. Alternatively, you can add honey or brown sugar to balance the heat, or mix in some barbecue sauce for a sweeter flavor. Experiment until you find the perfect balance for your taste buds!
Final Thoughts
Get ready to dive into a plate of crispy buffalo chicken wings that are sure to bring back memories of game days and gatherings! This recipe is not only simple but incredibly rewarding. So gather your friends, whip up a batch, and enjoy the spicy goodness together. You’ll be the star of the show!

