Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings

Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings are a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for game days, parties, or casual family dinners. These wings are crispy, flavorful, and easy to make in the oven. Tossed in a spicy Buffalo sauce, they offer a delightful kick that will keep your guests coming back for more. Whether you serve them at a Super Bowl party or enjoy them during summer cookouts, these wings are sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these up without any hassle.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices and Buffalo sauce creates a mouthwatering flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Oven-Baked Goodness: Enjoy crispy wings without the mess of frying—perfect for health-conscious eaters.
• Versatile Dish: These wings can be served as appetizers or main dishes, making them suitable for any occasion.
• Customizable Heat Levels: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less hot sauce to cater to your guests’ preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure perfect results!

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Wire rack
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: A sturdy base for cooking the wings evenly in the oven.
• Wire rack: Allows air circulation for extra crispiness without burning the bottom of the wings.
• Large mixing bowl: Provides enough space to coat the wings thoroughly with seasoning and sauce.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for these flavorful Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings:

• 2 pounds chicken wings
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• 1/3 cup Frank’s hot sauce
• 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
• 1 tablespoon honey

How to Make Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings

Step 1: Mix the Seasoning

In a large bowl, combine the following seasoning ingredients:
1. ½ teaspoon salt
2. ¼ teaspoon black pepper
3. ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
4. ¼ teaspoon onion powder
5. ¼ teaspoon paprika
6. 1/8 teaspoon cayenne
7. ½ teaspoon oregano
8. ½ teaspoon thyme

Mix well and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Wings

Wash and pat dry the chicken wings thoroughly using paper towels. Place them in a large mixing bowl:
* Pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
* Add the mixed seasoning from Step 1.
* Toss everything together until each wing is evenly coated.

Step 3: Bake the Wings

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
* Arrange the seasoned chicken wings on a baking sheet fitted with a wire rack.
* Bake for about 45–50 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of at least 170°F.
* Flip the wings halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Make the Buffalo Sauce

While your wings bake, prepare your Buffalo sauce:
1. In a bowl, mix together:
– ⅓ cup Frank’s hot sauce
– 3 tablespoons melted butter
– 1 tablespoon honey

Mix until well combined.

Step 5: Coat the Wings

Once cooked, transfer the baked chicken wings into a large mixing bowl:
* Pour in your homemade Buffalo sauce.
* Toss gently until all wings are evenly coated in the sauce.

Step 6: Serve Your Delicious Wings

Serve your Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings hot with Ranch dressing and an assortment of fresh vegetables like celery sticks, carrots, and bell peppers for dipping. Enjoy!

How to Serve Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings

Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings are a crowd-pleaser and can be served in various delightful ways. Whether it’s game day or a casual gathering, these wings will surely impress your guests.

With Dipping Sauces

• Ranch Dressing – A creamy classic that pairs perfectly with the heat of the wings.
• Blue Cheese Dressing – For those who enjoy a bold flavor, this tangy option complements the wings well.
• Honey Mustard – A sweet and tangy sauce that adds another layer of flavor.

Accompanied by Veggies

• Celery Sticks – Crisp and refreshing, they provide a nice crunch against the spicy wings.
• Carrot Sticks – Sweet and crunchy, these are another great option to balance the heat.
• Bell Peppers – Sliced bell peppers add color and a mild flavor that works well with hot wings.

On a Platter

• Buffalo Wing Platter – Arrange the wings on a large platter surrounded by dipping sauces for an appealing presentation.
• Mix with Other Appetizers – Combine with items like mozzarella sticks or nachos for a complete snack spread.

As Part of a Meal

• With French Fries – Classic choice; crispy fries make an excellent side for soaking up sauce.
• Over Rice or Salad – For a lighter option, serve wings over rice or mixed greens for a filling meal.

Save it!

How to Perfect Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings

To achieve the ultimate crispy texture and flavor, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Baking Powder – Sprinkling some baking powder on the wings helps achieve that extra crispiness.
• Pat Dry Thoroughly – Ensuring the wings are dry before seasoning allows them to crisp up better in the oven.
• Flip Halfway Through Cooking – Turning the wings halfway ensures even cooking and browning on both sides.
• Let Rest Before Serving – Allowing the wings to rest for a few minutes after baking helps them retain their juices.

Best Side Dishes for Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings

Complement your Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings with these delicious side dishes. They enhance your meal and provide variety for your guests.

1. Coleslaw – A crunchy salad that offers a cool contrast to spicy wings. Prepare it with vinegar for freshness.
2. Potato Wedges – Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, they are perfect for dipping in sauce.
3. Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread balances out spicy flavors nicely; serve warm for best results.
4. Macaroni and Cheese – Creamy comfort food that pairs well with any wing dish; make it extra cheesy!
5. Baked Beans – Slightly sweet and smoky beans complement spicy wings beautifully; serve in small bowls.
6. Garlic Breadsticks – Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter are great for soaking up leftover sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings, it’s easy to make some common errors. Avoiding these pitfalls will ensure your wings are crispy and flavorful.

• Skipping the Dry Rub: Not applying a dry rub can result in bland wings. Make sure to season your wings thoroughly for maximum flavor.
• Not Using a Wire Rack: Baking directly on the sheet can lead to soggy wings. Use a wire rack to allow heat circulation for crispiness.
• Overcrowding the Baking Sheet: Placing too many wings at once can trap moisture. Bake in batches if necessary to achieve that perfect crunch.
• Neglecting to Flip: Forgetting to flip the wings halfway through cooking can lead to uneven crispiness. Make it a point to turn them over for even browning.
• Ignoring the Temperature: Cooking at the wrong temperature affects texture. Always preheat your oven to 400°F for optimal results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover wings in an airtight container.
• They will keep well for about 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings

• Place cooled wings in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them into freezer bags.
• They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals (30 seconds), but this may compromise crispiness.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings. Just ensure they are fully thawed before seasoning and baking.

How do I make my Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings extra crispy?

For extra crispiness, ensure your wings are completely dry before applying oil and seasoning. Using a wire rack also helps!

What dipping sauces pair well with Buffalo Wings?

Classic choices include Ranch or Blue Cheese dressing, which complement the spicy flavor of Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings perfectly.

How spicy are these Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings?

The spice level depends on how much cayenne pepper you add. Adjust according to your preference for heat.

Can I customize the sauce?

Absolutely! You can tweak the buffalo sauce by adding more honey for sweetness or additional hot sauce for extra heat.

Final Thoughts

Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings are not only delicious but also versatile for any gathering. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can impress family and friends at game day parties or summer cookouts. Feel free to customize the spices and sauces according to your taste preferences!