Crispy Buffalo Chicken Love Wings

Name: Crispy Buffalo Chicken Love Wings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken wings; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 cup hot sauce; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Highlighted under: Clean & Simple Meals

I absolutely love making Crispy Buffalo Chicken Love Wings! These wings are the perfect combination of crunchy, spicy, and flavorful, making them a favorite for any gathering. I always find it exciting to watch the chicken come out of the oven, sizzling and golden brown. Cooking them this way retains the juicy tenderness of the meat while delivering that irresistible crisp that everyone loves. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to prepare, ensuring that I can spend more time enjoying the company of family and friends rather than slaving away in the kitchen.

Created by

Tom

Last updated on 2026-01-17T14:14:27.877Z

I've experimented with various methods over the years, but this recipe yields the crispiest wings without frying. The secret is baking them on a wire rack, allowing hot air to circulate all around, which ensures that every inch of the wings gets deliciously crispy. The combination of baking powder and salt also helps to achieve that perfect crunch while keeping the chicken moist inside.

As I toss the wings in a tangy buffalo sauce, the aroma fills the kitchen, making it hard to resist a taste before they even hit the table. My family loves them so much that they often request them for game day or even casual weeknights. It's always a hit!

        Why You'll Love These Wings
        Incredibly crispy texture that satisfies every craving
Bold buffalo flavor combined with a hint of garlic
Perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a personal treat

      

Mastering the Crispy Texture

Achieving that coveted crispy texture is essential for these Buffalo chicken wings. The use of baking powder is a game changer; it helps to dry out the skin, allowing for a crunchier finish. When coating the wings, ensure they are not overcrowded to allow proper air circulation. Using a wire rack elevates the wings, letting hot air circulate all around, which contributes to even crisping without steaming the bottom.

Make sure your oven is fully preheated before placing the wings inside. A temperature of 425°F (220°C) is optimal for achieving a golden-brown finish in about 30-35 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, flipping the wings ensures they brown evenly on both sides. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid over-browning; they should be crispy with a deep golden hue.

Perfecting the Buffalo Sauce

The key to a great Buffalo sauce lies in the balance of heat and richness. While traditional recipes use Frank’s RedHot, feel free to experiment with your favorite hot sauces. The addition of unsalted butter not only adds richness but also helps to thicken the sauce to cling beautifully to the wings. Stirring in the Worcestershire sauce enhances the depth of flavor with its umami notes, making this sauce truly irresistible.

When making the sauce, be sure to let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of your favorite extra hot sauce. I like to adjust the heat level depending on my crowd—keeping it mild for family gatherings and turning up the heat for game day!

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These crispy Buffalo chicken wings are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of accompaniments. Classic choices include ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, along with celery and carrot sticks for a refreshing crunch. For a fun twist, try serving them with a mango salsa or shredded pickled cabbage for a burst of flavor and texture.

If you're looking to add variety, consider flavor variations by tossing the wings in different sauces after baking. A honey garlic sauce offers a sweet alternative, or you could toss them in teriyaki sauce for an Asian-inspired twist. Don’t hesitate to scale up the recipe for large gatherings; simply adjust your baking sheets and ensure even spacing between wings for uniform cooking.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your perfect wings.

For the Wings

2 pounds chicken wings
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Buffalo Sauce

1/2 cup hot sauce
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Make sure to have all ingredients ready for preparation.

Steps to Make the Wings

Follow these steps for crispy perfection!

Prepare Wing Mixture

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, mix the chicken wings with baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.

Bake the Wings

Place the wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are crispy and golden.

Make the Buffalo Sauce

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.

Toss Wings in Sauce

Once the wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the buffalo sauce over them. Toss until the wings are fully coated.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the wings immediately with your choice of dipping sauces, like ranch or blue cheese.

Enjoy your homemade crispy buffalo wings!

Pro Tips

For extra crispiness, try letting the wings dry in the fridge uncovered for a few hours before baking.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain their crispiness, avoid stacking them directly on top of one another, as this can cause them to retain moisture. For best results when reheating, place the wings back in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.

If you choose to freeze your wings, make sure they are fully cooled before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, and follow the oven method for optimal crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delicious crunch!

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for healthier options, you can swap out the chicken wings for drumsticks or even cauliflower florets for a vegetarian version. The cooking times may vary slightly, especially for cauliflower, so keep an eye on them until they're tender and crispy. You can also choose to use gluten-free baking powder if needed, ensuring everyone can enjoy this dish without worry.

For those sensitive to sodium, using low-sodium hot sauce and butter can help reduce the overall saltiness of the dish. Additionally, you can make the sauce spicier without adding more heat by incorporating fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to brighten it up. Just remember to adjust any seasonings accordingly to maintain a balanced flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen wings?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding the seasonings.

→ How can I make these wings spicier?

You can add more hot sauce or mix in cayenne pepper with the seasoning blend.

→ What can I serve with buffalo wings?

They pair nicely with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a cool dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese.

→ How long can I store leftover wings?

You can store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.