Recipe: Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings

Introduction

Buffalo chicken wings are a classic favorite for game nights, parties, or simply as a delicious snack. While traditionally deep-fried, this recipe offers a healthier alternative by baking the wings instead. The result is still crispy and flavorful, with the added benefit of being lower in calories. Let’s dive into the steps to make these irresistible baked buffalo chicken wings.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of chicken wings
• 1/2 cup of hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 1/4 cup of melted butter
• 1 tablespoon of vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon of paprika

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Wings

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.

Next, pat the chicken wings dry using paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the wings become crispy during baking.

If desired, separate the wings into drumettes and flats by cutting through the joint between them. This step is optional, but it can make serving and eating the wings easier.

Step 2: Making the Buffalo Sauce

In a bowl, combine the hot sauce, melted butter, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 3: Coating the Wings

Dip each chicken wing into the buffalo sauce mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. You can use tongs or your hands for this step.

Place the coated wings on the wire rack on the baking sheet, making sure they are evenly spaced and not touching each other. This will allow the heat to circulate and help the wings cook evenly.

Step 4: Baking the Wings

Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the wings are golden brown and crispy.

Halfway through the cooking time, flip the wings using tongs to ensure both sides become crispy and evenly cooked.

Step 5: Serving

Once the wings are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.

Serve the baked buffalo chicken wings with your favorite dipping sauces, such as blue cheese or ranch dressing. You can also serve them with celery sticks and carrot sticks for a refreshing crunch.

Conclusion

By following this recipe, you can enjoy delicious buffalo chicken wings without the guilt of deep-frying. The baking method still delivers crispy wings with a spicy kick, perfect for any occasion. So gather your friends and family, and get ready to savor these irresistible baked buffalo chicken wings!