These Buffalo Chicken Wings are crispy, juicy, and coated in a bold, buttery buffalo sauce that’s packed with flavor. The wings are baked until perfectly golden, then tossed in a homemade buffalo sauce made with hot sauce and melted butter for the perfect balance of heat and richness.

Every bite has crispy skin, tender meat, and just the right amount of spice. Whether you’re serving them for game day, a party, or a casual family dinner, these Buffalo Chicken Wings are always a crowd favorite.

I love making Buffalo Chicken Wings because they’re one of those recipes that never disappoints. The wings come out crispy without needing a deep fryer, and the homemade buffalo sauce takes just a few minutes to make.

I usually serve them with ranch or blue cheese dressing, along with celery and carrot sticks to cool things down. Whenever I make these, I know I won’t have leftovers for long.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy wings without deep frying.
• Classic buttery buffalo flavor.
• Juicy and tender inside.
• Ready in about 50 minutes.
• Perfect for game day, parties, or family dinners.
• Easy to adjust the spice level.
• Made with simple pantry ingredients.
• Great with your favorite dipping sauces.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 pounds chicken wings – Split into drumettes and flats if needed.
• 2 tablespoons aluminum-free baking powder – Helps create extra crispy skin.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Helps the seasonings stick.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds savory flavor.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – Enhances the seasoning.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – Adds color and subtle smoky flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds mild seasoning.

For the Buffalo Sauce

• ½ cup hot sauce – Frank’s RedHot or your favorite buffalo-style hot sauce.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – Creates the classic rich buffalo sauce.
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds savory depth.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Boosts the flavor.
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley – Optional, for garnish.

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Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large baking sheet
• Wire rack
• Large mixing bowl
• Small saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs
• Paper towels
• Meat thermometer

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How to Make Buffalo Chicken Wings

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.

Step 2: Prepare the wings

Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. Dry wings are the secret to crispy skin.

Step 3: Season the wings

In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.

Step 4: Bake

Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack. Bake for 20 minutes, flip them over, then bake for another 20 to 25 minutes, or until they’re crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Make the buffalo sauce

While the wings are baking, whisk together the melted butter, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder in a small saucepan over low heat until smooth and well combined.

Step 6: Toss and serve

Transfer the hot wings to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the wings and toss until evenly coated. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

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Recipe Variations

Extra Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wings

Add cayenne pepper or a few extra dashes of hot sauce to the buffalo sauce.

Honey Buffalo Chicken Wings

Stir 2 tablespoons honey into the buffalo sauce for a sweet and spicy twist.

Garlic Buffalo Chicken Wings

Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the butter before mixing in the hot sauce.

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings

Cook the wings in the air fryer at 400°F (204°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, then toss them in the buffalo sauce.

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What to Serve With Buffalo Chicken Wings

• Ranch dressing
• Blue cheese dressing
• Celery sticks
• Carrot sticks
• French fries
• Potato wedges
• Coleslaw
• Macaroni and cheese
• Garden salad
• Garlic bread

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How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerator

Store leftover Buffalo Chicken Wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze the cooked wings for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven or air fryer for 8 to 10 minutes until hot and crispy. Toss with a little extra buffalo sauce before serving if desired.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not drying the wings

Pat the chicken wings completely dry before seasoning to help the skin crisp properly.

Tossing the wings too early

Wait until the wings are fully cooked before coating them with the buffalo sauce.

Overcrowding the pan

Leave space between the wings so they roast instead of steam.

Overcooking the wings

Use a meat thermometer and remove the wings once they reach 165°F (74°C).

Making the sauce too hot

Warm the buffalo sauce over low heat instead of boiling it to keep the butter from separating.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Buffalo Chicken Wings in the air fryer?

Yes. Air fry them at 400°F (204°C) for about 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through before tossing them in the buffalo sauce.

How can I make Buffalo Chicken Wings less spicy?

Use less hot sauce and add a little more melted butter or honey to mellow the heat.

Can I use frozen chicken wings?

Yes. Thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning for the crispiest results.

Are Buffalo Chicken Wings good for meal prep?

Yes. Buffalo Chicken Wings reheat well in the oven or air fryer and make a great lunch, snack, or quick dinner.

What dipping sauces go best with Buffalo Chicken Wings?

Ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, garlic aioli, chipotle ranch, and creamy herb dressing all pair perfectly with these classic spicy wings.