There’s no debate: Buffalo wings are the
game day snack. In our book, a Super Bowl spread just isn’t complete without a plate (or two) of chicken wings ready to be devoured, and these buffalo wings are the most classic version of the party staple. To skip the mess (and time commitment) that comes from making fried wings, we turn to these baked wings instead. They’re easy to make, and still result in perfectly crispy, saucy, and caramelized wings we can’t get enough of. Here’s everything you need to know:
Why are they called “buffalo” wings?
One of the most popular bar snacks in the U.S. was actually born in a small bar in Buffalo, New York in 1964. Without the Anchor Bar and the ingenuity of its owner (who wanted to repurpose leftover cooked wings to feed her family), many a game day, bar-hopping American would likely never know you should bathe crispy wings in sweet-hot sauce.
How to make crispy buffalo wings:
The key to extra-crispy wings is to put the wings on a wire rack inside of a rimmed baking sheet. The rack allows air to circulate underneath the wings and promotes even cooking. Also, remember to preheat your oven fully before baking. Just give yourself plenty of time! Depending on the size of the wings, they’ll need between 50 to 60 minutes in the oven before being sauced.
Top tips for making buffalo wings:
— Switch up the sauce. This is our favorite recipe for classic buffalo wings, but if you’re all about chicken wings but not about buffalo sauce, check out some of our other favorite recipes: ranch wings, garlic-Parmesan wings, or chili garlic wings.
— Make them in the air fryer. Check out our recipe for air fryer wings if you just can’t get enough of the magic air fryer.
— Make them in the Instant Pot. Looking for a more hands-off recipe? Check out our Instant Pot wings.
— Amount of wings. Wondering how many wings are needed to feed all your party people? Check out our wing-buying guide below. Not buying by the pound? 3-4 wings per person works too.
Serving buffalo wings:
Buffalo + ranch dressing is a classic combo, but if you’re more in the blue cheese camp, you can go for that too! Pair with some cut veggies, homemade French fries, or sour cream and onion dip to complete your tray.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can cook and refrigerate the wings (without the sauce) up to 3 days ahead of time. When ready to re-crisp, place them on a rack set in a baking sheet, and cook them in a 400° oven for about 10-15 minutes, then sauce them and proceed with the final recipe step.
Storage:
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. When ready to enjoy, pop them in the air fryer or oven to crisp them back up.
Made these? Let us know how it went in the comment section below!
There’s no debate: Buffalo wings are the
game day snack. In our book, a Super Bowl spread just isn’t complete without a plate (or two) of chicken wings ready to be devoured, and these buffalo wings are the most classic version of the party staple. To skip the mess (and time commitment) that comes from making fried wings, we turn to these baked wings instead. They’re easy to make, and still result in perfectly crispy, saucy, and caramelized wings we can’t get enough of. Here’s everything you need to know:
Why are they called “buffalo” wings?
One of the most popular bar snacks in the U.S. was actually born in a small bar in Buffalo, New York in 1964. Without the Anchor Bar and the ingenuity of its owner (who wanted to repurpose leftover cooked wings to feed her family), many a game day, bar-hopping American would likely never know you should bathe crispy wings in sweet-hot sauce.
How to make crispy buffalo wings:
The key to extra-crispy wings is to put the wings on a wire rack inside of a rimmed baking sheet. The rack allows air to circulate underneath the wings and promotes even cooking. Also, remember to preheat your oven fully before baking. Just give yourself plenty of time! Depending on the size of the wings, they’ll need between 50 to 60 minutes in the oven before being sauced.
Top tips for making buffalo wings:
— Switch up the sauce. This is our favorite recipe for classic buffalo wings, but if you’re all about chicken wings but not about buffalo sauce, check out some of our other favorite recipes: ranch wings, garlic-Parmesan wings, or chili garlic wings.
— Make them in the air fryer. Check out our recipe for air fryer wings if you just can’t get enough of the magic air fryer.
— Make them in the Instant Pot. Looking for a more hands-off recipe? Check out our Instant Pot wings.
— Amount of wings. Wondering how many wings are needed to feed all your party people? Check out our wing-buying guide below. Not buying by the pound? 3-4 wings per person works too.
Serving buffalo wings:
Buffalo + ranch dressing is a classic combo, but if you’re more in the blue cheese camp, you can go for that too! Pair with some cut veggies, homemade French fries, or sour cream and onion dip to complete your tray.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can cook and refrigerate the wings (without the sauce) up to 3 days ahead of time. When ready to re-crisp, place them on a rack set in a baking sheet, and cook them in a 400° oven for about 10-15 minutes, then sauce them and proceed with the final recipe step.
Storage:
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. When ready to enjoy, pop them in the air fryer or oven to crisp them back up.
Made these? Let us know how it went in the comment section below!
- Yields:
-
4
serving(s)
- Prep Time:
- 20 mins
- Total Time:
- 1 hr 20 mins
- Cal/Serv:
- 675
Ingredients
- 2 lb.
chicken wings
- 2 tbsp.
vegetable oil
- 1 tsp.
garlic powder
-
Kosher salt
-
Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 c.
hot sauce (such as Frank’s)
- 2 tbsp.
honey
- 4 tbsp.
butter
-
Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing, for serving
-
Carrot sticks, for serving
-
Celery sticks, for serving
Directions
-
- Step 1
Preheat oven to 400° and place a wire rack over a baking sheet. In a large bowl, toss chicken wings with oil and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Transfer to prepared baking sheet.
- Step 2Bake until chicken is golden and skin is crispy, 50 to 60 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through.
- Step 3In a small saucepan, whisk together hot sauce and honey. Bring to simmer then stir in butter. Cook until butter is melted and slightly reduced, about 2 minutes. Heat broiler on low. Transfer baked wings to a bowl and toss with buffalo sauce until completely coated. Return wings to rack and broil—watching carefully!—until sauce caramelizes, 3 minutes. Serve with ranch dressing and vegetables.
- Step 1
PHOTO: DOAA ELKADY; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON
