Buffalo Chicken Wings
Crispy, perfectly seasoned, and smothered in a tangy sauce, Buffalo chicken wings are a staple in American cuisine that’s truly hard to resist. Whether you’re gathered with friends for a big game, hosting a family barbecue, or simply satisfying a spicy cravings at home, these wings tantalize taste buds with every bite. There’s something special about that crispy skin contrasted with the juicy chicken inside, all brought together with a punchy kick that makes these wings a favorite for many.
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The best part? This recipe provides a simple yet satisfying way to bring those delectable Buffalo chicken wings to your kitchen. No need to rely on takeout or restaurant deliveries. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of time, you can serve up a batch that rivals any sports bar. Once you try making these wings at home, you’ll be hooked! Get ready to enjoy a flavorful treat that is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Throw these wings together in just about 70 minutes from prep to table!
- Irresistible Flavor: Enjoy the bold tang of Frank’s Red Hot Sauce combined with rich butter for a perfect bite.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The crispy texture and vibrant sauce make these wings a showstopper at any gathering.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for game day, parties, or a delicious snack anytime you crave something spicy!
- Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free with the right ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 lb chicken wings: A mix of flats and drummettes makes for the perfect bite. Always remove the wingtips for better texture.
- 1 tbsp baking powder: This aluminum-free ingredient is the secret to achieving ultra-crispy skin.
- 1 tsp fine sea salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken, making every bite delicious.
- 2 tsp garlic powder: A must-have for flavor that rounds out the taste profile perfectly.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness to the sauce and helps the hot sauce adhere to the wings.
- 1/4 cup Frank’s original red hot sauce: This classic hot sauce gives Buffalo chicken wings their signature bold flavor.
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar or brown sugar: Balances the heat with a hint of sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Wings
Prepare the Chicken: Start by thoroughly patting dry the chicken wings with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving that coveted crispy skin! Preheat your oven to 450˚F and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place a wire rack over the pan, which allows excess fat to drip off while keeping the wings elevated.
Season the Wings: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, and 2 teaspoons of garlic powder. Sprinkle this mixture over the chicken wings, tossing them gently to ensure an even coating. Then, arrange the wings on the prepared wire rack in a single layer, making sure they are not touching.
Bake to Crisp Perfection: Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake the wings for 25 minutes. After that, flip each wing over and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until they reach a deep golden color and are crispy throughout. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are beautifully browned and the chicken is cooked through.
Make the Sauce: While the wings bake, whisk together 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, 1/4 cup Frank’s original red hot sauce, and 1 tablespoon of granulated or brown sugar in a medium-sized bowl. This mixture creates a rich and tangy sauce that perfectly complements the crispy wings.
Toss and Serve: Once the wings are done baking, carefully transfer them from the wire rack to a large bowl. Drizzle the sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat each wing generously. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy!

Storing & Reheating
Leftover Buffalo chicken wings can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the wings using a freezer-safe bag, where they can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven at 375˚F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Be mindful that reheating may reduce the crispiness slightly, so for the best texture, try broiling for the last 2-3 minutes!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Ensure your chicken wings are patted very dry before seasoning; moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
- Keep an eye on the wings while they bake to prevent burning, as every oven may vary slightly in heat distribution.
- If you like extra heat, feel free to add a splash of cayenne pepper to the sauce!
- Consider making the wings ahead of time and tossing them in the sauce just before serving.
- Experiment with different sauces or spices for unique flavor combinations that suit your taste.
You’ll find that this recipe for Buffalo chicken wings brings incredible flavor and satisfaction to your table. There’s nothing quite like the aroma of crispy chicken baking in the oven, inviting everyone to gather around and dig in. Don’t hesitate to experiment with dipping sauces, like blue cheese or ranch, to pair with your wings; it’s all about what makes you happy. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen chicken wings can be used directly, but it’s best to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before preparation. This ensures even cooking and crisping. If cooking from frozen, add around 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
How can I make my wings extra crispy?
For extra crispy wings, make sure to dry the wings thoroughly before seasoning. Baking powder is key, as it helps to create a crispier skin by drawing moisture to the surface. Additionally, placing the wings rack higher in the oven can help circulate the heat better.
What’s the best way to spice up the wings?
If you like a kick of extra heat, you can add more hot sauce or some cayenne pepper to your sauce mixture. Alternatively, mixing in a bit of honey can provide a sweet contrast to the heat, creating a delicious honey-hot sauce blend.
Can I bake these wings in an air fryer instead?
Yes, air fryers are fantastic for making Buffalo chicken wings! Cook them at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. This method will give you an even crispier finish without the need for baking powder.
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📖 Recipe Card

Buffalo Chicken Wings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Wings offer irresistible flavor with simple prep. Made with succulent chicken, garlic powder, and a delicious sauce, they’re ideal for any gathering or a quick meal.
Ingredients
- 3 lb chicken wings, wings and drummettes split, wingtips removed
- 1 tbsp baking powder, (use aluminum free)
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup franks original red hot sauce
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar, or brown sugar
Instructions
- Pat the chicken wings dry using a paper towel. Preheat the oven to 450˚F, line a rimmed baking sheet with foil, and place a wire rack over the pan.
- Mix baking powder, salt, and garlic powder in a bowl, then sprinkle over the chicken and toss to coat. Arrange the chicken on the wire rack.
- Bake for 25 minutes, then flip the wings and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until crispy and fully cooked.
- In a medium bowl, mix the sauce ingredients. Transfer the cooked chicken to a bowl, drizzle with the sauce, and toss to coat. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Using aluminum-free baking powder will yield the best crispiness.
Ensure the chicken is patted dry to achieve maximum crispiness during baking.
Feel free to adjust the hot sauce to your liking for desired spice level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 324
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 1228mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 88mg
