Crispy Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings
Learn how to make crispy homemade buffalo chicken wings in 54 minutes with this easy baked recipe. Perfectly seasoned and sauced.
Ingredients
- 2.5 pounds chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
- 0.75 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 0.75 cup Frank's RedHot sauce or similar hot sauce
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1.5 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish, optional
Instructions
- 1
Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels, removing all excess moisture to ensure maximum crispiness during baking.
- 2
Combine baking powder, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl, whisking together until evenly distributed.
- 3
Toss the dried wings with the dry spice mixture in a large bowl, coating each piece thoroughly and shaking off any excess.
- 4
Drizzle olive oil over the seasoned wings and toss again until all pieces are lightly coated.
- 5
Arrange wings in a single layer on a wire rack placed over a rimmed baking sheet, ensuring pieces don't overlap to allow proper air circulation.
- 6
Place the baking sheet in a preheated 425°F oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring halfway through, until wings are golden brown and crispy.
- 7
While wings cook, melt butter over medium heat in a small saucepan.
- 8
Add minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent browning.
- 9
Stir in hot sauce, honey, and Worcestershire sauce, combining thoroughly and heating through for 2 minutes until the sauce is warm.
- 10
Remove the sauce from heat and let cool slightly, about 1 minute, before tossing.
- 11
Transfer the crispy wings from the oven to a large bowl immediately upon removal.
- 12
Pour the warm sauce over the hot wings and toss energetically for 1 to 2 minutes, ensuring every piece is evenly coated.
- 13
Let the wings rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the coating to set and the flavors to meld.
- 14
Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately with ranch dressing or celery sticks for cooling contrast.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | Ghee or clarified butter | Ghee has a higher smoke point and offers a richer, more complex flavor while being easier to digest for some people |
| Honey | Pure maple syrup | Maple syrup provides similar sweetness and caramelization with added mineral content and a lower glycemic index |
| Frank's RedHot sauce | Homemade hot sauce blend (cayenne pepper + apple cider vinegar + garlic) | Eliminates added preservatives and allows complete control over sodium and ingredient quality for a fresher taste |
| Worcestershire sauce | Tamari or coconut aminos | Provides umami depth without gluten and offers lower sodium options while maintaining savory complexity |
| Deep frying method | Air fryer at 380°F for 18-20 minutes | Achieves identical crispiness with 90% less oil, significantly reducing overall fat and calorie content |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 348 |
| Total Fat | 21g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Cholesterol | 95mg |
| Sodium | 892mg |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Protein | 32g |
Nutrition Comparison
| Classic | Metabolic Health | Healthier | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 348 | 385 | 385 |
| Protein | 32g | 38g | 38g |
| Carbs | 8g | 4g | 8g |
| Fat | 21g | 24g | 21g |
| Fiber | 0g | 0.5g | 0g |
| Sugar | 6g | - | - |
| Health Scores | |||
| Gut Health | 5/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Anti-Inflammatory | 4/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Blood Sugar | 6/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
