There’s something undeniably irresistible about Hot & Spicy Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings. The crispy exterior, the spicy, tangy sauce, and the juicy meat inside make them a favorite for game days, parties, or a cozy night in. These wings are baked, not fried, which means you can enjoy them without the guilt of excess oil. Plus, with just the right blend of heat and sweetness, they’re sure to please everyone at the table. Let’s dive into why you’ll love these wings and how easy they are to make!
Reasons to Love Hot & Spicy Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings
- Crispy Texture: Baking wings allows for a crispy skin without the need for frying, making them lighter and healthier.
- Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a flavor-packed dish that’s incredibly satisfying.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the hot sauce to your preference for a milder or spicier flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a game day, a party, or a family dinner, these wings are always a hit.
- Easy Clean-Up: Baking means less mess compared to frying, allowing you to enjoy your wings without the hassle.
What You’ll Gather
- 2 pounds chicken wings, cut: You can buy them pre-cut or cut them yourself into drumettes and flats.
- 1 cup chicken broth or water: This will help keep the wings moist while baking.
- 3/4 cup hot sauce: Use your favorite brand; Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or honey: This adds a touch of sweetness to balance the heat.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: For a rich flavor in your sauce.
- 1 tablespoon paprika: This gives a nice smoky flavor and enhances the color.
- 1/4 teaspoon EACH garlic powder, salt, black pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate the taste.
- Cooking spray: To coat your baking sheet for easy clean-up.
Tools & Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet: A large, rimmed baking sheet is ideal for catching drippings.
- Parchment paper: Optional, but it makes for easier clean-up.
- Mixing bowl: For combining the sauce ingredients.
- Whisk: To blend the sauce smoothly.
- Meat thermometer: To ensure your wings are cooked through.
Make Hot & Spicy Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings: A Simple Method
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is crucial for achieving that coveted crispy skin.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat it with cooking spray. This will help prevent sticking and make for easy clean-up.
Step 3: Season the Wings
In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until they are evenly coated.
Step 4: Arrange the Wings
Place the seasoned wings on the baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure they are not crowded, as this will ensure they bake evenly and get crispy.
Step 5: Bake the Wings
Bake the wings in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They should be golden brown and crispy when done.
Step 6: Prepare the Sauce
While the wings are baking, combine the chicken broth or water, hot sauce, brown sugar or honey, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the butter is melted and the mixture is well combined, then simmer for a few minutes.
Step 7: Coat the Wings
Once the wings are done baking, remove them from the oven and toss them in the hot sauce mixture until they are fully coated.
Step 8: Return to Oven
For extra crispiness, return the coated wings to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Once they’re done, let them cool for a few minutes and then serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce and sides. Enjoy your delicious Hot & Spicy Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings!
If You’re Out Of…
- Hot sauce: Try using sriracha or a spicy barbecue sauce instead.
- Brown sugar: Honey or maple syrup can work as a substitute.
- Chicken broth: Water will suffice, but broth adds more flavor.
- Paprika: You can use smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a different flavor profile.
Things That Go Wrong
Even the best of us can run into issues while cooking. Here are a few common problems and solutions:
- Wings are soggy: Ensure they are well spaced on the baking sheet and always bake at a high temperature.
- Not enough flavor: Make sure to season the wings generously and taste the sauce before tossing.
- Burnt wings: Keep an eye on them near the end of baking time, as ovens can vary in heat.
- Not crispy enough: Baking them longer or using a broiler for a few minutes can help achieve that perfect crispiness.
Best Ways to Store
To store your leftover Hot & Spicy Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Place the wings on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last for about 2 months in the freezer.
Common Qs About Hot & Spicy Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings
Can I make these wings in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the wings up to the baking stage and keep them in the fridge. Bake them just before serving for the best texture.
Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely before seasoning and baking for even cooking.
What can I serve with these wings?
These wings pair perfectly with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
How can I make them spicier?
Add more hot sauce or include some cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for an extra kick!
Serve with These
That’s a Wrap
In conclusion, Hot & Spicy Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings are not just a meal; they’re an experience. The combination of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors creates a dish that’s hard to resist. With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, you can whip up a batch for any occasion. So gather your friends, dip into your favorite sauces, and enjoy a plateful of these delectable wings. They will surely become a staple in your recipe repertoire!
Hot & Spicy Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings
Ingredients
For the Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings cut
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- 3/4 cup hot sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cooking spray
Instructions
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is crucial for achieving that coveted crispy skin.
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat it with cooking spray. This will help prevent sticking and make for easy clean-up.
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until they are evenly coated.
- Place the seasoned wings on the baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure they are not crowded, as this will ensure they bake evenly and get crispy.
- Bake the wings in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They should be golden brown and crispy when done.
- While the wings are baking, combine the chicken broth or water, hot sauce, brown sugar or honey, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the butter is melted and the mixture is well combined, then simmer for a few minutes.
- Once the wings are done baking, remove them from the oven and toss them in the hot sauce mixture until they are fully coated.
- For extra crispiness, return the coated wings to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Once they’re done, let them cool for a few minutes and then serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce and sides.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Meat Thermometer
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the wings in the sauce for a few hours before baking.
- You can use frozen wings; just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking.
- These wings pair well with celery sticks and ranch dressing for dipping.
