Buffalo Chicken Wings - Homemade Hooplah (2024)

Perfect for a party, these restaurant-style buffalo chicken wings are baked to crispy perfection (no deep frying!) and then coated in spicy buffalo sauce.

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About Buffalo Chicken Wings

If chicken wings are the quintessential sports party food, then buffalo chicken wings are the king of them all. Because not only are chicken wings a fun finger food, but these wings pack a bit of a punch thanks to the deliciously spicyBuffalo Wing Saucethey’re sauced with.

And for those guests who aren’t a fan of spice, serve these wings with a ranch or blue cheese dressing to help cool down the kick while still savoring the flavor.

What’s the difference between hot wings and buffalo wings?

Ah, the nuances of wing lingo! While “hot wings” and “buffalo wings” are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences between the two that wing aficionados will appreciate. Check out the facts:

• Buffalo wingsare named after Buffalo, New York, where they were first popularized. They’re traditionally tossed in their namesake Buffalo sauce, made from a mixture of hot sauce, butter, and sometimes garlic or vinegar. They’re usually served with celery sticks and either blue cheese or ranch dressing.
• Hot wingsis a generic term that doesn’t tie back to a specific location. They can be tossed in a variety of spicy sauces, which might include additional flavors like BBQ, garlic, or even fruit-based hot sauces, making the flavor profile range from mildly spicy to tear-inducing levels of heat. Accompaniments can vary widely, and they’re not strictly served with celery or any particular dip.

So, while all Buffalo wings are hot wings, not all hot wings are Buffalo wings. The distinction often comes down to the type of sauce and the traditional way they’re served. Choose your wing based on your flavor and heat preferences, and you won’t go wrong.

What’s in buffalo chicken wings?

Before you can serve up this iconic game day (or any occasion) finger food, you’ll need to hunt down the following ingredients:

• Chicken Wings: The star of the show! Be sure tocut and trim the chicken wingsbefore getting started.
• Baking Powder: Acts as a crisping agent, making the skin of the chicken wings more textured and crunchy.
• Fine Sea Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and helps in the crisping process of the skin.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity to the overall flavor profile of the wings.
• Buffalo Wing Sauce: The defining element that gives the wings their signature spicy, tangy kick.
• Celery Sticks: Provides a refreshing, crunchy contrast to the heat of the buffalo sauce.
• Blue Cheese Dressing: Offers a creamy, tangy counterpoint to the spiciness of the wings, rounding out the flavor experience.

What does baking powder do for chicken wings?

When applied to chicken wings, baking powder serves as a desiccant, drawing out moisture from the skin. This leads to a crisper and more textured finish, a quality many wing lovers seek.

The underlying science is quite simple. Baking powder is basic in nature and elevates the pH level of the skin. This action helps break down the peptide bonds in the skin, facilitating easier crisping and browning. This method is commonly employed to replicate the texture of deep-fried wings but in an oven setting.

Therefore, if you’re targeting that ideal crispy texture without resorting to a deep fryer, a touch of baking powder might just become your kitchen’s new MVP.

Can You Use Baking Soda Instead of Baking Powder?

Regrettably, the answer is no. Swapping baking soda for baking powder won’t get you those crispy wings you’re after. The special combination of acidic and basic elements in baking powder is crucial for attaining that irresistible crunch. Baking soda, by contrast, is missing the essential acid component and fails to produce the same textural results.

Do You Add Buffalo Sauce Before or After Baking Wings?

Buffalo sauce is typically applied after the chicken wings have been baked. Applying the sauce post-baking ensures that the wings retain their crispy texture while being fully coated in that tangy, spicy goodness. If you apply the sauce before baking, the moisture from the sauce can prevent the wings from becoming crispy during the baking process. So, it’s best to sauce your wings after they’ve been baked for that ideal combination of crispiness and flavor.

How long to bake chicken wings

There are several approaches to crafting scrumptious crispy baked buffalo chicken wings, but generally, you can distill it down to these three key methods:

• 400°F for 40-45 minutes (highly recommended): This is the quick and intense method. The elevated heat ensures rapid crisping of the skin while maintaining a juicy interior. The shorter cooking duration minimizes moisture loss, leading to a more robust flavor.
• 375°F for 50-55 minutes: Consider this the sweet spot. It’s neither too hot nor too lengthy—perfect for achieving a balanced texture. The marginally reduced heat helps the skin get crispy without the danger of charring.
• 350°F for 55-60 minutes: Opting for a longer cooking period at a reduced temperature results in remarkably tender chicken. This technique is particularly well-suited for wings that are marinated or seasoned, as it allows ample time for the flavors to infuse the meat.

Regardless of your chosen cooking duration, always inspect your wings before removing them from the oven. Ensure the juices are clear, the internal temperature reads 165°F on an instant-read thermometer, and the skin has reached your desired level of crispiness.

Can You Make Buffalo Chicken WIngs in Advance?

While savoring these wings right out of the oven is ideal, preparing them ahead of time is also an option.

To go this route, cook the chicken wings according to the guidelines, but hold off on adding the sauce. Once they’re baked, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a day.

When you’re ready to serve, reheat the wings using your method of choice and then toss them in buffalo wing sauce.

How long are chicken wings good for?

After cooking and cooling, buffalo chicken wings can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for a period of three to four days.

Can you freeze chicken wings?

Yes, you can definitely freeze buffalo chicken wings!

Once prepared, allow the chicken wings to cool to room temperature before transferring them to a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.

Once frozen, buffalo chicken wings can be storedfor up to four months.

Thawing Chicken Wings

• Refrigerator Method: Transfer the wings from the freezer to the refrigerator and let them thaw overnight.
• Cold Water Method: Put the frozen wings in a sealed bag and submerge it in a large bowl of cold water. Place a weighted item like a plate on top to keep the wings fully submerged. Refresh the water every 30 minutes and flip the bag regularly to speed up thawing.
• Microwave Method: Use the defrost setting on your microwave to thaw the wings. Be sure to rotate them periodically for even thawing. Some microwaves will prompt you when it’s time to rotate.

Note:Thawing wings at room temperature is not recommended due to safety concerns. This method can lead to bacterial growth, rendering the chicken unsafe for consumption.

How to reheat chicken wings

To maintain the flavor and moisture of your buffalo chicken wings during reheating, keep an instant-read thermometer close by and follow these reheating techniques:

Oven Technique

• Preheat: Warm your oven to 350°F.
• Layout: Arrange the wings on a baking sheet, spaced about an inch apart.
• Warm-Up: Bake for roughly 5-6 minutes on one side, then turn them over for another 5-6 minutes.
• Temperature Check: Confirm the internal temperature hits 165°F.

Air Fryer Technique

• Preheat: Power up the air fryer to 350°F.
• Layout: Situate the wings in the basket, avoiding overcrowding.
• Warm-Up: Cook for a maximum of 10 minutes, checking intermittently.
• Temperature Check: Verify the internal temperature is 165°F.

Microwave Technique

• Microwave: Set the wings on a microwave-compatible plate, shield with a moist paper towel, and microwave for an estimated 2 minutes.
• Temperature Check: Ascertain they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165°F.

Stovetop Technique

• Oil Heat: Pour 1-2 tablespoons of oil into a skillet and set to high heat.
• Frying: Place the wings in the skillet and fry for about 2-3 minutes, flipping midway.
• Temperature Check: Confirm that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

How long can chicken wings be left out?

In terms of food safety, buffalo chicken wings shouldn’t be overlooked. They’re frequently the life of the party but can also be left unattended on the counter for too long. It’s all too easy to lose track of time while you’re enjoying the celebration.

The general guideline for most perishable foods is that they shouldn’t remain in what’s known as the “danger zone” for over two hours. The “danger zone” typically refers to temperatures at or slightly above room level. This duration can fluctuate based on the ambient temperature, so it’s vital to keep tabs on how long your wings have been out.

If you’re offering these wings warm, you’ve got roughly a one- to two-hour window before they need to be either reheated or put back in the fridge. Stay vigilant and exercise good judgment; your party-goers will appreciate your attentiveness.

Thinking of keeping those wings warm for an extended period? A warming tray can be a straightforward solution to keep them above the “danger zone,” making sure they stay both tasty and safe.

For those interested in a deeper dive into food safety, the USDA’s Food Safety Basics is a good resource, particularly the section discussing the aforementioned “danger zone.”

Notes & tips for baked chicken wings

• Whenever you’re cooking meats, it’s crucial to ensure they reach a safe minimum internal temperature. For chicken, that benchmark is 165°Fahrenheit, easily verified with an instant-read thermometer. For a deeper understanding of safe cooking temperatures, you might want to consult this article: USDA Food Safety Inspection Service – Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart.
• This recipe gets right to the point and assumes your chicken wings are already prepared—cleaned, dried, and sectioned into drumettes and wingettes, among other things. If you’re looking for tips on how to prep your wings for cooking, there’s an article you can refer to: How to cut chicken wings.
• If you can’t find buffalo wing sauce, you can make your own! Check out the recipe here:buffalo wing sauce.
• If you’re craving that buffalo chicken flavor but want an easier option, whip up a dish of buffalo chicken dip instead.
• Looking for even more ways to enjoy buffalo chicken? There’s also these buffalo chicken meatballs and buffalo chicken egg rolls.

Other great chicken recipes

How to make buffalo chicken wings

This next part is only a photo tutorial of the recipe steps. If you’re looking for the full recipe measurements and instructions, scroll down to Recipe Details.

Step 1 – In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with baking powder, sea salt, and pepper.

Step 2 – Place the chicken wings on a baking sheet topped with an oven-safe baking rack.

Step 3 – Bake!

Step 4– In another large bowl, toss the baked chicken wings with buffalo wing sauce until they’re nice and coated.

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Step 5– Serve and enjoy!