Oven Baked Buffalo Wings: The Ultimate Recipe for Crispy and Flavorful Wings

Oven Baked Buffalo Wings are a game-day favorite that never fails to impress. As a passionate home cook, I can’t help but get excited about the crispy, spicy, and tangy flavors that these wings bring to the table. Originating from Buffalo, New York, this dish has become a staple in American cuisine, often enjoyed during sports events, parties, or simply as a delicious snack. The beauty of Oven Baked Buffalo Wings lies not only in their bold flavor but also in their convenience; they are easy to prepare and require minimal cleanup, making them perfect for any occasion. People love these wings for their satisfying crunch and the perfect balance of heat and flavor, which keeps everyone coming back for more. Join me as we dive into this mouthwatering recipe that will surely become a favorite in your household!

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of chicken wings
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Celery sticks and carrot sticks, for serving
• Blue cheese or ranch dressing, for dipping

Preparing the Chicken Wings

First things first, let’s get our chicken wings ready. I love using fresh wings, but frozen ones work just as well. If you’re using frozen wings, make sure to thaw them completely before starting.

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is key to getting those wings crispy without frying.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chicken wings with the baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. The baking powder is what helps to create that crispy skin, so don’t skip it!
3. Use your hands (or a spatula) to toss the wings until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. I like to make sure every wing is well covered for maximum flavor.
4. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, and place a wire rack on top. This allows the heat to circulate around the wings, making them crispy all over. If you don’t have a wire rack, you can place the wings directly on the foil, but they won’t be as crispy.
5. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack, making sure they aren’t touching. This is crucial for even cooking.

Baking the Wings

Now that our wings are prepped and ready to go, it’s time to bake them to perfection.

1. Place the baking sheet with the wings in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes.
2. After 30 minutes, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Using tongs, flip each wing over to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
3. Return the wings to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
4. Once they’re done, remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps them moist.

Making the Buffalo Sauce

While the wings are baking, let’s whip up a quick and easy buffalo sauce. This is where the magic happens!

1. In a medium bowl, combine the hot sauce, melted butter, white vinegar, and cayenne pepper (if using). The butter helps to mellow out the heat of the hot sauce and gives it a rich flavor.
2. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the heat level to your liking by adding more hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
3. Once the wings are out of the oven, transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
4. Pour the buffalo sauce over the wings and toss them gently until they are fully coated. I like to use tongs for this to avoid breaking the wings.

Serving the Wings

Now that our wings are sauced up and ready to go, it’s time to serve them!

1. Transfer the buffalo wings to a serving platter. You can arrange them neatly or just pile them up for a more casual look.
2. Serve the wings with celery and carrot sticks on the side. The crunch of the veggies is a perfect contrast to the spicy wings.
3. Don’t forget the dipping sauce! Whether you prefer blue cheese or ranch dressing, set it out for everyone to enjoy.
4. Gather your friends and family around, and dig

Conclusion:

In summary, these Oven Baked Buffalo Wings are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their game day snacks or simply indulge in a delicious treat. The combination of crispy skin and spicy, tangy sauce creates a flavor explosion that is hard to resist. Plus, baking instead of frying means you can enjoy these wings with a little less guilt, making them perfect for any occasion. For serving suggestions, I love pairing these wings with a side of creamy blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping, along with some crunchy celery and carrot sticks to balance out the heat. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with different sauces—try a honey garlic glaze for a sweet twist or a spicy Asian-inspired sauce for a unique flavor profile. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this recipe a try and make it your own. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a cozy night in, or just craving something delicious, these Oven Baked Buffalo Wings are sure to impress. Don’t forget to share your experience and any variations you come up with—I’d love to hear how they turn out for you! Happy cooking!

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